17 Fall Family-Vacation Ideas the Kids Will Love
[with slideshow]
Fall is a great time to plan a getaway, whether that looks like a long weekend at a cabin or a road trip designed to burn up the vacation days you didn’t use this summer. The leaves, the crisp air, boots, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything are only a few of the things that make Fall the best of the four seasons. It also happens to be, in my opinion, the best time of year to travel.
Flights are cheaper, resorts & hotels offer off-season deals, weekend traffic is lighter, the crowds are gone, and if you really aren’t ready to let go of Summer, it’s effortless to find some warm sunshine.
Whether you’re looking to take advantage of a long weekend or planning to get away for a week or two, here are some of the best places to take your family in the Fall.
Flights are cheaper, resorts & hotels offer off-season deals, weekend traffic is lighter, the crowds are gone, and if you really aren’t ready to let go of Summer, it’s effortless to find some warm sunshine.
Whether you’re looking to take advantage of a long weekend or planning to get away for a week or two, here are some of the best places to take your family in the Fall.
Niagara Falls, New York
It’s a given that we recommend Niagara Falls in the summer. But in the Fall, it just gets better and better. The falls are still awe-inspiring, but the crowds have thinned considerably. You can walk between Canada and the United States, which makes for some great family activities (enjoying the falls from both ends is pretty amazing). A spin on the Niagara SkyWheel is a must, but it’s on the Canada side, so don’t forget your passport.
It’s a given that we recommend Niagara Falls in the summer. But in the Fall, it just gets better and better. The falls are still awe-inspiring, but the crowds have thinned considerably. You can walk between Canada and the United States, which makes for some great family activities (enjoying the falls from both ends is pretty amazing). A spin on the Niagara SkyWheel is a must, but it’s on the Canada side, so don’t forget your passport.
Atlanta, Georgia
The weather in Atlanta isn’t always perfect in the Fall, but it’s a great time to take in a game at beautiful Grant Field (current home of the Georgia Bulldogs football team) and check out all that the city has to offer. As one of the fastest-growing cities in America, Atlanta has tons for families, including many kid-friendly attractions like The World of Coca Cola and Living Indoor Museum at CNN Center.
The weather in Atlanta isn’t always perfect in the Fall, but it’s a great time to take in a game at beautiful Grant Field (current home of the Georgia Bulldogs football team) and check out all that the city has to offer. As one of the fastest-growing cities in America, Atlanta has tons for families, including many kid-friendly attractions like The World of Coca Cola and Living Indoor Museum at CNN Center.
New York City, New York
Fall comes to New York and temperatures are perfect for strolling through Central Park and seeing some of the city’s iconic monuments in all their glory. All the city has to offer in the Fall is readily available to families. The parks, museums, and parks are open (sometimes free), and there are tons of special events. And if you want to get close to the monuments, try one of the ferry tours. Parks remain open, and you’ll enjoy spectacular views.
Fall comes to New York and temperatures are perfect for strolling through Central Park and seeing some of the city’s iconic monuments in all their glory. All the city has to offer in the Fall is readily available to families. The parks, museums, and parks are open (sometimes free), and there are tons of special events. And if you want to get close to the monuments, try one of the ferry tours. Parks remain open, and you’ll enjoy spectacular views.
Chicago, Illinois
If your family loves sports, you can’t beat a trip to Chicago for a Cubs or Bears game in October’s cooler weather. Chicago is also known for its family-friendly attractions like Navy Pier, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Children’s Museum.
If your family loves sports, you can’t beat a trip to Chicago for a Cubs or Bears game in October’s cooler weather. Chicago is also known for its family-friendly attractions like Navy Pier, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Children’s Museum.
Nashville, Tennessee
The people of Nashville love music, so it’s no surprise that this city has produced some of the most famous artists in country history. Music City USA also has tons of kid-friendly activities, including lots of family restaurants and fascinating museums.
The people of Nashville love music, so it’s no surprise that this city has produced some of the most famous artists in country history. Music City USA also has tons of kid-friendly activities, including lots of family restaurants and fascinating museums.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is known for its barbecue, but it’s also a great place to visit if you and your family are sports fans. Check out Royals baseball games at Kauffman Stadium or the Chiefs football games at Arrowhead Stadium. The city itself also has a lot to offer, including some great museums and kid attractions, and nearby Lake of the Ozarks makes for a great weekend getaway.
Kansas City is known for its barbecue, but it’s also a great place to visit if you and your family are sports fans. Check out Royals baseball games at Kauffman Stadium or the Chiefs football games at Arrowhead Stadium. The city itself also has a lot to offer, including some great museums and kid attractions, and nearby Lake of the Ozarks makes for a great weekend getaway.
Upstate New York
If you’re looking for a color burst this Fall, Upstate New York is the place to go. The region has over five million acres of protected land with more than 900 waterfalls. Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Glimmerglass State Park. Not only is that great for your Instagram feed, but it’s also the perfect spot to spend some quality time as a family.
If you’re looking for a color burst this Fall, Upstate New York is the place to go. The region has over five million acres of protected land with more than 900 waterfalls. Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Glimmerglass State Park. Not only is that great for your Instagram feed, but it’s also the perfect spot to spend some quality time as a family.
Orlando, Florida
Of course, you don’t have to go far to get in on some fall family fun. You can visit one of the most popular theme parks in the country—and your kids probably won’t even complain about being there. Choose from multiple theme parks in Orlando, Florida – from Sea World, Legoland, Universal Studios and of course, the House of Mouse: Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World alone encompasses 4 different “sub” theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World celebrates Halloween from August through October, and “snow” falls on Main Street USA in November and December, jump-starting fall family traditions.
Universal Studios Parks & Resort is home to 2 parks & an immersive water park: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and the water park at Volcano Bay. At Universal, ride the Hogwart’s Express from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley. Older kids & teens can experience thrills AND chills at Halloween Horror Nights. Often, families choose to split their stays between Disney and Universal for their vacations to take advantage of the perks from staying at one of their resorts: start at Disney and move over to Universal for a few days. It’s the best of both worlds!
Of course, you don’t have to go far to get in on some fall family fun. You can visit one of the most popular theme parks in the country—and your kids probably won’t even complain about being there. Choose from multiple theme parks in Orlando, Florida – from Sea World, Legoland, Universal Studios and of course, the House of Mouse: Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World alone encompasses 4 different “sub” theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World celebrates Halloween from August through October, and “snow” falls on Main Street USA in November and December, jump-starting fall family traditions.
Universal Studios Parks & Resort is home to 2 parks & an immersive water park: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and the water park at Volcano Bay. At Universal, ride the Hogwart’s Express from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley. Older kids & teens can experience thrills AND chills at Halloween Horror Nights. Often, families choose to split their stays between Disney and Universal for their vacations to take advantage of the perks from staying at one of their resorts: start at Disney and move over to Universal for a few days. It’s the best of both worlds!
New England
Fall colors are in full swing from New York to Maine. You can even go for the whole nine yards with New England, where you can choose from more than 100 fall festivals—most of which are free. More than a dozen apple orchards in the region are ready to welcome you and your families for apple-picking and hayrides.
Fall colors are in full swing from New York to Maine. You can even go for the whole nine yards with New England, where you can choose from more than 100 fall festivals—most of which are free. More than a dozen apple orchards in the region are ready to welcome you and your families for apple-picking and hayrides.
The Smokies
As summer closes out in the Smokies, you’ll find fall foliage starting to peak in mid-October and into November—giving you plenty of time to take advantage of the area’s outdoor activities. Go for a hike along one of the many trails. Or take a leisurely cruise on a paddle wheeler down one of the rivers that snake through the national park. The best part about Fall in the Smoky Mountains? The leaves change color at different elevations—the higher up the mountain, the more vibrant the reds and oranges.
As summer closes out in the Smokies, you’ll find fall foliage starting to peak in mid-October and into November—giving you plenty of time to take advantage of the area’s outdoor activities. Go for a hike along one of the many trails. Or take a leisurely cruise on a paddle wheeler down one of the rivers that snake through the national park. The best part about Fall in the Smoky Mountains? The leaves change color at different elevations—the higher up the mountain, the more vibrant the reds and oranges.
Lake Tahoe
Fall visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, and oranges throughout the Sierra in September and October. Lake Tahoe is particularly stunning at this time of year. With snowfall blanketing Mount Rose and Mansfield Peak, you can enjoy cross-country skiing on some of North America’s best trails, as well as take advantage of one of the last opportunities for summer water activities.
Fall visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, and oranges throughout the Sierra in September and October. Lake Tahoe is particularly stunning at this time of year. With snowfall blanketing Mount Rose and Mansfield Peak, you can enjoy cross-country skiing on some of North America’s best trails, as well as take advantage of one of the last opportunities for summer water activities.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The monument to four of America’s presidents is one of the most iconic images in American history. It’s often the only iconic image Americans have. And it looks even better when it’s all decked out for Fall, with reds and yellows competing for your attention.
The monument to four of America’s presidents is one of the most iconic images in American history. It’s often the only iconic image Americans have. And it looks even better when it’s all decked out for Fall, with reds and yellows competing for your attention.
Yosemite National Park
The beautiful waterfalls of Yosemite are at their prime in the Fall. But the best part about Fall in this national park is that you have a lot more time to enjoy it than during the summer when people cover every inch of this natural wonder.
The beautiful waterfalls of Yosemite are at their prime in the Fall. But the best part about Fall in this national park is that you have a lot more time to enjoy it than during the summer when people cover every inch of this natural wonder.
Alaska
As if Alaska doesn’t seem like an inviting enough destination in the summer, you should see it when most tourists have left, and there are fewer crowds. Of course, we don’t think any part of America is better for fall foliage than Alaska. The state’s interior is a wonderland of color, from the dogwoods and stands of birch in the foothills to the red cedars along the beaches and even the flameless fire that burns in Denali National Park. In Alaska, Fall is all about salmon. You can catch them in season and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the road to Denali National Park.
As if Alaska doesn’t seem like an inviting enough destination in the summer, you should see it when most tourists have left, and there are fewer crowds. Of course, we don’t think any part of America is better for fall foliage than Alaska. The state’s interior is a wonderland of color, from the dogwoods and stands of birch in the foothills to the red cedars along the beaches and even the flameless fire that burns in Denali National Park. In Alaska, Fall is all about salmon. You can catch them in season and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the road to Denali National Park.
Aruba
If you’re wondering where to go in the Fall, this tiny island is a great choice. During this time of year, Aruba’s turquoise waters are incredibly stunning, and the skies are hurricane-free. The island also has some of the most beautiful beaches and has a charming authentic Caribbean vibe. Kids and families will love building sandcastles, hunting for shells, and of course, swimming in those crystal-clear waters. A favorite beach on the island is Eagle Beach, where you can spend the entire day relaxing in a beach chair. Walk along the beach in search of the island’s famous Divi Divi trees. Water sports are popular, so rent a jet ski, a kayak, a stand-up paddleboard, or plan an afternoon of parasailing or snorkeling. When you’re ready to leave the beach, take a guided tour of the famous Butterfly Farm in Oranjestad. The Aruba Ostrich Farm is another fun pick.
If you’re wondering where to go in the Fall, this tiny island is a great choice. During this time of year, Aruba’s turquoise waters are incredibly stunning, and the skies are hurricane-free. The island also has some of the most beautiful beaches and has a charming authentic Caribbean vibe. Kids and families will love building sandcastles, hunting for shells, and of course, swimming in those crystal-clear waters. A favorite beach on the island is Eagle Beach, where you can spend the entire day relaxing in a beach chair. Walk along the beach in search of the island’s famous Divi Divi trees. Water sports are popular, so rent a jet ski, a kayak, a stand-up paddleboard, or plan an afternoon of parasailing or snorkeling. When you’re ready to leave the beach, take a guided tour of the famous Butterfly Farm in Oranjestad. The Aruba Ostrich Farm is another fun pick.
Hawaii
Hawaii may not be the first place that comes to mind for family fall vacations, but we promise it’s worth your consideration. The weather is excellent, the beaches are gorgeous, and there are plenty of activities for people of all ages—especially when you factor in luaus and hula dancing lessons. Plus, it’s pretty hard to beat those views!
Hawaii may not be the first place that comes to mind for family fall vacations, but we promise it’s worth your consideration. The weather is excellent, the beaches are gorgeous, and there are plenty of activities for people of all ages—especially when you factor in luaus and hula dancing lessons. Plus, it’s pretty hard to beat those views!
Savannah, Georgia
In this Southern city, you’ll find some of the country’s best architecture and some of the most exciting museums, like the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum brings the civil rights movement to life with moving exhibits appropriate for all ages. Know a Girl Scout? The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is a must for Girl Scouts, who can learn more about the group’s founder and tour her former home. Plus, it’s one of the few places in the country where the weather is warm year-round. Savannah is one of the most welcoming towns in the southeast—it’s not only free from hurricanes but it’s also got some of the best shopping (both high-end and boutique) in the region. Kids and adults will have loads of fun shopping for clothing, accessories, and more at places like The World of Shoe or Milledgeville Boutique.
In this Southern city, you’ll find some of the country’s best architecture and some of the most exciting museums, like the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum brings the civil rights movement to life with moving exhibits appropriate for all ages. Know a Girl Scout? The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is a must for Girl Scouts, who can learn more about the group’s founder and tour her former home. Plus, it’s one of the few places in the country where the weather is warm year-round. Savannah is one of the most welcoming towns in the southeast—it’s not only free from hurricanes but it’s also got some of the best shopping (both high-end and boutique) in the region. Kids and adults will have loads of fun shopping for clothing, accessories, and more at places like The World of Shoe or Milledgeville Boutique.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, any of these destinations have something special going on each Fall.
Need more ideas? Have some of your own that you’d like to book? Or just have some questions? Click on a button below to get started!
Need more ideas? Have some of your own that you’d like to book? Or just have some questions? Click on a button below to get started!
