Fall Family Fun in Syracuse, NY
Looking to pick some pumpkins or apples, drink some cider, try out a hayride, and pet some farm animals all in one spot? Then read on for our list of family-friendly fall festivals and other fun farm spots.
Abbott Farms Fall Fest
Happening every weekend from September 5th through end of October 17th, guests can grab their friends, kids, parents, grandparents and enjoy apple or pumpkin picking, visit the farm animals, check out the wagon rides, sunflowers, paintball, apple cannon, tube slides and face painting. Abbott's proudly offers over 20 different types of apples at their orchard which means you can spend the whole day there.
Take home some fresh apple treats like apple cider donuts or grab some fresh cider and apple fritters to enjoy on-site. Each weekend also has a new themed celebration with family favorites like NFL Week, Farm Education, and Discovery Day.
Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration
Critz Farms showcases fall in a fun and unique way. Fall fun on the farm runs from September 12th through October 25th, and offers a variety of autumn activities that include apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, wagon rides, a gift shop, and of course the tasting room. Fun for families with all ages.
Enjoy a hard cider or beer in their tasting room and a bite to eat from the café or specialty food trucks. Entertainment, live music and other special events vary by weekend. Tickets are required on weekends as well and can be purchased on their website.
Chuck Hafner’s Fall Festival
This family fall fest runs from October 3rd, through October 25th. While many activities like the petting zoo, the straw maze, putt-putt golf and the tricycle speedway are open daily throughout the week, there are special events like the sand art station, inflatable axe throwing, magical demonstrations, carnival games, paintball, a bounce zone and so much more to enjoy every weekend!
The weather won’t stop you from heading to Chuck Hafner’s because this CNY celebration is one of the only undercover festivals in our area. Rain, shine, and who knows maybe even snow won’t stop the fun from being had. Check their calendar for special guests and events each weekend as well as your favorite food trucks and other activities.
Springside Farm Fall Harvest
Celebrate the fall season at Springside Farm this year! With dozens of activities for kids of all ages you can't miss out on this fall spot. Their Harvest Season starts September 12th and with admission comes access to all your favorite activities including their zip lines, jump pad, gem maze, corn maze, petting zoo, barrel train, slides and tunnels. Don't miss their brand new activities, a low ropes course and laser tag!
They also offer food on-site, a sweet treat shop, gift shop, pumpkin picking and more.
Lafayette Apple Festival
In its 53rd year, this annual festival includes music, rides and games, pony rides, and nearly 500 craft vendors and all your favorite apple treats! Check out the annual pie eating contest then move on to something for yourself with all your favorite treats like apple pies, dumplings, turnovers and cider donuts. Plenty of non-apple food items are also available. Don’t miss the Cider Mill while on the grounds, offering a hands-on experience for youngsters to press apples on an antique cider press. The 2026 dates of Apple Festival are Saturday and Sunday October 10th and 11th.
Beak & Skiff Apple Grove Adventure Park
New for families this year and located at one of the top apple orchards in the country, is the Apple Grove Adventure Park at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards. Featuring 27 different interactive attractions this play area is designed for kids of all ages. Kids will love the Barnyard Animal Park, ziplines, Skiff's Summit slides, the Wicked Web, Spider Cider's Web and more! Parents can grab a cider donut and beverage to enjoy while the kids are at play. Afterwards, hop on one of their wagons to pick apples in the orchards, shop at the general store or enjoy one of the many food and drink options right on-site!
Zoo Boo
This popular daytime family event turns the Rosamond Gifford Zoo into a kid-friendly haunt with trick-or-treat stations, animal encounters, games, a costume parade and photo-ops. Wear your costume and make sure to bring your treat bag. New this year, this event is free with your zoo membership or included with a paid admission, no extra ticket purchase necessary! The event runs weekends from 10am - 3pm, October 17-18 and 24-25.
The Wild Animal Park Flashlight Safari
Looking for a spooky yet family fun experience? Join The Wild Animal Park on their Flash Light Safari every Friday and Saturday starting at the end of September through October from 6pm-10pm. Bring the kids! Bring the parents! And don’t forget your Halloween costumes. Catch the animals at night when they are most active! The lights will be dimmed low in the park to make it a special experience, but don’t forget your flashlights. Their Snack shack will be open with a full menu with some additional fall treats.
Heritage Hill Farm Yard
A fun place for the whole family to spend a fall day. Starting Labor Day weekend and running through the fall season families can access all of the new Farm Yard attractions with one admission price. The kids will enjoy animal experience, giant corn maze, new paintball target gallery, giant slide, indoor jump pad and more! Parents can sit and take in breathtaking views will trying specialty beers on tap and choosing home made options from burgers and sandwiches to pizzas and more.
Dunkin' Spooktacular Stroll
This not-so-scary, family-friendly event will take place Friday-Sunday from October 9th-30th and will feature a spooktacular stroll through Long Branch Park with specialty nights each week! Costing $25 per vehicle and featuring a 1/2 mile of festive Halloween displays, glowing lights and themed scenes, there's plenty in store for a fun night out with the whole gang. Tickets are on sale now.
Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, kids have the option to trick-or-treat along the trail! Purchase a Trick-or-Treat bag and collect candy and surprises at each themed stop.
Fall Syracuse Fun!
