As the cool embrace of autumn sets in, families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland are presented with a tapestry of vibrant colors and a plethora of fun family activities that not only celebrate the changing of the seasons but also offer enriching opportunities for education and exploration.
From apple orchards to cozy indoor crafts, this guide presents a diverse array of family-friendly activities that celebrate the transition from summer to fall. As summer’s warmth gives way to the crisp, golden hues of autumn, the Mid-Atlantic region transforms into a haven of fall enchantment.
For homeschooling families seeking to infuse their curriculum with real-world experiences and hands-on learning, these destinations serve as ideal settings for memorable field trips that span the realms of science, history, art, and more.
In this guide, we’ll explore the picturesque landscapes and engaging venues that stretch across these four states, each offering an educational escape that fosters curiosity, inspires exploration, and creates unforgettable lessons that go beyond the traditional classroom.
So, whether it’s dissecting the marvels of nature, delving into history’s mysteries, or immersing in the arts, let these attractions become your educational playground as you embark on field trips that blend adventure and learning during this wondrous fall season.
Fun Family Activities
1. Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches:
Pennsylvania: Journey to Linvilla Orchards in Media for a quintessential fall experience. The orchards are alive with the joyous bustle of apple picking, as families explore rows of apple-laden trees. Nearby Highland Orchards in West Chester offers pumpkin patches and hayrides that immerse families in the autumn spirit.
New Jersey: Head to Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, where apple picking and pumpkin patches await. Kids can hop aboard hayrides, navigate corn mazes, and relish in the farm’s vibrant atmosphere.
Delaware: Fifer Orchards in Camden-Wyoming is a haven of apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Families can revel in the opportunity to pick their favorite apples, explore corn mazes, and engage in hayrides.
Maryland: Baugher’s Orchard and Farm in Westminster beckons with its sprawling orchards and pumpkin fields. Families can pick apples and pumpkins, and partake in a scenic wagon ride through the orchard.
2. Family Nature Walks and train rides:
Pennsylvania: Valley Forge National Historical Park offers serene nature walks amid its historic landscape. The changing leaves create a vivid backdrop for collecting leaves and exploring the outdoors.
New Jersey: Batsto Village, The Museum and Exhibit Gallery, housed in the Visitors Center, is an excellent place to begin your tour of Batsto Village
Delaware: The Wilmington and Western Railroad presents a unique opportunity to enjoy nature from the comfort of a vintage train. As families embark on a scenic ride through the Red Clay Valley, the autumnal scenery unfolds in all its glory.
–Autumn Leaf Special Surround yourself with the beauty and splendor of Autumn during the most colorful time of the year.
–Halloween Express A friendly railroad witch visits the Wilmington & Western to ride the train and visit with all children.
–Hayride Express Enjoy a 1-hour round-trip evening ride through the Red Clay Valley to Ashland on an original railroad flatcar converted especially for hayrides.
Maryland: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s Frostburg Flyer Ride The Scenic Line and enjoy the beautiful view between the mountain towns of Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland.
3. Fall Picnics and Trails:
Pennsylvania: Ridley Creek State Park, located in Media, offers ample picnic spots surrounded by fall foliage. Families can savor seasonal treats as they bask in the park’s natural beauty.
New Jersey: Mercer County Park in West Windsor is a popular destination for fall picnics. Its open spaces and tranquil lake create a serene setting for families to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Delaware: Brandywine Creek State Park provides sprawling lawns and a picturesque creek—ideal for family picnics. Frisbee, catch, and other outdoor games add an element of excitement to the day.
Maryland: Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis boasts beautiful landscapes and a serene waterfront, inviting families to indulge in picnics with a stunning backdrop.
4. Creative Pumpkin Fun:
Pennsylvania: Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square hosts fall-themed workshops, allowing families to transform pumpkins into creative masterpieces using paints, glitter, and other materials.
New Jersey: Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm 17th Century Preserved Farm with Family Roots and Rustic Charm… Visit this fall & enjoy everything Locust Hall Farm has to offer, beginning with Sunflower September. This season they are continuing their Park & Pick, which allows guests to purchase tickets with an arrival time & remain in your car to visit every stop along our farm drive.
Delaware: 2023 Delaware Pumpkin Patches And More Find a pumpkin patch, corn maze, safe trick-or-treating, hayrides and other Fall and Halloween fun!
Maryland: Knightongale Farm pumpkin patch/fall fest and corn maze located in Harwood, Maryland.
5. Cozy Movie Nights and family fun:
Pennsylvania: The Bryn Mawr Film Institute in Bryn Mawr hosts family-friendly movie nights, screening classic fall films that captivate both children and adults.
New Jersey: Diggerland Diggerfest All the fun and excitement starts on weekends in September until the end of November!
Delaware: Bethany “Movies on the Beach” MOVIES ON THE BEACH are shown Monday nights at dusk June -August, MOVIES ON THE BANDSTAND are shown Friday nights at dusk in September.
Maryland: Easton Branch of the Talbot County Free Library– Read with Tiger, a Pets on Wheels Therapy Dog. For readers ages 5-10. Read with Janet Dickey and her dog, Tiger! Bring your own book or pick out a book at the library. No registration necessary.
6. Fall Inspired Fun Family Activities:
Pennsylvania: Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse hosts A Tailgating Festival. There are plenty of activities for young and old, families and couples alike. This year see Lancaster County Non-Profit themed scarecrows throughout the village and vote for your favorite. Savor a tasty sample of homemade tailgate foods at one of our grills or restaurants. Tap your toes to a Dixieland Band or other live music. Don’t miss the Tailgate Games Area on Saturday. Wear your favorite jersey or sports attire to be part of the team!
Also, Don’t miss their newest family friendly fall event Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, October 28th 2023.
New Jersey: Septemberfest is held annually on the Saturday after Labor Day at the Riverview Beach Park in Pennsville, NJ. The day begins with a parade and continues as a festival in the park, including amusement rides, musical entertainment in the gazebo, food vendors, craft vendors, exhibits, and much more! The day concludes with a fireworks display at dusk.
Delaware: The Brandywine Festival of the Arts is an annual arts festival in Wilmington, Delaware held the weekend after Labor Day. The festival is a Delaware tradition spanning over half a century and it is the largest arts festival in the state.
Maryland: There are a LOT of festivals in Maryland to find fun family activities in the coming months. Check out this site to see them all.
7. Fall Craft Shows:
Pennsylvania: The Pocono State Craft Festival experience one of the area’s largest variety of art & craft demonstrations, be entertained by the best regionally based musicians, and experience the very best the Poconos has to offer.
New Jersey: The Family Fun Outdoor Crafts Show at the Lighthouse– Cape May Lighthouse becomes a beacon for family fun during Family Fun Day Craft Shows. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities and adults will enjoy browsing among the crafts vendors.
Delaware: Join in a day of free family fun at the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival at the Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend Oct. 21, 2023
Maryland: It’s time again for the 26th Annual Elkton Fall Fest! Fun for the whole family including contests, crafts, vendors, games, demos, live entertainment and children’s activities!
8. And Still More More Fall Fun:
Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Manheim transforms into a fall wonderland, hosting family-friendly events like Fairies & Fantasy or Halloween Days & Spooky Knights.
New Jersey: The Great Pumpkin Festival Starting Saturday, September 16, 2023 and running through Sunday, November 5,2023 at Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon, NJ.
Delaware: Hagley Craft Fair This marketplace brings together talented artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area to display and sell fine arts, crafts, and gourmet items. This premier show features works in wood, leather, pottery, jewelry, fibers, metal, and other media, and includes a specialty food market.
Maryland: The Maryland Renaissance Festival in Annapolis invites families to immerse themselves in a medieval wonderland, complete with themed entertainment, games, and fall feasts.
Myth & Magic Weekend: September 23rd & 24th – Celebrate the myths and legends of the British Isles and special magic performances!
9. Fall Photography Adventures:
Pennsylvania: 2023 FLAMING FOLIAGE FESTIVAL Located in Renovo Pa, Three day festival… crowning of Miss Flaming Foliage, arts & crafts, parade and follies for all ages.
New Jersey: Best places to see Fall Foliage for Photography in NJ
Delaware: Best places to see Fall Foliage for Photography In DE
Maryland: Best places to see Fall Foliage for Photography in MD
As the seasons shift and the vibrant colors of fall take center stage,
Families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland are presented with a bounty of opportunities to embrace the magic of autumn. From the simple pleasures of apple picking and nature walks to the creative expressions of pumpkin decorating and DIY crafts, each activity holds the promise of cherished memories and treasured family moments.
By venturing to these attractions across the Mid-Atlantic region, families can create a tapestry of experiences that celebrate the beauty, warmth, and camaraderie that autumn brings. Whether enjoying a cozy picnic, crafting together, or participating in community events, these activities foster a sense of togetherness that strengthens family bonds and nurtures the spirit of the season.
As the leaves crunch beneath your feet and the air carries the scent of fallen leaves, let the captivating destinations and activities across these four states become your canvas for painting a picture-perfect fall. As the sun sets on each day, may it illuminate the laughter, smiles, and shared moments that make this season truly special.
And that is all for my suggestions of Fun Family Activities in the Fall.
Happy Autumn!
Autumn is my favourite season (and my husband’s) and I love going to pumpkin patches and doing anything outside. I find this is the time I really enjoy doing things like you’ve listed here, there is so much to do!