The Best Fall Activities to Do with Your Kids in North Carolina

As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into a brilliant mix of red, orange, and yellow, fall is the perfect time to make some unforgettable memories with your kids. North Carolina’s natural beauty and family-friendly destinations offer endless opportunities for fun. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or cozy indoor activities, here are some of the best fall activities to do with your little ones—complete with links to some rad spots in North Carolina.

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Kick off the season by heading to a local pumpkin patch. Not only do you get to pick out the perfect pumpkin, but many places also have fun activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos that kids will love.

Where to go:

• Hill Ridge Farms – Located in Youngsville, Hill Ridge Farms has everything from a huge pumpkin patch to a sprawling corn maze and plenty of kid-friendly attractions like train rides and a giant slide.
• Gross Farms – Located in Sanford, Gross Farms is known for its impressive corn maze and pumpkin picking, making it a great family-friendly fall destination.

2. Take a Scenic Fall Hike

North Carolina is famous for its stunning fall foliage, and there’s no better way to experience it than by taking your kids on a hike. Opt for shorter, kid-friendly trails where they can enjoy the sights and maybe even collect a few leaves for a fall craft project later.

Where to go:

• Pilot Mountain State Park – With stunning views and trails that are perfect for little adventurers, Pilot Mountain offers a scenic experience for the whole family.
• Umstead State Park – Located near Raleigh, Umstead offers gentle, nature-filled trails that are perfect for a family fall day out.

3. Apple Picking at a Local Orchard

Another classic fall activity is apple picking. Head to an orchard with your kids, where they can pick apples fresh from the tree, learn about how they’re grown, and, of course, enjoy some fresh apple cider and baked goodies.

Where to go:

• Sky Top Orchard – Nestled in Flat Rock, this orchard offers an interactive apple-picking experience for kids, along with hayrides, farm animals, and playgrounds.
• Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard – Located in Hendersonville, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is family-owned and allows kids to roam the fields and pick their own apples while enjoying the mountain views.

4. Explore a Nature Center

For days when the weather isn’t perfect, nature centers offer an awesome indoor option that still keeps your kids connected to the fall season. They can learn about local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems while staying cozy indoors or enjoying the occasional outdoor exhibits.

Where to go:

• North Carolina Arboretum – Located in Asheville, the arboretum offers indoor exhibits as well as outdoor gardens and trails that are perfect for a fall day with kids.
• The Museum of Life and Science – In Durham, this interactive museum combines hands-on exhibits with outdoor spaces, including a butterfly house and a nature playground.

5. Attend a Fall Festival

Nothing captures the magic of the season like a local fall festival! From face painting to games, crafts, and plenty of autumn treats, these events are perfect for a family day out.

Where to go:

• The North Carolina State Fair – Held in Raleigh, this iconic event takes place in mid-October and is packed with kid-friendly attractions, rides, and, of course, fall foods like funnel cakes and caramel apples.
• The Carolina Renaissance Festival – Located in Huntersville, this festival runs throughout October and November and offers a fun mix of history, fantasy, and autumn celebrations. Kids will love the jousting tournaments, craft stations, and costumed performers.

Get Ready for a Rad Fall Adventure!

With so many incredible options, fall in North Carolina is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer. Whether it’s hiking through vibrant forests, picking out the perfect pumpkin, or spending a day at a fun-filled festival, these activities are guaranteed to create memories your kids will treasure. So bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for some seriously rad fall adventures!

Want to add some fall flair to your kids' wardrobe? Check out our latest Little Rad Things fall collection—the perfect blend of cozy, stylish, and durable for all your seasonal activities!