“Hudson Valley Fall Fun: The Best Family Attractions and Activities for Kids”
Hudson Valley Fall Fun: The Best Family Attractions and Activities for Kids
From apple picking to pumpkin patches and cozy hayrides, fall in the Hudson Valley is pure magic for families. Here’s where local kids (and parents) love to go when the leaves start to turn.
When autumn sweeps across the Hudson Valley, the region transforms into a colorful playground for families. The crisp air, golden leaves, and smell of cider donuts make this the most enchanting time of year to get outside and explore. Whether your family loves farm fun, outdoor adventures, or small-town festivals, the Hudson Valley is packed with kid-friendly fall attractions you won’t want to miss.
1. Pick-Your-Own Adventures
There’s nothing quite like a day at the orchard. Kids can climb ladders and fill baskets at Fishkill Farms, Lawrence Farms Orchards, or Barton Orchards, where you’ll find apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and petting zoos. Parents can relax with local cider or take home fresh-baked pies from the farm stands.
2. Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches
The Hudson Valley’s fall season wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns through a corn maze. Try the giant maze at Kesicke Farm in Rhinebeck or the family-friendly options at Barton Orchards. Many spots also feature pony rides, bounce houses, and seasonal treats — a guaranteed full day of smiles.
3. Fall Fairs & Festivals
From the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck to small-town harvest celebrations, the region’s events bring families together all season long. Look for craft vendors, hay mazes, live music, and local foods. The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival in Saugerties is a quirky favorite that’s surprisingly fun for kids, too.
4. Scenic Train Rides & Leaf Peeping
Hop aboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad or the Empire State Railway Museum’s fall foliage rides for a unique way to experience the season. Kids love watching the trees blaze with color as the trains wind through mountain views and river valleys. Pack a picnic and enjoy the show from your window seat.
5. Spooky (but not scary!) Fun
If your family enjoys Halloween, the Hudson Valley delivers plenty of fun that’s more festive than frightening. Head to The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson — a spectacular display of over 7,000 carved pumpkins — or try a family night hayride at Hurds Family Farm in Modena. Many farms host costume parades and light shows for little ones.
6. Family Trails & Outdoor Beauty
Not every fall day needs a big event — sometimes a simple hike is the best memory-maker. Try the Vanderbilt Mansion Trails in Hyde Park, Poet’s Walk Park in Red Hook, or the gentle Walkway Over the Hudson for leaf-peeping that’s stroller-friendly and breathtakingly beautiful.
Why Fall in the Hudson Valley Is So Special
Fall in the Hudson Valley isn’t just a season — it’s a feeling. It’s the crunch of leaves underfoot, the glow of a pumpkin patch at sunset, and the joy of being outside together. For families, it’s the perfect time to slow down, savor the scenery, and make memories that last long after the leaves have fallen.