Fall in Northern Virginia is beautiful and exciting. I wanted to put together a quick guide of all the fall family fun activities you can do with your family and friends, in addition to getting your photos done at a fall mini session! Below are a list of apple picking farms, fall festivals, and Halloween frights for those that like it a little scary.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is a tradition in Northern Virginia and we are lucky to have so many farms that grow so many different varieties. Make sure to check the websites, some farms finish apple picking in September, but most go through the end of October.
Hartland Orchards – Markham Va
Stribling Orchard – Markham VA
Mackintosh Fruit Farm – Berryville Va
Fall Festivals/Pumpkin Patches
Fall festivals are so fun and we have been visiting many of those listed below for years. These festivals have so many things to do, so make sure you plan enough time to do everything. From bounce pillows to hayrides there is so much to do!
1. Fall for Fairfax KidsFest
- Date: October 7-8, 2023
- Location: Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax, VA
- Description: A family-friendly festival featuring rides, games, live entertainment, and much more. Perfect for kids of all ages.
2. Cox Farms Fall Festival
- Date: September 23 – November 7, 2023
- Location: Centreville, VA
- Description: Known for its famous hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patch, Cox Farms offers a full day of fall fun for the whole family.
3. Vienna Oktoberfest
- Date: October 7, 2023
- Location: Historic Church Street, Vienna, VA
- Description: Celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest with live music, food, beer, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
4. Pumpkin Village Fall Festival
- Date: September 30 – October 31, 2023
- Location: Leesburg Animal Park, Leesburg, VA
- Description: Enjoy pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, hayrides, and a spooky walk-through forest at this charming farm.
5. Great Falls Village Centre Oktoberfest
- Date: October 7, 2023
- Location: Great Falls, VA
- Description: Experience authentic German music, food, and beer in the beautiful Great Falls Village Centre.
6. Clifton Day
- Date: October 8, 2023
- Location: Clifton, VA
- Description: A charming small-town festival featuring arts and crafts vendors, live music, a parade, and delicious food.
7. Waterford Fair
- Date: October 7-9, 2023
- Location: Waterford, VA
- Description: Step back in time at this historic fair featuring craft demonstrations, historic home tours, and traditional foods.
8. Fall Wine and Arts Festival
- Date: October 21-22, 2023
- Location: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, VA
- Description: Sample local wines, browse art vendors, and enjoy live music in a picturesque park setting.
9. Fall Festival at Ticonderoga Farms
- Date: September 16 – November 5, 2023
- Location: Chantilly, VA
- Description: Get lost in the corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, and enjoy a wide range of farm activities.
10. Autumn Apple Festival
- Date: October 14-15, 2023
- Location: Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market & Bakery, Winchester, VA
- Description: Celebrate the bounty of the season at this charming apple festival. Enjoy apple picking, cider tastings, hayrides, live music, and delicious apple-themed treats. There will also be activities for kids and craft vendors.
Great Country Farms – Bluemont VA
Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park – Leesburg VA
Temple Hall Farm – Leesburg VA
Blue Ridge Mountain Maze – Lovingston VA
Halloween Frights
While my family is not much into frights (not sure they are old enough yet), here is a list of haunted attractions in VA. Please make sure to check the websites for information on the scares so you can judge whether your kids are old enough!
Fields of Fear at Cox Farms – Centreville VA – Recommended for kids 12 and up
Haunted Nightmares at Hill Farm – Winchester VA – Evenings are not recommended for kids, Daytimes hours are more appropriate.
Workhouse Haunt – Lorton VA – This is recommended for kids 13 and up
If I have left anything off the list let me know, I love supporting other businesses! Because this is not an exhaustive list you should really visit Dulles Moms or the fall guide by DC Moms for all the Fall fun. Happy Fall Yall!
