Fall is one of my favorite times of year in Atlanta. The weather finally cools down, the leaves start changing, and there are so many fall activities in Atlanta for families to enjoy.
But I’ll be honest—I don’t love crowds.
When you have little kids, a fall outing can easily turn into a full-day production. Drive somewhere, find parking, stand in line, wait for an activity, find food, wait in another line, and by the time you’re heading home everyone is tired and someone is probably crying.
So while Atlanta has plenty of big fall attractions, I also like finding the quieter, simpler ways to enjoy the season.
Whether you have a newborn, toddlers, or older kids, here are some of my favorite fall activities in Atlanta and the surrounding area.
More Fall Activities in Atlanta to Try
Pumpkin Patches and Fall Farms
Of course, pumpkin patches are at the top of the list.
There are plenty of fall farms near Atlanta that turn into full fall destinations with pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals, food, games and activities for kids.
Some are relatively simple—you pick out a pumpkin and head home. Others can easily turn into a half-day or full-day outing.
If your kids love having lots to do, places like Southern Belle Farm is a popular choice for a full fall experience.
But here’s something I learned the hard way:
Buy your tickets ahead of time.
One year I completely forgot to do that. I drove about an hour with three boys dressed and ready to go, only to find out when we arrived that we couldn’t just walk in.
At that point, I had three very excited kids and was absolutely not about to drive an hour back home with three screaming children.
Thankfully, a very kind family had extra wristbands and gave them to us. My twins were still under the age requirement, so I felt a little guilty accepting them, but Mom has to do what Mom has to do sometimes.
We ended up spending plenty on food and activities once we were there, and the boys had a great time.
So learn from my mistake: check the website before you leave and buy your tickets in advance. Some farms have timed entry, limited capacity or separate tickets for certain activities.
And if you don’t love crowds, consider going on a weekday or early in the morning. The experience can be completely different.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
A corn maze is one of those fall activities in Atlanta that kids can get really excited about.
Older toddlers and school-age kids can run around, explore and try to figure out where they’re going, which means you don’t have to come up with much entertainment yourself.
Many of the larger fall farms combine their corn maze with pumpkin patches, hayrides, farm animals and other activities, so check what is included with your admission before you go.
If you’re bringing a baby, a carrier may be much easier than a stroller. Between uneven ground, dirt and narrow paths, this isn’t necessarily the place for your nicest stroller.
Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is another classic fall activity, especially if you’re willing to make a day trip north of Atlanta.
I’ve already written a whole guide to apple picking near Atlanta, so I’m not going to repeat all of those recommendations here. You can check out that guide if you’re looking for a farm to visit.
For families with little kids, I like keeping the day simple. Pick some apples, grab apple cider or an apple cider donut, let the kids run around and head home.
You don’t have to do every activity available just because you drove all the way there.
Take a Fall Hike
You don’t need a pumpkin patch or organized event to enjoy fall.
One of my favorite things to do is simply get outside and look at the leaves.
Cloudland Canyon is one of our family favorites. It is farther from Atlanta, but the scenery is beautiful when the leaves are changing and it makes a great fall day trip.
If you have little kids, choose your trail based on their ages and your energy level. If you have a baby, a carrier can be much easier than a stroller on many trails.
And you don’t have to drive that far. There are plenty of parks and trails around the Atlanta area where you can get outside, walk for a while and enjoy the changing leaves.
The point isn’t to conquer the hardest trail. It’s to get outside.
Visit a Farmers Market
For something much more low-key, head to a local farmers market.
This is one of my favorite options when I don’t want to commit to an entire day of activities.
Grab a coffee, walk around with the stroller, pick up some seasonal produce, browse the vendors and bring home something good for dinner.
In the fall, you’ll often find pumpkins, gourds, flowers, baked goods and other seasonal products.
It’s also a great option if you have a newborn because you can get out of the house without planning an entire outing around nap schedules and activities.
Find Apple Cider and Fall Treats
Sometimes you don’t need an activity at all.
Find a local farm, bakery or market selling apple cider, cider donuts, caramel apples, pumpkin bread or other fall treats.
Get the kids a donut, grab yourself a coffee, walk around for a little while and go home.
Especially with babies and toddlers, sometimes the simplest outing is the one everyone enjoys the most.
Go to a Fall Festival
If crowds don’t bother you, Atlanta has plenty of fall festivals and community events.
Look for neighborhood festivals, craft fairs, live music, food trucks, Halloween events and markets.
These can be especially fun with older kids because there is usually plenty to see and do.
With a newborn or young toddler, though, I’d consider your family’s personality before committing to a packed festival.
If your kids love crowds, noise and lots of activities, go for it.
If you’re more like me and would rather have a quiet morning, there are plenty of other options.
Take a Fall Walk Around Your Neighborhood
This one costs nothing and requires almost no planning.
Put the baby in the stroller or carrier, grab the older kids and take a walk around your neighborhood.
Look at the leaves. Let the kids collect a few. Stop for a snack. Take the long way home.
You don’t have to drive somewhere for it to feel like a fall activity.
Sometimes getting outside for an hour is enough.
Have a Fall Day at Home
And if you have a newborn, staying home is also completely acceptable.
Make chili. Bake something. Decorate pumpkins. Read Halloween books. Let the kids play outside.
You don’t need a packed calendar to make fall feel special.
Some of the best memories are the ordinary days when everyone is home, the kids are playing and you’re not rushing from one activity to another.
A Few Tips for Fall Outings With Kids
Before you head out, especially to a popular pumpkin patch or fall farm, a little planning can save you a lot of frustration.
- Buy tickets ahead of time and check whether reservations or timed entry are required.
- Check the age requirements for activities.
- Find out what is included with admission and what costs extra.
- Go early if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Bring layers. Atlanta mornings and afternoons can have very different temperatures.
- Consider a baby carrier for farms, corn mazes and uneven paths.
- Bring snacks and water even if you plan to buy food.
- Check the weather before you leave.
- Don’t try to do everything in one day.
Most importantly, choose something that works for your family.
Fall in Atlanta can be a big day at a pumpkin farm with a corn maze and hayride, or it can be an apple cider donut and a walk around the neighborhood.
There is no right way to do it.
Looking for a Photographer?
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta in the fall with a newborn, toddlers or older kids, you don’t have to make it complicated.
Fall in Atlanta can be a big day at a pumpkin farm with a corn maze and hayride, or it can be an apple cider donut and a walk around the neighborhood.
There is no right way to do it.
If you’re expecting a baby, have a newborn at home, or your kids are growing faster than you’d like, I photograph families throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas in a relaxed, natural way.
I want you in the photographs with your children—not just behind the camera taking them.
Explore my Atlanta maternity photography, Atlanta newborn photography, and Atlanta family photography.
Because one day you’ll realize that those ordinary days—the pumpkin patch, the walk, the apple cider donut, the kids running around—are the moments you remember most.
It’s nice to be in the photographs, too.
Read More
Apple Picking Near Atlanta
Planning an apple-picking day trip? Check out my guide to some of the best places to pick apples near Atlanta.
Best Splash Pads in Atlanta for Kids
Looking for more ideas for getting the kids outside? Here’s my guide to some of the best splash pads around Atlanta.
Atlanta Motherhood Guide
A collection of Atlanta-area resources, services and ideas for moms and families.
Atlanta Newborn Photography Guide
Planning newborn photos? Learn more about what to expect from a newborn photography session in your own home.
