6 Fun Fall Activities for the Whole Family

Written By Jessica Chindgren

Brighton Resort | Andrew Burr

Smell the pumpkin spice, snag your coziest sweater and feel the leaves crunch beneath your feet — ah yes, fall has arrived. It's a season that invites you to slow down, savor the moment and enjoy the beauty in transition. So why not do just that? Give your family an autumn vacation to remember with these six fun fall activities, including vibrant fall festivals, foliage and forest forays.

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Farm

Nothing says fall quite like visiting a farm full of pumpkins, corn mazes and tractor rides. Pull out the family's matching flannels and live out your fall dreams at one of Utah’s many farm fall festivals. Near Salt Lake City, Cross E. Ranch is known for its pumpkins, corn maze and pig racing. And don’t forget to taste their famous warm apple cider donuts. A bit south of Salt Lake, you'll find Cornbelly's, Hee Haw Farms and Rowley’s Red Barn, each offering a unique experience including a sunflower festival (Cornbelly's), a giant pumpkin drop (Hee Haw) and apple cannons (Rowley's). And even further south in Hurricane, Utah, just outside of Zion National Park, Fisher Family Farm offers a fall festival and haunted house. For more Utah farm locations, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food maintains a listing at agritourism.utah.gov.

A sampling of Oktoberfest fall food favorites.

Photo: Snowbird

2. Savor Some Fall Foods

No vacation is complete without sampling some mouthwatering local fare. Whether you’re a hater or a lover of the pumpkin spice latte, we’ve got some tasty fall snacks to suit an array of taste buds. Satiate your sweet tooth with the local favorite, Banbury Cross Donuts. Either stick with the classic maple bar, indulge with an apple fritter or try the unique cinnamon crumb donut. Looking for something more on the savory side? Be sure to check out Porcupine Pub and Grille’s famous beer and cheese soup served only during their Oktoberfest. Celebrate fall in the beautiful Utah mountains while enjoying delicious German dishes like Bavarian pretzels and sauerkraut corned beef during Oktoberfest (Oct. 1-30) at this classic pub. You can also check out Snowbird Ski Resorts Oktoberfest for more fall favorite food tastings, now through mid-October. Of course no fall food bit is complete without some apple picking. Cherry Hill Farms in Alpine, Utah, or Riley’s Orchard in Genola, Utah (don’t miss their apple slushies) are perfect for the whole family. And perhaps one of the state's more historic harvests, Capitol Reef National Park's orchards typically offers apple picking through mid-October.

Let a pirate guide you on a boat along the spooky shores of the Provo River.

Photo: Courtesy of CLAS Ropes Course

3. Take a Riverboat Ride through the Woods

Embark on a one-of-a-kind Halloween Riverboat Ride along the Provo River. From September 27 to October 31, let a pirate guide you along the spooky shores of the river. You'll discover over 100 hand-carved pumpkins reflecting eerily on the water. This cruise is fun for all ages! Bundle up, enjoy the cool fall breeze and search for hidden spooky treasures along the shores. The boat ride lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can join in the adventure.

A fall view of Fishlake National Forest.

Photo: More Than Just Parks

4. Enjoy the Vibrant Fall Leaves

Imagine yourself winding down Utah’s scenic byways and canyons that are straight out of a fall foliage catalog. Enjoy the autumn beauty from the comfort of your car, or get up close and personal with the leaves by taking a fall hike. For a scenic drive, try Fishlake Scenic Byway. Here you’ll catch golden aspen leaves littered amongst deep green pines all while reflecting against the high elevation alpine lakes. It’s a truly spectacular drive (Read: 11 Utah Scenic Byways for Leaf Peeping). For a fall hike, check out Stewart Falls near Sundance Mountain Resort. Not only will you enjoy the magnificent fall colors, but you’ll also be rewarded with a towering waterfall at the end. It is a moderate three and a half mile out and back trail making it the nice family hike. You can also check out the popular Alpine Loop Road while you’re on the way to this hike to get the best of both worlds—a gorgeous scenic drive and a fall hike. (Read: 8 Utah Hikes for Leaf Peeping and Natural Splendor)

5. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad Pumpkin Train

Switch up the traditional scenic fall foliage drive and experience Utah’s autumn beauty by rail (Read: Luxury and Legacy on Utah's Railways). The Heber Valley Railroad offers a perfect family-friendly activity where you’ll enjoy not only vibrant fall colors but also delicious pumpkin cookies and a pumpkin patch outing. Offered on Saturdays throughout October, the 40-minute train ride takes place in historic rail cars where riders are entertained by train hosts. You can also check out the railroad’s Halloween Express ride if you’re looking for something a little spookier.

The BOOtanical lights at night make for a spooky but still family-friendly experience.

Photo: Courtesy of Red Butte Garden

6. Explore BOOtanical at Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake is a fabulous place to visit year round, but something special takes place in October when BOOtanical turns the gardens into a festive fall experience. The 2024 theme is "Adventures in Wonderland," where Halloween is spreading its magic in Wonderland, "turning mushrooms into pumpkins and teacups into spiders." You can visit during the day and take in the gorgeous fall colors of the gardens, or you can visit at night when the BOOtanical lights come out for a more spooky experience. Regardless of day or night, it is an activity that is not too scary and great for all ages.

Whether you prefer to be outside amongst the leaves, or sipping a pumpkin-spiced latte from your car, we hope this list helps you experience the magic of fall in Utah. So go ahead, gather around the dinner table with your family and a warm bowl of soup and start planning your trip to Utah today.

If you’re looking for more help planning the perfect Utah fall vacation, check out the best times to visit and the best places to go.

About the Author – Jessica Chindgren

Jessica Chindgren has worked in the tourism industry for over six years and has a passion for telling Utah’s story. If she’s not writing, you’ll find her skiing, traveling, and recreating outdoors.