Austin is a perfect destination for a fun-filled trip if you search for an incredible family holiday spot this fall. Enjoy fall in Austin with plenty of seasonal activities, such as spooky tours, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and many incredible outdoor adventures in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Here are the top 10 family fall fun activities in Austin.
1. Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Check out your local farm for some traditional harvest fun. Barton Hill Farms is the ideal setting to let your children enjoy authentic outdoor fall activities, such as a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, local sellers, live music, barrel train rides, and much more. Sweet Berry Farms is another popular fall pumpkin patch close to Austin. Or go for a hay ride and meet the lovely animals at the petting zoo at Georgetown’s Sweet Eats Fruit Farm.
2. Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars
Drive over to one of Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In locations and watch classic and indie movies on the big screen underneath the stars. Treat yourself to some of the delicious food from the onsite food truck. Or, if you are up for a short drive, take a trip further south to Doc’s Drive-In Theatre, presenting nighttime showings, house-made meals, and drinks for the adults.
3. Go on a Camping Adventure
Camping with the family is one of the best times to see the world around you and to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Fall, in particular, is among the most beautiful seasons, with vibrant seasonal colors beautifying trees everywhere. Delight in fall weather with an overnight adventure at one of the many campgrounds and state parks outside Austin. Find the best night destination at McKinney Falls State Park, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, or Inks Lake State Park.
4. Take a haunted tour.
See some of Austin’s most haunted places by joining the guided walk brought to you by Austin Ghost Tours or ride in style with the Haunted ATX Hearse Limo and cruise local landmarks believed to be inhabited by spirits. You may also attend the free, annual Murder, Mayhem & Misadventure Walking Tour at Oakwood Cemetery and discover the miserable death of some of its locally well-known inhabitants, portrayed by actors at actual grave sites.
5. Have fun at Boo at the Zoo.
Join the fun Boo at the Zoo at the Austin Zoo, where kids can enjoy Boo at the Zoo on Friday and Saturday evenings. Meet the animal residents and enjoy a spooky train ride, a haunted mansion, and an entertaining puppet show.
6. Explore new Hiking Trails
Austin is sprinkled with loads of trails where you can run, stroll, hike, or bike. Explore the great outdoors as the leaves switch around you, especially when fall is in full swing. From downtown Austin to the neighboring Texas Hill Country, there are a lot of spots to explore by walking. Experience picturesque city views across the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail that winds along the shores of Lady Bird Lake. You may also explore the unique landscape at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, follow the nature paths at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, or stroll the granite batholith at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area close to Fredericksburg.
7.Hit the Lake
Take full advantage of Austin’s fantastic fall weather with a trip to the glittering waters of its lakes. Get out on the water at the beautiful Lady Bird Lake, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards from the Rowing Dock, Texas Rowing Center Greenbelt Outdoors, and much more. You may also try the guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour of downtown Austin with Austin City Kayak Tours.
8. Make Seasonal Recipes
Autumn is the perfect season to spend a little more time in your kitchen and family dinner table. These recipes will satisfy your family this season, from apples to pumpkins, pies to casseroles.
9. Enjoy Patio Dining
Patio time is particular for Austin when people get to delight in the perfect weather. The city has a good selection of outdoor spots for excellent outdoor dining and drinking. Try something from every food truck on the decked-out garden at Cosmic Coffee and Beer, enjoy brunch in the expansive beer garden at one of three Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden locations or dine on German-inspired recipes on the expansive, dog-friendly patio at Scholz Garten.
10. Austin Free Museum Day
Every September (second to last Sunday of September), you can enjoy this free special event of art, music, history, culture, nature, and science. Over 20 museums in Austin will welcome guests with free admission, special programs and activities, and more for visitors of all ages. This year’s event is on the 18th of September.
