Making Memories: 9 Fall Activities For Kids In & Near Saratoga Springs, NY
Crisp air and changing leaves signal the arrival of the most beautiful season in the Spa City. If you're seeking the best fall activities for kids in & near Saratoga Springs, NY, you'll find an abundance of options.
From family-friendly farms to outdoor adventures and local attractions, the area offers plenty of ways to celebrate autumn together.
Your Autumn Escape at Ellms Family Farm
Looking for fun outdoor fall activities for kids in the Saratoga Springs area? Come to Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa, where you'll discover over 40 unique attractions in one place!
The farm's signature attraction is the Amazing Maize Corn Maze, but there are also smaller mazes and plenty of other high-energy activities. Kids can take on the giant slides, burn energy on the Pumpkin Pad and Jumbo Jumping Pillow, steer their way around the pint-sized tractor course, or tackle the ropes course and soar along the ziplines.
The farm has something for every age, making it easy for families to spend hours exploring.
When it’s time to wrap things up, hop aboard the trolley for a scenic ride out to the pumpkin patch, where kids can pick out the gourd that will travel home with them.
Ride the Rails with the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway
Adventure awaits on a scenic trip with the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. This vintage train offers two distinct fall-themed experiences that are just right for families.
The "Autumn Explorer" is a 90-minute round trip that carries passengers through the scenic Southern Adirondacks. You'll pass marshes and swamps with views of the changing leaves and opportunities to spot local wildlife, so don't forget your binoculars!
For an interactive experience, you can join "The Pumpkin Picker" ride, a unique 1.5-hour journey to a secret pumpkin patch. Here, each child can pick and decorate their own pumpkin.
The railway offers various seating options to fit your family's needs, from Standard Coach with vintage reclining seats to the Lounge Car with direct access to the open-air car. No matter which car you choose, you'll be treated to a memorable train ride through the best of the season.
Find Your Pumpkin Adventure at Sunnyside Gardens
For a classic fall festival experience that families have enjoyed for over 30 years, head to Sunnyside Gardens in Saratoga Springs. The annual festival, running from late September through Halloween, is designed to create lasting memories without the scary frills.
You'll notice the intoxicating scent of freshly made cider donuts as soon as you arrive, setting the stage for a day of fun.
The pumpkin patch is filled with a wide variety of locally grown pumpkins. Kids can wander through, spotting hay sculptures and scarecrows as they hunt for the just-right jack-o’-lantern. Their main attractions include tractor-pulled hayrides that wind through the "spooky" woods and the area's only ride-on train.
For a unique sensory experience, you can also walk through the Hall of Flame, where over 300 carved jack-o’-lanterns are on display.
Beyond the pumpkins and rides, families can enjoy live bluegrass music, pose for pictures in funny cut-outs, visit the butterfly room, and watch the model trains roll by. With no admission charge, you can decide which activities you want to enjoy.
Get Lost in the Fun at Schuyler Farms
Conveniently located near Saratoga Springs, Schuyler Farms is a must-visit for families in the mood for classic autumn fun. No matter the age, there is always something to do here. The main event is their a-MAZE-ing seven-acre corn maze, which features a new theme each year.
For the 2025 season, families can get lost among mythical creatures like Nessie, Bigfoot, and a Dragon. Once you've found your way out, you can get adventurous on the 70-foot Super Slide, race the Pedal Karts, or pan for real gemstones and fossils. You can also take a relaxing hayride, feed the animals in the petting zoo, and pick a pumpkin.
After all the activities, be sure to grab some fresh cider donuts and hot food to enjoy the farm's amazing view. It's a perfect destination for fall fun for kids in September and October in Saratoga County.
All-Day Adventure at Liberty Ridge Farm
Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke spreads fall fun across 100 acres, giving families endless opportunities to play, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. From barnyard animals to high-energy rides, the farm is designed to keep kids busy from the moment they arrive.
Families often begin in Brad’s Barnyard, where pedal karts, slides, and jumping pillows provide hours of activity. At the River Bend Frontier, kids have space to roam while parents relax nearby. Seasonal favorites like hayrides and pumpkin shooters keep the autumn theme alive throughout the day.
Liberty Ridge Farm's giant corn maze changes each year. In 2025, families can wander through paths inspired by Sesame Street, adding an element of surprise to the adventure.
With so much packed into one location, Liberty Ridge feels less like a farm visit and more like a full fall festival.
Discover Family Tradition at DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards
A visit to DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards in Halfmoon promises a charming and classic family outing. Started by a family nearly 100 years ago, this orchard has grown while maintaining its core tradition of offering a wholesome farm experience. It's a place where families can make lasting memories, just like generations before them.
During apple season, you can head out to the fields and pick your own apples right from the trees, a quintessential fall activity for any family. After exploring the orchards, browse the country store filled with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
The perfect way to round out your trip is with a stop at Rainbow Delights, the orchard's famous ice cream shop. Treat the kids to a sweet dessert that is just as delicious as the fresh apples.
Soar Into Fall Fun at WildPlay Thacher
Looking for a fall outing that goes beyond pumpkin patches and hayrides? At WildPlay Thacher in Thacher State Park, families can climb, zip, and leap through the treetops while taking in sweeping autumn views.
The park is designed for every age and comfort level. Young adventurers ages 5–12 can test their balance and bravery on the Kids Course, a single-level trail of obstacles up to 15 feet high.
Older kids and teens often gravitate to the Classic Course, which stacks three levels of challenges, each a little higher and trickier than the last. For those ready to push their limits, the Extreme Course delivers the highest platforms and most demanding elements.
What sets WildPlay apart is how it blends thrill with scenery. Families can soar above the forest canopy, cross swinging bridges, and navigate suspended ladders while surrounded by the vibrant colors of an Upstate New York autumn. And with courses open through October 31st, it’s a seasonal adventure that makes the most of fall’s fleeting beauty.
From Orchard to Playground at Bowman Orchards
At Bowman Orchards in Rexford, the fun begins before you even step into the orchard. The farm store is a draw in itself, with shelves full of seasonal goodies—cider donuts, kettle corn, chocolates, and local produce that reflect the flavors of fall.
Once appetites are satisfied, families can head to the activity area. Kids can visit the farm animal petting zoo, line up to fire the apple cannon, slide down the giant dump truck, or hop onto a pony for a ride.
The wooden school bus and playhouse spark plenty of imaginative play, while the Bowman Orchard Express offers a slower-paced tour of the property. A 5-acre maze gives older kids and parents a chance to test their navigation skills together.
With apple picking, hands-on activities, and seasonal treats all in one place, Bowman Orchards brings a festive, family-focused energy to fall in the Saratoga region.
Find Your Favorite Treats at Saratoga Apple
A local landmark and a true family business, Saratoga Apple has been growing apples with great care for five generations. This orchard and farm market is a staple of the Saratoga community and is open all year round, making it a great destination no matter the season.
During harvest months, you can pick your own apples right from the trees for a classic family outing. Afterward, a visit to the farm market is a must. It's stocked with a wide variety of fresh apples, pears, cider, and local produce.
The real star, however, is the bakery, where apple cider donuts are made fresh daily. Known for inspiring "inter-state travel," these hot-off-the-press donuts are a legendary treat that the whole family will love.
Plan Your Fall Getaway
With so many family-friendly options, it's easy to make the most of autumn in the Saratoga Springs area. From a day of picking apples to getting lost in a corn maze, the Capital Region has a fall activity for every family.
From the adventurous rides at Bowman Orchards to the classic traditions at Saratoga Apple, these spots are ready to help you make lasting autumn memories.
