There is something about fall that makes me want to pack up the family and head somewhere with colorful leaves, crisp mountain air, apple cider, and all of those cozy fall activities we do not get enough of here in Florida.
While summer usually gets all the attention when it comes to family vacations, fall can be such an incredible time to travel with kids. The temperatures are cooler, the scenery completely changes in many parts of the country, and destinations start filling their calendars with apple festivals, harvest celebrations, pumpkin patches, scenic train rides, and other seasonal experiences.
And you do not have to plan a trip centered around scary Halloween attractions to enjoy the season. There are so many family friendly fall destinations where the focus is simply being outside, experiencing the changing seasons, exploring somewhere new, and making memories together.
Whether you are dreaming about a cozy cabin in the mountains, a New England road trip surrounded by fall foliage, or a national park adventure with the kids, these are some of the best fall vacation destinations for families in the USA.
What Makes a Great Fall Vacation Destination for Families?
When I am helping a family plan a fall vacation, I am looking for more than a destination with pretty leaves. Fall travel is all about the experiences you can have during this particular time of year.
Some destinations completely transform once September and October arrive. Mountains turn shades of red, orange, and gold. Farms open their orchards for apple picking. Small towns host harvest festivals. Scenic railroads take families through colorful forests. Even destinations you may have visited during another season can feel completely different in the fall.
Some of the things I look for in a great fall family vacation destination include:
• Beautiful fall foliage and scenic drives
• Family friendly fall festivals and seasonal events
• Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, farms, and harvest activities
• Outdoor activities that children and adults can enjoy together
• Scenic hikes with options for different ages and abilities
• Attractions and activities beyond fall foliage
• Family friendly hotels, resorts, cabins, or vacation rentals
• Enough variety to create a full family vacation
You also want to consider when you are traveling. Peak fall foliage does not happen at the same time everywhere in the United States. New England can begin seeing beautiful fall colors weeks before destinations farther south, so choosing the right destination for your travel dates can make a big difference.
Stowe, Vermont
If you have ever pictured yourself taking one of those dreamy New England fall vacations where practically everything around you is covered in red, orange, and yellow leaves, Stowe belongs on your list.
Vermont is one of the most iconic fall destinations in the United States, and Stowe gives families that classic New England experience with mountains, covered bridges, winding roads, farms, cider, and charming small-town scenery.
One of my favorite things about this type of vacation is that you do not necessarily need a packed itinerary. Part of the experience is simply slowing down and enjoying the season. Spend a morning exploring a local farm, grab fresh apple cider and cider donuts, take a scenic drive through the mountains, and then head back to your hotel or cabin for a cozy evening together.
Families can also explore the Stowe Recreation Path, take an easy hike, visit nearby orchards, and drive through Smugglers’ Notch for beautiful mountain scenery. Depending on when you visit, you may also find gondola rides and other seasonal mountain activities that give you an incredible view of the foliage from above.
Type of trip: Cozy, outdoorsy, scenic, and quintessential New England
Top things to do with kids:
• Drive through Smugglers’ Notch
• Walk or bike the Stowe Recreation Path
• Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
• Go apple picking at a nearby orchard
• Explore local farms and fall markets
• Take a family friendly hike
• See Vermont’s famous covered bridges
• Take a scenic gondola ride
• Enjoy fresh apple cider and cider donuts
Best time to visit for fall colors: Typically late September through early October, but peak foliage changes from year to year.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Hampshire is another destination that feels like it was made for fall road trips.
The White Mountains are especially beautiful during foliage season, when entire mountainsides become covered in shades of yellow, orange, and red. This is a wonderful choice for families who love scenic drives, waterfalls, hiking, small towns, and spending most of their vacation outside.
One of the highlights is driving the Kancamagus Highway, one of New England’s most famous scenic drives. There are overlooks and places to stop along the way, so you can turn the drive itself into an adventure rather than simply using it to get from one attraction to another.
Families can also explore Franconia Notch State Park, walk through Flume Gorge, search for waterfalls, or spend time in North Conway. A scenic train ride is another fun way to experience the area, especially if you are traveling with younger children who may not be ready for longer hikes.
This is also one of those destinations where I would encourage families not to rush. Give yourself time to pull over at the scenic overlooks, stop when you see something interesting, and enjoy those spontaneous little moments that often become some of the best memories from a road trip.
Type of trip: Road trip, outdoor adventure, and scenic mountain getaway
Top things to do with kids:
• Drive the Kancamagus Highway
• Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad
• Explore Flume Gorge
• Visit Franconia Notch State Park
• Take a short family hike
• Visit waterfalls
• Explore North Conway
• Stop at scenic overlooks throughout the White Mountains
• Visit local farms and seasonal fall attractions
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park, Maine
If you cannot decide between a coastal vacation and a fall foliage trip, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park give you a little bit of both.
Maine’s rocky coastline is beautiful on its own, but add colorful fall foliage, cool temperatures, mountain views, and a charming coastal town and you have an incredible family fall getaway.
Acadia National Park has plenty of ways for families to explore without every adventure requiring a strenuous hike. You can drive Park Loop Road, walk portions of the historic carriage roads, visit Jordan Pond, stop at scenic overlooks, and explore some of the park’s shorter trails.
Then you can head back into Bar Harbor to walk around town, browse the shops, grab something to eat, and enjoy that classic coastal Maine atmosphere.
This would be a particularly fun choice for families who have already done traditional mountain fall vacations and want something a little different. You still get those beautiful autumn colors, but now you have the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop.
Type of trip: Coastal, national park, outdoorsy, and scenic
Top things to do with kids:
• Explore Acadia National Park
• Drive Park Loop Road
• Visit Jordan Pond
• Walk or bike the carriage roads
• Visit Thunder Hole
• Take an easy family friendly coastal hike
• Explore downtown Bar Harbor
• Look for wildlife
• Watch the sunrise or sunset from a scenic viewpoint
• Enjoy classic Maine food and local treats
Keep in mind that some businesses and seasonal activities around Bar Harbor begin reducing their hours later in the fall, so this is one destination where planning your dates ahead of time is especially important.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires are a wonderful option for families looking for a slower fall getaway filled with colorful scenery, farms, charming towns, and outdoor activities.
Located in western Massachusetts, this area feels completely different once fall arrives. The rolling hills and forests change colors, apple orchards are busy with families, farm stands fill up with seasonal treats, and the cooler weather makes it a great time to get outside and explore.
One of the best parts about visiting the Berkshires is that your trip can be as relaxed or as active as you want it to be. Spend the morning apple picking, take an afternoon hike, explore one of the area’s small towns, and finish the day enjoying dinner somewhere cozy.
Families can also visit Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, where the surrounding mountain scenery is especially beautiful during fall.
Type of trip: Relaxing, outdoorsy, small-town, and family friendly
Top things to do with kids:
• Go apple picking
• Visit a pumpkin patch or local farm
• Explore Mount Greylock
• Take a family friendly hike
• Visit local farm stands and markets
• Explore Stockbridge and Lenox
• Take a scenic drive through the Berkshires
• Attend a family friendly harvest festival
• Enjoy cider, donuts, and other seasonal treats
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful throughout the year, but fall brings an entirely different kind of magic to the mountains.
This is one of my favorite recommendations for families because you get the outdoor adventure of Great Smoky Mountains National Park combined with all of the family attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You can spend one day hiking to a waterfall and looking for wildlife and the next riding attractions, visiting an aquarium, or spending the day at Dollywood.
Fall also lasts a little longer here than it does in northern New England. Because the mountains have such a wide range of elevations, colors begin changing at the higher elevations before gradually moving down into the valleys.
That can give families a larger window to plan a fall trip, especially if school schedules or other commitments make an early October New England vacation difficult.
And there is just something about renting a cabin in the Smokies during fall. Imagine waking up, making breakfast together, stepping outside with your coffee or hot chocolate, and seeing colorful mountains surrounding you. That alone sounds like a vacation to me.
Type of trip: Budget friendly to mid range, outdoorsy, adventurous, and great for a cabin getaway
Top things to do with kids:
• Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Drive through Cades Cove
• Look for wildlife
• Take a family friendly waterfall hike
• Explore Gatlinburg
• Spend a day at Dollywood
• Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
• Ride a mountain coaster
• Take a scenic drive through the mountains
• Stay in a cabin with beautiful fall views
Williamsburg, Virginia
Fall does not have to be entirely about hiking and fall foliage. Williamsburg is a great choice for families who want seasonal fun mixed with history, attractions, and educational experiences.
Colonial Williamsburg is especially beautiful when the temperatures start cooling down. Families can walk through the historic area, watch demonstrations, learn about colonial life, and turn part of their vacation into a hands-on history lesson without it feeling like school.
You can also visit Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, making this an incredible destination for kids who enjoy history or families who like adding educational experiences to their vacations.
For even more fun, spend a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Families visiting during fall can look for seasonal events and entertainment, but I recommend checking the event schedule carefully if you are traveling with younger children and want to avoid anything designed to be scary.
Type of trip: Educational, historic, family friendly, and attraction filled
Top things to do with kids:
• Explore Colonial Williamsburg
• Visit Jamestown Settlement
• Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
• Spend a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• Explore family friendly fall festivals and markets
• Walk through the historic district
• Take a carriage ride
• Enjoy seasonal foods and treats
• Turn your vacation into a fun hands-on history lesson
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
If your idea of the perfect fall vacation involves piling everyone into the car, turning on a good playlist, and driving through miles of colorful mountains, put the Shenandoah Valley on your list.
Shenandoah National Park is home to Skyline Drive, a scenic road that travels through the Blue Ridge Mountains with dozens of overlooks along the way. During fall, the views can be absolutely beautiful.
Families can stop for short hikes, search for waterfalls, look for wildlife, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery. Outside the national park, you will find apple orchards, farms, small towns, and other seasonal activities throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Luray Caverns is another great addition because it gives you something completely different to do and makes a great backup activity when you need a break from hiking or the weather is not cooperating.
Type of trip: Road trip, national park, outdoor adventure, and budget friendly
Top things to do with kids:
• Drive Skyline Drive
• Explore Shenandoah National Park
• Stop at scenic overlooks
• Take a family friendly hike
• Visit waterfalls
• Go apple picking
• Visit local farms and markets
• Explore Luray Caverns
• Look for wildlife
• Pack a picnic and spend the day in the mountains
Asheville & the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Asheville is another fantastic destination for families who want mountains, waterfalls, scenic drives, and plenty of fall colors.
One of the biggest reasons to visit during fall is the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road winds through the mountains with scenic overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and places where you will want to stop every few miles just to take another picture.
But I would not make this trip only about Asheville.
Nearby Hendersonville is known for its apple orchards, making this area especially fun for a fall family vacation. Families can spend a day picking apples, visiting farm markets, drinking cider, and enjoying seasonal activities before heading back into the mountains.
You can also explore Pisgah National Forest, visit Chimney Rock, search for waterfalls, or spend a day at Biltmore. There is enough variety here that you can easily build an entire family vacation around the region.
Type of trip: Mountain getaway, road trip, outdoorsy, and food focused
Top things to do with kids:
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Visit apple orchards near Hendersonville
• Explore Pisgah National Forest
• Search for waterfalls
• Visit Chimney Rock
• Explore Biltmore
• Take a family friendly hike
• Visit local farms and fall festivals
• Explore downtown Asheville
• Stop at scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Fall in Colorado looks completely different from fall in New England, which is exactly why Estes Park deserves a spot on this list.
Instead of endless forests of red and orange, you can see brilliant golden aspens against dramatic mountain scenery. Fall is also an exciting time for wildlife watching around Estes Park because elk are especially active during this season.
Rocky Mountain National Park gives families countless opportunities to get outside. You can visit Bear Lake, take shorter family friendly hikes, enjoy scenic drives, stop at overlooks, and look for wildlife throughout the park.
Estes Park itself makes a great home base because you can spend your mornings exploring the national park and then return to town for restaurants, shops, and a slower evening together.
Weather can change quickly in the mountains during fall, so families should come prepared with layers and keep an eye on road and trail conditions.
Type of trip: National park, mountain adventure, wildlife, and outdoorsy
Top things to do with kids:
• Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
• Visit Bear Lake
• See the golden aspens
• Look for elk and other wildlife from a safe distance
• Take a family friendly hike
• Drive scenic mountain roads when conditions allow
• Explore downtown Estes Park
• Stop at mountain overlooks
• Pack a picnic for the national park
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is one of those destinations that feels made for a cozy family fall getaway.
Located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, the area is filled with waterfront towns, forests, orchards, lighthouses, and beautiful scenic roads. Once the leaves begin changing, you get that classic fall atmosphere combined with views of the water.
Families can spend their days exploring Peninsula State Park, visiting orchards and farm markets, touring lighthouses, hiking, and stopping in the small towns scattered throughout the peninsula.
This is a great choice for families who want a slower vacation where the goal is not to race from attraction to attraction. You can leave room in your itinerary to explore, stop when something catches your attention, and enjoy being together.
Type of trip: Cozy, scenic, laid back, and great for a Midwest road trip
Top things to do with kids:
• Explore Peninsula State Park
• Visit an apple orchard
• Visit local farm markets
• See Door County’s lighthouses
• Take a scenic drive
• Go hiking
• Explore Fish Creek
• Visit Ephraim and Sister Bay
• Spend time along the Lake Michigan shoreline
• Look for family friendly fall festivals
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City combines so many things that work well for a family fall vacation: colorful leaves, apple orchards, Lake Michigan, scenic drives, farms, and outdoor adventures.
One of the biggest reasons I would choose this area for a family trip is its proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Families can explore the shoreline, hike, enjoy scenic overlooks, and drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
Fall is also a great excuse to explore the farms and orchards surrounding Traverse City. Depending on when you visit, you may find apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, cider, donuts, and other seasonal activities.
This destination works especially well for families who want the outdoor feel of a national park vacation without spending every single day hiking.
Type of trip: Midwest road trip, outdoorsy, coastal, and seasonal
Top things to do with kids:
• Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• Go apple picking
• Visit a pumpkin patch
• Explore a corn maze
• Visit local farms
• Explore downtown Traverse City
• Spend time along Lake Michigan
• Take a family hike
• Enjoy cider and fresh fall treats
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is one of the most unique fall destinations on this list.
This Bavarian-style town tucked into Washington’s Cascade Mountains already feels like somewhere you would expect to find in Europe. Add colorful fall scenery, cool mountain weather, seasonal events, and nearby orchards and you have a really fun family getaway.
Families can walk around downtown, browse the shops, enjoy German-inspired food, explore Waterfront Park, and venture outside town for hiking and scenic drives.
The surrounding Wenatchee Valley is also known for agriculture and orchards, so fall is a great time to explore beyond downtown Leavenworth and experience more of the region.
This is an especially fun option for families on the West Coast who want a fall trip without flying all the way to New England.
Type of trip: Unique, mountain getaway, outdoorsy, and festival focused
Top things to do with kids:
• Explore downtown Leavenworth
• Walk through Waterfront Park
• Take a scenic drive through the Cascades
• Go on a family friendly hike
• Visit nearby orchards and farms
• Look for seasonal festivals and markets
• Try German-inspired foods and treats
• Explore the Wenatchee Valley
• Enjoy the mountain scenery
When Is the Best Time to Take a Fall Family Vacation?
One of the most important things to know when planning a fall vacation is that there really is not one universal “best week” to see fall colors.
Fall moves across the country gradually.
Destinations farther north and at higher elevations generally begin changing first, while areas farther south often see their best colors later in the season. That means a family traveling at the end of September may have completely different destination options than a family traveling at the end of October.
Peak foliage can also change from year to year depending on temperatures, rainfall, storms, and other weather conditions.
If seeing fall colors is one of the biggest reasons for your trip, I recommend choosing your general travel window first and then looking at destinations that typically experience fall foliage around that time.
And remember that you do not necessarily need to hit the exact day of “peak foliage” to have a beautiful vacation. The weeks leading up to and immediately following peak color can still be absolutely gorgeous.
Best Fall Vacation Destinations for Families by Travel Style
Still trying to decide where to go? Start by thinking about what you actually want your family vacation to feel like.
Best for classic fall foliage: Stowe, Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Best for a New England road trip: Vermont and New Hampshire
Best coastal fall vacation: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
Best for apple picking and farms: The Berkshires, Hendersonville near Asheville, and Traverse City
Best for national park families: Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Rocky Mountain National Park
Best for history and educational travel: Williamsburg, Virginia
Best for a cozy cabin vacation: Great Smoky Mountains
Best for wildlife: Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Best Midwest fall vacation: Door County or Traverse City
Best West Coast fall getaway: Leavenworth, Washington
Best for families wanting attractions AND nature: Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge
There really is not one destination that is going to be best for every family. The goal is finding the one that matches your family’s travel style, budget, children’s ages, and the kind of memories you want to create.
What to Pack for a Fall Family Vacation
Packing for a fall vacation can be a little trickier than packing for summer because temperatures can change drastically throughout the day, especially in mountain destinations.
You may leave your hotel in the morning bundled up in a jacket and find yourself peeling off layers by lunchtime.
Here are a few things I recommend bringing:
• Layers that are easy to add and remove
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Lightweight rain jackets
• Warmer jackets for mountain destinations
• Hats and gloves if colder temperatures are possible
• Reusable water bottles
• A small backpack or daypack
• Binoculars for wildlife watching
• Portable chargers
• Sunscreen, even when the temperatures are cooler
• Extra clothes for younger children
• A blanket for picnics, scenic overlooks, or chilly evenings
Always check the forecast right before your trip because fall weather can change quickly.
Tips for Planning a Family Fall Vacation
Fall trips can look spontaneous and carefree in photos, but a little planning ahead can make the actual vacation much easier.
Book popular fall destinations early. Hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals in popular foliage destinations can fill quickly, especially during peak weekends.
Do not plan your entire trip around an exact peak foliage date. Mother Nature does not follow a travel calendar. Choose a destination that offers plenty to do even if the leaves are a little early or late.
Build flexibility into your itinerary. Weather can change quickly during fall. Have a few indoor activities available in case you get a rainy day.
Check seasonal operating hours. Some attractions, restaurants, scenic roads, and businesses begin reducing their hours as destinations transition from summer into winter.
Pack for temperature changes. Layers are your best friend.
Leave room for spontaneous stops. Some of the best parts of a fall road trip are the farm stand you did not know existed, the scenic overlook you almost drove past, or the little town you decide to explore on the way to somewhere else.
Most importantly, do not feel like you need to fit everything into one vacation. Pick a few experiences your family is really excited about and give yourselves enough time to actually enjoy them.
Why Book Your Fall Family Vacation With a Travel Agent?
Planning a fall vacation sounds simple until you start trying to figure out which destination will have fall colors during your travel dates, where your family should stay, which activities are worth adding, how long you actually need, and how to fit everything within your budget.
That is where working with a travel agent can make the process so much easier.
Instead of spending hours jumping between hotel websites, maps, reviews, and travel blogs trying to piece everything together yourself, I can help you narrow down the options and build a vacation around your family.
When you plan your trip with me, I can help with:
• Choosing a destination that fits your family and travel dates
• Finding family friendly hotels, resorts, cabins, and vacation rentals
• Comparing vacation options and pricing
• Booking flights when needed
• Booking rental cars and transportation
• Adding activities, attractions, and excursions
• Travel insurance options
• Recommendations based on your family’s interests
• Keeping the different pieces of your vacation organized
And if you came to this article because you know you want to take a fall vacation but have absolutely no idea where you want to go yet, that is okay too.
You do not need to have your entire vacation figured out before reaching out to me. Tell me when you want to travel, who is going, your approximate budget, and what kind of experience you are dreaming about, and I can help you narrow it down from there.
How to Start Planning Your Fall Family Vacation
If this list has you picturing your family surrounded by fall leaves, exploring a national park, picking apples in New England, or waking up in a cozy mountain cabin, maybe this is your sign to finally start planning that fall trip.
Getting started is easy:
• Fill out my trip request form with your travel details
• Tell me your dates, budget, and who will be traveling
• Share any destinations you are considering, or tell me you need ideas
• I will help you explore vacation options that fit your family
• Once we find the right trip, we can get everything booked and start counting down!
Ready to start planning your fall vacation?
Fill out my trip request form and I will help you start putting together your family’s next adventure:
Or send me a message if you have questions or need help deciding which fall destination is right for your family.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fall Vacation Destinations for Families
There is something special about experiencing fall somewhere that truly embraces the season.
Maybe your kids will remember the first time they saw an entire mountain covered in red and orange leaves. Maybe it will be the afternoon you spent picking apples together, the scenic train ride through New England, the elk you spotted in Colorado, or the night everyone piled into a cabin after a full day exploring the mountains.
Those are the moments that make family travel worth it.
You do not need to wait for summer vacation to plan an incredible family trip. Fall gives you an entirely different way to experience some of the most beautiful destinations in the United States, and sometimes a long weekend or a few days away is all you need.
So if you have been saying, “One year we should take the kids to see the fall colors,” maybe this is the year you finally do it.
Pick the destination. Start planning the trip. Take the pictures. Drink the cider. Let the kids jump in the leaves. And make the memories.
