Kid-Approved Vermont: A Family Guide to Fall Adventures
Fall in Vermont is pure magic—crisp mornings, rolling hills painted in reds and golds, and the sweet smell of cider donuts drifting from country farmstands. For families, it’s the perfect season to slow down, soak up the views, and dive into traditions kids will love—from apple picking and pumpkin patches to corn mazes and small-town harvest festivals. Whether you’re planning a day trip during peak foliage or looking for kid-friendly activities close to home, this guide will help you make the most of autumn in Vermont.
Fall Festivals and Events
From farm harvest festivals to small-town craft fairs, Vermont’s fall calendar is full of family fun. Expect hayrides, petting zoos, games, and local food trucks. Festivals are also a great way to connect with the community and pick up Vermont-made treats.
Check the FindandGoSeek's Fall Fun calendar for upcoming events near you.
Corn Mazes
Get lost! Find a little adventure on the farm at one of Vermont's famous corn mazes. Farmers take pride in designing winding paths through their corn fields. They are perfect for kids to run, explore, and problem-solve with the family. From nighttime glow events to scavenger hunts, and maps to stamp, each one is unique.
Leaf Peeping
Vermont is world-famous for its fall foliage, and families don’t have to go far to find dazzling views. Scenic drives along Route 100, through Smugglers’ Notch, or to any quaint mountain town offer brilliant colors with plenty of places to stop and stretch little legs. Parks like Mills Riverside in Jericho and Hubbard Park in Montpelier are stroller-friendly and perfect for shorter walks.
Find a park near you to immerse yourself in the colors of autumn.
Apple Picking
Few fall traditions are as sweet as wandering through an apple orchard with kids, baskets in hand. Vermont’s apple season runs from early September through mid-October, and most orchards offer not just apple picking, but also wagon rides, cider donuts, and farm fun. Check fall events as well for live music and orchard festivals.
Pumpkin Picking
Nothing says Fall like finding the perfect pumpkin. Ready to be harvested in late September into October, Vermont farms and patches offer rows of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, from tiny table toppers to big carving beauties. Let kids hunt for their favorite, then head home for carving or painting.
Halloween
It's almost spooky season! Vermont goes all out for Halloween with parades, trick-or-treating events, and haunted (but family-friendly) fun. Find the closest trunk-or-treat, hayride or spook-tacular event near you. Find costume exchanges and custome creating events earlier in the fall, too. Explore Halloween fun!
Hiking
Fall is a fantastic time to explore Vermont’s hiking trails, from nature parks to mountain tops. Crisp air, fewer bugs, and fiery leaves make hiking with kids extra rewarding. Find hiking and walking trails across Vermont, from the classic Mount Mansfield hikes in Underhill State Park, to gentle explorations along the Winooski River at Ethan Allen Homestead.
For peak family-friendly trail inspiration, check out All Mountain Mamas Hiking Guides. Their recommendations include everything from resort base to summit treks with panoramic foliage to scenic lift rides and gentle strolls along peak ridgelines.
Biking
Biking is another way to soak in fall scenery. Families can take a leisurely ride on the Island Line Rail Trail in Burlington, which hugs the lake and passes playgrounds, beaches, and creemee stands still open into October. Find bike paths in Vermont.
Mountain biking families will also find kid-friendly trails at spots like Kingdom Trails or Saxon Hill, or downhill thrills at resorts like Killington, Burke, Bolton Valley, Smuggs, and Sugarbush.
Plan A Family Photoshoot
Looking to capture these swiftly moving family moments with special photos? Fall in Vermont is the perfect backdrop for your next family photo shoot—whether you're marking a milestone, updating holiday cards, or simply capturing the magic of everyday life.
Need some help getting started? Check out our go-to guide for planning beautiful, authentic family photos across the Green Mountain State.
Stay Up-to-Date on Family Fall Fun
Fall in Vermont isn’t just about the breathtaking foliage—it’s about making memories your kids will talk about all year long. Whether it’s that first bite of a warm cider donut, a goofy family photo in the pumpkin patch, or a leaf-covered hike with views for miles, these are the moments that make autumn feel magical.
Find even more fall activities and events.
Have a favorite fall spot in Vermont? We’d love to hear about it! Share your family’s adventures with us, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Chirp newsletter and follow us on Instagram or Facebook for daily kid-approved activities and seasonal fun across Vermont.