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 7th through end of October 27th, guests can grab their friends, kids, parents, grandparents and enjoy apple picking, visit the farm animals, check out the wagon rides, a corn maze, 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 baked goods from the bakery or grab some apple fritters to enjoy on-site. Adults can enjoy a tasting of their hard ciders, produced from apples and fruits grown right on-site. The Farm offers special event days as well including a farm dinner and corn maze dinner.

Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration 

Critz Farms showcases fall in a fun and unique way. Fall fun on the farm runs from September 14th through October 20th, 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 September 28th, through October 20th. 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 free live shows, magical demonstrations, carnival games, paintball, live animal exhibitions 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 which weekend your favorite food truck is stopping and other special 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. Pumpkin season starts September 14th and with that comes admission to all your favorite activities including their zip lines, jump pad, pedal cars, corn maze, petting zoo, barrel train, slides and tunnels! They also offer food on-site, a sweet treat shop, gift shop, pumpkin picking and more! Purchase an individual visit pass or buy one for the season!

Lafayette Apple Festival 

In its 51st year, this annual festival includes music, rides, ponies, over 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. Non-apple food items are also available…if you’re into that sort of thing. 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 2024 dates of Apple Fest this year are Saturday and Sunday October 12th and 13th. 

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, activities and photo-ops. Wear your costume and make sure to bring your treat bag. There’s plenty of time to grab the kids and check out this event in October as it runs from the 12th to the 29th every weekend. Tickets can be secured on their events page, here.

The Wild Animal Park Flashlight Safari and Halloween Nights

Looking for a spooky yet family fun experience? Join The Wild Animal Park on their Flash Light Safari every Friday and Saturday starting September 27th through the end of October from 6pm-10pm. Bring the kids! Bring the parents! And don’t forget your 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 Brewhouse

A fun place for the whole family to spend a fall day. The kids will enjoy the petting zoo, where they can learn about a live working farm, and afterwards run around and enjoy the playground. 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 non spooky, family-friendly event will take place throughout the month of October, and will feature a spooktacular stroll through Long Branch Park with specialty nights each week! Costing $25 per vehicle and open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, there's plenty of time to have a fun night out with the whole pack.  Tickets are on sale now. 

Thursday nights presents Dog-O-Ween, bring your four-legged friend and stroll from 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Let your pup strut it’s stuff for each week’s “Best Costume” contest.

Fridays & Saturdays are family nights, everyone come dressed up and enjoy spending time together celebrating the spooky season!

Sundays offer up Treats on the Trail, and purchase a Trick-or-Treat bag to collect “treats on the trail” at each of their eight themed sections on your wooded walk!

Fall Syracuse Fun!