As the vibrant colors of fall begin to sweep through Seattle, it’s the perfect time to explore fun activities with your family. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cozy indoor experiences, Seattle offers plenty of options to keep the kids entertained this fall. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do with your family during the season.
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Apple Picking in the Countryside
Apple picking is a fun U-pick experience where you can pick as many or as few as you want. The season typically starts around mid-September, making it a perfect fall activity for families. Our favorite spot is Swans Trail Farm in Snohomish, which not only has a large orchard with four different apple varieties (we love their honeycrisp!) but also hosts an amazing Fall Festival. For an additional cost, the festival is well worth it, especially for families with kids. The festival offers access to awesome play areas, entertaining shows, delicious food, and much more. If you’re looking for another great apple-picking spot, Bailey Farm is also a fantastic place to take the kids.
Would you like more details on fall festivals? You can find them in the section below!f
For a list of great U-pick farms and a full guide to summer and fall fruits in and around Seattle, be sure to check out our guide!
Spend a Day at a Fall Festival
One of the best ways to enjoy fall in Seattle is by spending a day at one of the many local farms hosting their annual Fall Festivals. These festivals are packed with family-friendly activities and seasonal fun, making them a must-do for the season. We personally love taking our kids to Swans Trail Farm and Stocker Farms every year for a full day of autumn adventures.
At Swans Trail Farm, the Fall Festival is an unforgettable experience with a huge variety of activities for all ages. Some highlights include:
- Navigating the Washington State Corn Maze, a massive corn maze shaped like the state, with interactive stations representing different regions.
- Visiting the petting farm, where kids can meet and interact with friendly animals.
- Enjoying the hayrides around the farm and through the scenic pumpkin fields.
- Racing down the giant slide or trying your hand at the pumpkin slingshots.
- Don’t forget to explore the pig races, a fun and unique show that will have your family cheering for their favorite pig!
Over at Stocker Farms, you’ll find a similar range of activities, including corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and play zones for kids, ensuring a full day of entertainment.
Whether you’re picking pumpkins, navigating mazes, or enjoying fall treats, these farms offer fantastic opportunities to create lasting family memories. For a complete rundown of local festivals, check out our blog on fall festivals and pumpkin patches around Seattle!
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
No fall season is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch! Many local farms offer U-pick pumpkin patches where kids can pick their own pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, and get lost in corn mazes. One of our favorites is Swans Trail Farm, which not only offers U-pick pumpkins but also hosts an incredible Fall Festival full of additional fun. You’ll also find great options at Stocker Farms in Snohomish and Remlinger Farms in Carnation.
Many fall festivals also have dedicated sections for pumpkin patches, giving kids even more fun fall activities to enjoy along with the pumpkins. Whether you’re there for the pumpkin picking, hayrides, or other festival attractions, it’s a great way to celebrate the season!
For a complete rundown of fall festivals and pumpkin patches around Seattle, be sure to check out our other blog post!
Take a Day Trip to Leavenworth
If you’re up for a scenic adventure, a day trip to Leavenworth is a fantastic fall activity. The drive alone is worth it, as you’ll be treated to stunning fall colors along the way. Once in Leavenworth, your family can explore the charming Bavarian-themed town and enjoy some unique spots.
Be sure to stop by the Gingerbread Factory for a sweet treat or grab some ice cream at Whistlepunk Ice Cream Co. For a taste of Germany, try a traditional meal at Munchen Haus or Andreas Keller. The kids will love the festive atmosphere, especially if you visit during one of Leavenworth’s fall events.
And for a little thrill, check out the Alpine Coaster at the Leavenworth Adventure Park! This fun ride offers a unique way to take in the fall views as you zip down the mountainside on a family-friendly coaster.
For a full rundown, check out our blog post about things to do with kids in Leavenworth.
Enjoy the Fall Foliage in Seattle
Seattle’s fall colors are a sight to behold, and there are some fantastic spots to soak in the beauty of the season without straying far from the city. Three of our favorite local gems for stunning fall foliage include the Washington Park Arboretum, Gene Coulon Park, and Green Lake Park.
- Washington Park Arboretum: This sprawling park is a perfect spot for a family nature walk, with wide paths and a variety of trees showing off their autumn hues. The peaceful setting and changing leaves make it a must-see during the fall.
- Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park: Located in Renton, this waterfront park offers great views of Lake Washington, with plenty of colorful trees lining its paths. It’s a quieter, more relaxed option for enjoying fall foliage close to Seattle.
- Green Lake Park: The loop around Green Lake is lined with vibrant trees, making it one of the best places in the city for a fall stroll. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk or stroller ride while the kids enjoy the views.
Another fun way to enjoy fall colors is by visiting your local playground! Many Seattle and surrounding neighborhoods have parks with beautiful trees, making it easy to incorporate some leaf-peeping into your playtime. For instance, the trees at Aubrey Davis Park in Mercer Island, particularly around the playground, are a stunning sight in the fall (see our photo above!).
If you’re willing to venture further, there are even more amazing spots for leaf-peeping with kids. For a full guide to the best places to see fall colors, check out our blog for our top 15 best places to see fall colors with kids.
Go on a Family Hike (or Walk)
Fall is the perfect time to head outdoors for a family hike, especially when the foliage is at its peak. If you’re lucky enough to catch a rare dry Seattle day, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore some kid-friendly trails near the city. Here are a few of our favorite leisure walks that are perfect for little ones:
- Discovery Park: With its wide-open spaces and forested paths, Discovery Park offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall colors.
- Bellevue Botanical Garden: This peaceful garden is an easy walk for kids and a beautiful place to explore during the fall. The well-maintained paths make it accessible and fun for families. And the kids will love walking on the suspension bridge!
- Snoqualmie Falls: If you’re short on time, the quick walk to the viewing platform at Snoqualmie Falls is perfect for a brief but spectacular outing. The waterfall is especially breathtaking when surrounded by fall foliage.
For more family-friendly hiking ideas, check out our blog post on the top 8 kid-friendly hikes near Seattle!
Salmon Viewing at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
Living in Seattle, we’re lucky to be near so many natural salmon habitats in the Pacific Northwest, and fall is the perfect time to witness the salmon runs. A fantastic place to take the kids is the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, where you can watch the salmon return to their spawning grounds.
This outdoor adventure is both fun and educational, with displays and tours that explain the salmon’s life cycle. The kids will love seeing the salmon swim upstream, and the surrounding area is full of vibrant fall colors, making it a beautiful spot to explore.
This outdoor adventure is both fun and educational, with displays and tours that explain the salmon’s life cycle. The kids will love seeing the salmon swim upstream, and the surrounding area is full of vibrant fall colors, making it a beautiful spot to explore.
For more tips, check out our blog on the 7 must-do things at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery with kids to make the most of your visit!
Explore Indoor Arcades and Trampoline Parks
Seattle’s fall weather can be cold and rainy, making it the perfect time to find fun indoor activities where kids can run around and burn off energy. Our two favorite Arena Sports centers are Mill Creek and Issaquah, thanks to their awesome arcade selections and kid-friendly activities.
Of the two, Arena Sports Mill Creek features one of the largest inflatable bounce houses around, making it a must-visit for kids who love to bounce. Alongside the inflatables, Mill Creek offers exciting attractions like Laser Tag, a Ropes Course, and Mini Bowling. Both the Mill Creek and Issaquah locations also have updated arcades with a variety of fun games. Whether your kids are jumping, gaming, or bowling, these locations provide endless entertainment for the whole family!
Another great option is Dave and Buster’s, where you’ll find a wide variety of arcade games. It’s a perfect spot for a family day out, especially on Wednesdays when arcade games are half off!
For more options, check out our blog post on the best trampoline parks near Seattle and fun indoor play spots in Bellevue for kids!
Visit Great Wolf Lodge Near Seattle
Looking for a fun indoor getaway this fall? Just a short drive from Seattle, the Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound in Centralia is a fantastic option! Their indoor water park is warm and welcoming all year round, making it the perfect escape from Seattle’s rainy fall weather. Kids can enjoy waterslides, wave pools, and plenty of splash zones, all under one roof.
In October, the lodge goes all out with special Halloween decorations and events, adding extra excitement for guests. Activities like costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and even trick-or-treating make it a perfect destination for families looking to celebrate Halloween indoors.
For more tips on how to make the most of your visit to Great Wolf Lodge, check out our blog post!
Visit Kid-Friendly Halloween Trick-or-Treat Spots
Fall in Seattle wouldn’t be complete without some Halloween fun! One of the best ways to celebrate with kids is by visiting local trick-or-treat spots, many of which are designed to be safe and family-friendly. Our favorite trick-or-treat spots are the shopping centers, which often host events on weekends leading up to the end of October. These events are perfect for young kids and offer a safe environment for collecting candy and showing off their costumes.
For a complete list of the best kid-friendly trick-or-treat spots around Seattle, be sure to check out our Safe Kid-Friendly Halloween Trick-or-Treat Guide!
Wrapping Up Fall Fun in Seattle
Whether you’re exploring the outdoors with a hike through vibrant fall foliage, enjoying pumpkin patches and fall festivals, or finding indoor fun at arcades and water parks, Seattle has something for every family this season. The crisp autumn air and seasonal activities create the perfect backdrop for making special memories with your kids.
