The year has flown by, and it’s already time to start exploring the Dallas family fall activities that make this season so special.
While you’ve probably spent the summer trying to escape the Texas heat, we’re quickly approaching that time of year when the leaves change colors, the air gets crisper, and the season spookier.
As autumn approaches, let’s cover all the Dallas family fall activities that you won’t want to miss!
DFW Fall Fest: A (Free) Family Favorite
Attending DFW Fall Fest is the perfect way to welcome one of the most thrilling seasons of the year! Held every October in Frisco, TX, the festival boasts free admission and features activities and entertainment like live music, tasty fall treats, face painting, and more—a fun day for the whole family!
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in Dallas
Nothing says fall like a family trip to a pumpkin patch or corn maze! From smaller family farms to bigger, more decked-out spaces, DFW has tons of great options!
Here are some of the top Dallas family fall activities that include patches and mazes:
- YesterLand Farm: From corn mazes and amusement rides to trick-or-treating and fireworks, YesterLand Farm has it all. Pick out a pumpkin or a gourd, then explore all the exciting activities this Canton, TX-based farm has to offer.
- Blaise Family Farm: Located in Rockwall, TX, Blaise Family Farm is a small family-owned farm hidden in the middle of a suburban area and complete with fun activities like a petting zoo and hayride. Grab whatever pumpkin catches your eye, then take a picture with the whole family to preserve the memory for years to come.
- Pumpkin Nights: Pumpkin Nights takes place annually in Arlington, TX, featuring attractions like live fire dancers and a display of thousands of uniquely hand-carved pumpkins. Take a stroll through trails of dazzling lights and savor a warm cup of hot chocolate while watching your kids play Halloween-themed games.
- Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze: Located in Grapevine, TX, Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze is a family-owned farm that opens to the public every year. You can find pumpkins, gourds, and an intricate corn maze to work your way through, as well as a picturesque hayride and petting zoo.
Scenic Fall Hikes and Nature Trails
One of the best parts of fall is watching the leaves begin to change color.
Take a hike through one of these stunning nature trails:
- Trinity River Audubon Center: With five miles of scenic trails through wetlands, forests, and prairies, the Audubon Center in Dallas, TX, assures families they’ll never grow bored during their visit! Participate in activities like bird-watching and see different types of wildlife up close, all while appreciating the sounds and sights of nature.
- Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge: If you’re looking for a hike that’s full of adventure, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is sure to fit the bill. A short distance from downtown Fort Worth, you can discover a herd of bison and other wildlife while trekking 20 miles of different trails.
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: Plano, TX, is home to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, a 200-acre park fit for casual strolls, bike rides, or hikes. It’s designed with the entire family in mind, allowing you to push a stroller along its paved trails while observing the animals and plants local to the area.
Fall Festivals and Events in Dallas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the festivals and events that everyone looks forward to each year.
You won’t want to pass up on adding these attractions to your list of exciting Dallas family fall activities:
- State Fair of Texas: Operating every year since 1886, the State Fair of Texas has enough activities to keep you and your family busy for days. Test your limits on thrilling carnival rides, watch a live show, or chow down on famous foods like corn dogs and deep-fried Oreos.
- Autumn at the Arboretum: The Dallas Arboretum is stunning year-round, but autumn provides visitors with a cozy, enchanting experience. Full of pumpkins, gourds, mums, and hay bales, seeing the gardens come alive for its Fall Festival speaks to its reputation to truly wow everyone who enters its doors.
- Dallas Oktoberfest: A classic event celebrating German culture, Dallas Oktoberfest is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike. With a wide selection of food and drinks, a Kid Zone area, and lots of games, activities, and entertainment, you’ll wish this event was longer than a day!
Halloween Fun for the Whole Family
Celebrating Halloween is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season, and there are plenty of Dallas family fall activities that celebrate this spooktacular holiday. Here are some ideas:
- Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating: Boasting well-lit paths, safety measures in place, and homeowners who are generous candy givers, some of the best neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in are Highland Park, Swiss Avenue, and White Rock Lake.
- Family-Friendly Haunted Houses: For a slightly scary experience, head to Fright Fest at Six Flags, where you can enter different haunted houses while walking from ride to ride. Or, try the Haunted Shadows Lake Trail in The Colony, TX, which offers a PG version upon request.
- Halloween Events and Parades: There’s lots of fun at the Family Fright Fest in The Colony, TX, which has hay rides, games, food trucks, trick-or-treating, crafts, and costume contests. You can also attend the Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival, which encourages everyone to dress up and enjoy live music, a parade, and all of the rich traditions of Mexican food and culture.
Dallas Zoos and Aquariums: Fall Edition
Special Fall Events at the Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo holds a member-only Fall Festival every October. Attendees can speak with zookeepers, get their faces painted, and participate in exclusive sessions where they’ll learn more about certain animals and see them up close.
Autumn Activities at the Children’s Aquarium
The Dallas Children’s Aquarium surprises families with a new spooky event every autumn. Past events have included the “Aqua-scarium” and “Tank and Treat,” featuring Halloween-themed sea life encounters, feedings, story times, costume contests, prizes, and trick or treating.
Planning Your Family Fall Adventures in Dallas
Creating a family bucket list can help you make the most of the fall. Dress warmly as temperatures drop, and always keep an eye on your children.
Start the season with the DFW Fall Fest, then take advantage of other Dallas family fall activities for a memorable autumn!
