Fall in Rochester, NY, is the perfect season for families to enjoy a wide range of fun, kid-friendly activities. With its vibrant foliage, crisp air, and festive atmosphere, the region comes alive with opportunities for adventure and memory-making. From apple picking and pumpkin patches at local farms to exploring scenic parks, hiking trails, and corn mazes, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to keep children entertained. The cooler weather also invites visits to local museums, fall festivals, and even cozy stops for cider and donuts. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of outdoor exploration or indoor discovery, Rochester offers countless ways for families to enjoy the season together and here are my top 10 fall activities with kids in Rochester.
#10 Donuts
Getting fry cakes is a beloved fall tradition that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. These delicious, freshly-made doughnuts, often covered in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, are a seasonal favorite at local farms and cider mills. Whether you’re picking apples, navigating a corn maze, or simply stopping by for a quick snack, grabbing a fry cake is a must. The soft, sweet dough paired with the crisp fall air creates an irresistible seasonal experience that’s treasured by locals and visitors alike.
Guide To Donuts in Rochester
We have lots of great local donut options in Rochester! These places really do donuts right! Our Guide To Donuts In Rochester is presented by Herman’s Farm Market & Cider…
# 9 Erie Canal
Another way to enjoy the fall foliage here in New York is to explore the Erie Canal in the cooler weather. Whether you’re walking or biking along the scenic canal paths, taking a leisurely boat ride, or kayaking through its calm waters, the Erie Canal offers a peaceful escape with picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes, especially during the vibrant fall season. Along the way, you’ll find charming small towns, historic locks, and bridges, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and learning. The canal is also home to various parks, picnic spots, and nature trails, making it a perfect destination for a family outing, a relaxing day trip, or an educational adventure.
Erie Canal Passport: Things To Do Along The Erie Canal in Rochester
The Erie Canal has been a vital part to the Rochester area’s culture for 200 years. Following its completion in 1825, Rochester became a boomtown, with many thriving villages along…
Read More# 8 Train Rides
Family train rides in the Rochester area offer a nostalgic and scenic way to experience the beauty of the region, especially during the fall. In October, check out the Pumpkin Patch Train Rides at Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Ride the train on Saturdays and Sunday, pick out your free pumpkin and visit their seasonal petting zoo. Enjoy the beauty of autumn in New York with Fall Foliage Trolley Rides at the New York Museum of Transportation. Families can ride the vintage electric trolley on Sundays in October.
# 7 Waterfalls
The greater Rochester area is home to several breathtaking waterfalls that are perfect for nature lovers and families looking to explore the outdoors. One of the most iconic is High Falls, located in the heart of downtown Rochester, offering stunning views of the Genesee River plunging 96 feet. Just a short drive away, you can visit the Lower and Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” where the Genesee River carves through a dramatic gorge. For a more serene experience, Corbett’s Glen Nature Park offers peaceful trails leading to small, picturesque cascades. These waterfalls, especially during the fall, provide a perfect backdrop for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Rochester region.
12 Waterfalls Near Rochester
Visiting waterfalls is a much-loved activity of many Rochesterians, and being surrounded by the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, and waterways gives us an ample opportunities to explore. We can travel…
Read More# 6 Hiking
Fall family hikes in Rochester, NY, offer a beautiful and refreshing way to experience the vibrant colors of the season. With a variety of parks and trails to explore, such as Durand Eastman Park, Mendon Ponds Park, and Highland Park, families can enjoy the crisp autumn air while surrounded by stunning fall foliage. If you are able to travel outside the Rochester area, there are several New York State Parks nearby that are excellent for hiking.
Five State Parks Near Rochester
Looking for fun places to get outside with your family this summer? New York is full of adventures featuring history, nature, and activities in its many State Parks. We have…
Read More#5 Pumpkin Patches
Visiting local farms for pumpkin patches is a fantastic fall tradition for families. Kids love picking out their own pumpkins for carving or decorating, and many farms also offer more than just pumpkins—kids can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and even petting zoos, making it an all-around great experience. I love going to West Wind Farms to pick pumpkins straight out of the patch and checking out what is on tap at the Blue Barn Cidery. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the autumn season, support local farmers, and make lasting family memories.
Guide To Pumpkin Patches In Rochester
Fall is coming which means pumpkin-everything – including pumpkins! Treat your family and support local farms with an adventure to pick out pumpkins. Maybe you have never been to a…
Read More#4 Corn Mazes
Exploring local corn mazes is a must-do fall activity for families looking for fun and adventure. Along with the maze, many farms also provide additional activities like hayrides, pumpkin picking, and farm animals, making it a full day of fall fun. Be sure to check out availability for tickets for Long Acre Farm’s Moonlight Maze when you go through the Amazing Maize Maze after dark. Visiting a corn maze is a perfect way to enjoy the crisp autumn air, bond with family, and create lasting seasonal memories.
Guide To Corn Mazes In Rochester
The Rochester area has many local farms who open up for family activities during the fall season, including the ever-iconic fall activity – the corn maze. We’ve listed them here…
Read More#3 Fall Festivals
There are many festivals throughout western New York to get out and enjoy this fall including local Oktoberfests, Harvest Festivals and Rochester’s own Fall Fest. Many festivals also feature local vendors selling handmade goods, fresh produce, and seasonal treats like cider and donuts. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant foliage, enjoying live entertainment, or picking pumpkins, fall festivals in Western New York offer a perfect blend of fun and community spirit, making it a must-do tradition for families.
Guide To Fall Festivals In Rochester
Looking for ways to get out and about with the family this fall? There are so many great festivals throughout the Rochester area and beyond. Maybe you are ready for…
Read More#2 Apple Picking
Apple picking in Rochester is a fun activity that is perfect for moms looking to enjoy the fall season with their kids. The area is home to several picturesque orchards where you can spend the day exploring, filling your bags with crisp, delicious apples, and enjoying the fresh air. My family loves going to Schutt’s Apple Mill to pick fresh apples. Don’t forget to grab some fresh apple cider and donuts before you leave! It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories with your family while supporting local farms.
Guide To Apple Picking In Rochester
There are several wonderful apple farms in our area and we’ve mapped them out for you in our Guide To Apple Picking In Rochester. Before you head out, visit the…
Read More# 1 Family-Fun Farms
Rochester is home to a variety of local farms that offer an abundance of family activities, especially during the fall season. Kids can enjoy outdoor play areas, bounce pillows, and even zip lines, while parents can relax with seasonal treats like fresh apple cider and donuts. These farms also often feature educational activities, allowing children to learn about farm life and animals while having fun. With beautiful fall scenery as the backdrop, these local farms provide the perfect setting for a day full of family-friendly adventure and cherished memories.
Family-Fun Farms in Rochester
There’s something about living in Upstate New York that makes us love our farms. If you’re looking to enjoy the weather and make great family memories, the Rochester area has…
Read More
