Top Fall Activities in Northern Virginia for Families

The air is getting crisp, the leaves are beginning to change, and if your kids are already asking “What can we do this weekend?” you’re in luck. Fall in Northern Virginia is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and the season is packed with family-friendly activities that make the most of the cooler weather and colorful scenery. From pumpkin patches to parades, festivals, and scenic hikes, here are some of the Top Fall Activities in Northern Virginia for Families to enjoy autumn close to home.

Apple Picking in Northern Virginia

1. Hartland Orchard – Markham, VA

• Location: Markham, VA
• Varieties: Gala and Golden Delicious

2. Mackintosh Fruit Farm – Berryville, VA

• Location: Berryville, VA
• Season: May through October
• Activities: Pick-your-own apples, hard cider tastings, farm café, and ice cream.

4. Marker-Miller Orchards – Winchester, VA

• Location: Winchester, VA
• Season: August through early November
• Activities: Pick-your-own apples, bakery with apple cider donuts.

5. Hollin Farms – Delaplane, VA

• Location: Delaplane, VA
• Season: Late August through October

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Visiting a pumpkin patch is one of the Top Fall Activities in Northern Virginia for Families, offering hayrides, corn mazes, and seasonal treats everyone will love. I’ve been to all of these and have even taken my students on field trips to Cox Farms – all of the kids loved it!

1. Wegmeyer Farms – Hamilton, VA

• Dates: September 20 – October 31, 2025, Thursdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Admission: Free to enter; pumpkin prices vary
• Website: wegmeyerfarms.com
• Highlights: Over 50 pumpkin varieties, hayrides, farm animals

2. Cox Farms – Centreville, VA

• Dates: September 20 – November 9, 2025
• Admission: $15–$25 depending on day
• Website: coxfarms.com
• Highlights: Giant slides, corn maze, hayrides, farm animals

3. Great Country Farms – Bluemont, VA

• Dates: September – November
• Admission: $10–$20
• Website: greatcountryfarms.com
• Highlights: Farm playground, pumpkin picking, bakery treats

4. Nalls Produce – Alexandria, VA

• Dates: September – October
• Admission: Free; pumpkins priced individually
• Highlights: Neighborhood-friendly, low-key, pumpkin wall

Explore Fall Foliage Trails

I’ve been to all of these trails and they offer a variety of scenery and wildlife. In the fall, the trails really come to life with the vibrant colors of the leaves.

Top Trails & Parks:

1. Burke Lake Park – Fairfax Station, VA

• Trail: 4.6-mile loop around a lake
• Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake
• Highlights: Picnic spots, fishing, playgrounds

2. Mason Neck State Park – Mason Neck, VA

• Trail: Bay View Trail: 1 mile, easy, flat path
• Highlights: Easy, family-friendly trails with stunning fall foliage, water views, and chances to spot wildlife like bald eagles and herons.

3. Theodore Roosevelt Island – Arlington, VA (the island is technically DC)

• Trail: Flat loop, kid-friendly
• Highlights: Quiet spot, riverside views

4. Great Falls Park – McLean, VA

• Trail: Moderate, scenic river overlooks
• Website: nps.gov/grfa
• Highlights: Stunning waterfalls, picnic areas

5. Dyke’s Marsh – Alexandria, VA

• Trail: Flat, paved with pea gravel and boardwalk
• Highlights: Birdwatching, Potomac River views, boardwalk over marsh

Trail Tips:

• Wear layers and comfortable shoes
• Bring snacks, water, and a camera
• Keep kids engaged with leaf hunts or nature bingo

Attend a Fall Festival

Who doesn’t love a festival? Art on the Avenue is a personal favorite. Supporting local artists and makers is a wonderful way to connect with the community.

Top Festivals:

1. Art on the Avenue – Del Ray, Alexandria

• Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
• Admission: Free
• Highlights: Local artists, music, food, kid-friendly activities

2. Del Ray Halloween Parade – Alexandria

• Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 2 p.m.
• Admission: Free
• Highlights: Costumes, decorated strollers, pets

3. Cox Farms Fall Festival – Centreville, VA

• Dates: September 20 – November 9, 2025
• Admission: $15-$25
• Highlights: Hayrides, corn maze, slides, seasonal food

4. Lucketts Fall Market – Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, Berryville, VA

• Dates: Friday–Sunday, October 17–19, 2025
• Admission: Kids 12 and under free, General Admission $23.18
• Highlights: Local crafts, farm stands, seasonal food, family-friendly atmosphere

5. Kids Costume Party & Pumpkin Carving at Bear Chase Brewing Company – Bluemont, VA

• Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
• Admission: Free; food and drinks available for purchase
• Highlights: Outdoor games, family-friendly environment

More Fall Activities in Northern Virginia for Families

The area is bursting with fall activities for the family… here are just a few more! If you missed apple picking season, be sure to take a trip to The Apple House… the apple butter donuts are worth the drive!

1. Spooky Town Books @ Old Town Books – Alexandria, VA: Saturday Oct 25th, 2025 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2. Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days – Mount Vernon, VA: Wagon rides, seasonal crafts
3. Boo at the Zoo – Smithsonian National Zoo, D.C.: Costume-friendly trick-or-treating
4. Mosaic Fall Festival – Merrifield, VA: 11am – 6pm, September 27 & 28
5. The Apple House (Linden, VA) — known for its famous apple butter donuts

Make the Most of Fall in Northern Virginia

Fall is short but full of fun. These Top Fall Activities in Northern Virginia for Families are perfect for making lasting memories. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to scenic hikes and festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Many of these spots also make stunning settings for family or maternity photos! Take a peek at the portfolio and schedule your session.

Which of these activities is at the top of your family’s fall bucket list? Share your favorite traditions in the comments!