Editor-in-Chief at Raleigh Family Adventure

Amy Hartle is the enthusiastic force behind Raleigh Family Adventure as its Editor-in-Chief and founder. She resides in the North Carolina Triangle area with her husband and their adventurous toddler. Amy has worked as a content creator since 2012, specializing in travel and lifestyle. On this site, Amy marries her expertise with her passion to bring Raleigh parents the best in local family fun.

Top Raleigh Fall Activities + Places to Go

Where are the must-do family fall activities in Raleigh? That’s what the focus of this section is; the bucket list fall spots around the Triangle that families love. These are classic places you’ll want to return to year after year, creating a fall family tradition!

Page Farms – Raleigh

Page Farms is a quintessential fall spot in Raleigh. Their autumn fun includes pumpkin picking, a Corn Maze, Hayride, Playground, Cow Train, Farm Animals, and much more! There’s also a super cute farm store bursting with fall goodies.

Location: 📍6100 Mount Herman Road, Raleigh, NC 27617

Hours: (Late September through October): Tuesday through Thursday 9AM-1PM
Friday through Sunday 9AM – 6PM

Pricing: Tuesday – Friday 9AM-1PM – $12.00 per person | Friday 1PM-6PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM-6PM – $18.00 per person (includes 1 pumpkin!)

Age 2 and under Free (no pumpkin included with free admission); Senior Citizen 65+ and Military discount – $1.00 off admission

Hill Ridge Farms – Youngsville

Hill Ridge Farms will open their Fall Pumpkin Festival this year from September 25th-November 1st. There is so much to do at this family-friendly farm, including play areas, a carousel, a train, a covered wagon ride (with pumpkin included), hot cider donuts, apple cider, animals, and more.

Location: 📍703 Tarboro Road Youngsville, NC 27596

Hours: Wed-Sun 9:30-6:30

Pricing:

General Admission Pass (Includes Covered Wagon Ride. Free Pumpkin. Farm park play areas. Picnic Areas)

$19.95 ages 2-64
Under age 2 Free.
Age 65+ $17.95 | Military $17.95

Add-Ons:
Train Ride: $4
Carousel: $4

Super Pass: $29.95 per person (Includes unlimited fun! Train Ride, Covered Wagon Ride w/pumpkin, Carousel, Duck Race, Gem Mining Bag! Farm park play areas. Picnic Areas.)

Naylor Farm – Fuquay-Varina

Naylor Family Farm is among our personal favorites for fall activities in the Triangle. This sprawling farm in Fuquay-Varina is such a treasure during the fall season. Naylor will open this fall starting September 14th.

There’s plenty to do here to keep the kiddos busy, like giant slides, pedal carts, a corn crib, corn maze, lots of playground options, farm animals, and even a 120-foot pirate ship!

But the best part of visiting Naylor Farm is their spooky hayride. The wagon takes you through the woods to the pumpkin patch and there’s lots of spooky, clever surprises along the way. (PS: I didn’t think it was too scary for my son last year, but there are a few elements like giant spiders that fall from above, so it’s worth noting if your child would enjoy this or not).

Location: 📍6016 US-401 Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Hours:
September Hours (beginning September 14th): Saturday: 9am – 6pm & Sunday: 1 – 6pm

October Hours – Monday – Friday: 11am – 4pm, Saturday: 9am – 6pm + Sunday: 10am – 6pm

November Hours – Saturday: 9am – 6pm & Sunday: 1 – 6pm

Pricing: Farm Pass – $20 (for ages 3+)

Phillips Farm – Cary

Phillips Farm is another iconic fall spot in the Triangle. This family-owned farm offers fun throughout the summer, too, but the autumn is very special here. This property is huge, and offers everything from a corn maze (plus one for little kids) to a cow train.

Their recently expanded family fun park will offer a treasure trove of fun this fall season, and they’ve teased that more is coming soon. The 2024 season kicks off 9/7.

Location: 📍 6720 Good Hope Church Road Cary, NC 27519

Hours:
Family Fun Park Hours of Operation:
Thursdays: 3PM-6:30PM
Fridays: 3PM-6PM
Saturdays: 10AM-6PM
Sundays: 1PM-6PM

Pricing: $20 per person

Ken’s Korny Corn Maze – Garner

Ken’s Produce & Garden Center in Garner, North Carolina, is known for it’s huge annual corn maze. Covering 5 acres and offering 3 different sections, Ken’s Korny Corn Maze offers a-maze-ing fun!

But the maze isn’t the only attraction here. There’s also a big Adventure Zone with activities such as slides, a rope maze, mini golf, duck races, and other games. Fall fun begins September 23rd, 2024 and runs until November 6th.

Location: 📍 3175 Benson Road Garner, NC 27529

Hours:

Friday | 4pm – 9pm
Saturday | 10am – 9pm
Sunday | 12pm – 8pm

Pricing: Ages 3-5 | $10 cash / $11 card; Ages 6+ | $17 cash / $18 card
This includes entry into the Corn Maze AND the Adventure Zone. Hayrides are available as an add-on.

Adventure Zone ONLY
Ages 3+ | $10 cash / $11 card

Vollmer Farm – Bunn

While Vollmer Farm is a little outside the Triangle proper, it is a beloved spot for many North Carolina families in the fall months.

Activities take place on the Back-40 of the farm. An admission ticket includes a ton of things to do: playground, cow train, corn maze, jumping pillow, farm animals, and more. And there are additional activities available for purchase like gem mining. Fall fun will be 9/28-10/27.

Location: 📍 677 NC Hwy 98 E Bunn, NC 27508

Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm

Pricing:
$16 – Ages 4-54
$12 – 55+
$10 Scouts in uniform/photo in uniform
Free – Ages 3 and under. Military, first responders, teachers, healthcare workers.

Spring Haven Farm – Chapel Hill

Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill is one of our favorite places. They offer animal encounters and other cool activities year-round, but fall is extra awesome at this goat farm.

Their standout offering is “Pumpkin Carving with Goats” which is as cute as it sounds. We did this last year, and it was delightful carving our pumpkins while petting the sweet goats and letting them eat some of the pumpkin scraps! Runs from September 18 through October 31.

In addition to events like this, the farm goes all out with its fall decor and is such a cute spot. They’ve got other activities too, like gem mining and a tractor ride.

Location: 📍 5306 Homer Ruffin Road Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm

Pricing:
$14.95 per person for a ticket to the farm plus whichever size pumpkin you choose.
$9 to $17 Pumpkin size of your choice
You can choose from small, medium, and large pumpkins to carve.

*Hanging with a goat at Spring Haven Farm*

McKee Cornfield Maze – Hillsborough

McKee is one of the biggest corn mazes around, with a maze to get you “corn-fused” over 12 acres! And for the little ones, there’s a smaller, simpler maze to explore.

Additional fall fun is also on the menu, including pumpkin patch, hayrides, animals, a barrel train, corn hole, and more.

Location: 📍 5011 Kiger Road, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278

Hours: Friday 3 PM – 8 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM, Sunday 1 PM – 7 PM

Pricing: General Admission $15.00 – includes all activities | Children 0-2 Free

The Family Farm on Avent Ferry – Holly Springs

This is a classic fall farm, where you can go to grab pumpkins perfect for decorating and carving. This is a very photogenic spot with lots of fall photo opps. Visit the farm animals, climb on the hay bales, and have an old-fashioned day of fall family fun.

Location: 📍 1719 Avent Ferry Road Holly Springs, NC 27540

Hours: PUMPKIN SEASON
Saturdays 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sundays 1:00 PM-6:00 PM
Weekdays 4:00 PM-6:00 PM

Pricing: No cost for admission

Gross Farms – Sanford

Gross Farms is a 7th generation North Carolina Century Farm. Their fall fun is popping, with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and one of the largest corn mazes in the region.
Similar to other farms on this list, they offer other activities, too, such as slides, a play area, pedal karts, and a giant jumping pillow! But the top spot just might be their Pumpkin Barn which is just screaming for you to take your kids’ photos there.

Location: 📍 1606 Pickett Road, Sanford, NC 27332

Hours:

CORN MAZE & PUMPKIN PATCH
September 14 – November 3
Fridays (October only): 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sundays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pumpkin Patch ONLY (October only):
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
All other activities are closed on weekdays, except Friday evenings in October.

Pricing: $20 for a single visit All-access pass. Ages 2 and under are FREE with a Parent’s/Guardian’s paid All Access Pass admission.

You can also pay $5 for just a visit to the Pumpkin Patch.

For Garden’s Sake – Durham

If you’re looking to grab a pumpkin and some mums and maybe relax for a bit, For Garden’s Sake in Durham is a perfect choice! While they don’t offer the many activities of some of the other fall destinations, they are a beautiful space with some swings, animals to visit, and great vibes.

Location: 📍9197 NC Hwy 751 Durham, NC 27713

Hours: Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm, Sun: 10am – 5pm

Pricing: n/a

Smiths Nursery – Benson

Come fall time, Smiths Nursery (a great spot for summer berry picking) offers hay rides to the pumpkin patch. This is a beautiful scenic farm with sweet animals to visit, too!.

Location: 📍 443 Sanders Rd. Benson, NC 27504

Hours: Farm Market & Garden Center and Ice Cream Shack are now open Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 4 pm,
Sunday: CLOSED

Pricing: No charge to visit the farm. Some events are ticketed.

Smith’s Family Fun Farm – Hillsborough

Looking for a true pumpkin patch where you can pick your gourd right off the vine? You’ll find that at Smith’s Family Fun Farm in Hillsborough.

One great thing about this spot is they don’t charge admission to visit. They just ask that you purchase a pumpkin when visiting the patch. You can pick from the vine or from their selection of pre-picked pumps.

And of course, there’s more fun to be had here! They have a play area with an exciting giant slide, Spookley the Square Pumpkin storyboards throughout the farm to read, and numerous fall photo ops.

Location: 📍 1715 St Marys RdHillsborough, NC 27278

Hours:
Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Tuesday-Friday 3pm-6pm

Pricing: Free admission, please support the farm by purchasing a pumpkin!

Grasshopper Farms – Knightdale

We’ve only been to Grasshopper Farms in the spring so far, but we definitely plan to visit again this fall! A lovely farm market located in Knightdale, Grasshopper Farms has great fun for kids like a playground, big sandbox, and ice cream. But in the autumn months, they also have a massive corn maze and a huge pumpkin patch. Be sure to add this spot to your list for fall family adventures!

Location: 📍 8004 Poole Rd., Knightdale, NC 27545 | (Entrance off Grasshopper Rd)

Hours:

Fall fun starts 9/14

Farm Market: Monday – Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm; Saturday 9am – 6:00pm
Pumpkin Patch: Dates: 10am – 6pm
Corn Maze: 11 am – 7pm (or dark)

Pricing: General Admission – $13, Ages 4-12 – $11, Group Rate – $11 (Includes admission to corn maze, fall fun playground, and free small pumpkin)

Holder Hill Farm – Durham

Holder Hill Farm is a newer farm in the Triangle and it is serving up the fall fun! They will open for the fall season Friday, September 20th, 2024 and run into November.

Here you can pick pumpkins right off the vine, and your admission includes one pumpkin to take home, in addition to all the other activities like the corn crib, hay mountain, hay ride, corn maze, nature trail, barnyard bounce, and farm animals.

Location: 📍4822 Holder Rd., Durham, NC 27703

Hours: Open Daily

Pricing: $16 (2 and older)

Perkins Orchard – Durham

This lovely farm stand is a great place to grab fresh apples, pumpkins, and more for the season. Grab a cup of their apple cider, and then join in their Pumpkin Painting. This perfect Halloween kids activity includes everything you need to paint and decorate your own pumpkin to take home.

Location: 📍

Hours: Daily 9:00am-8:00pm

Pricing: $10 for pumpkin painting

Hubbs Farm – Clinton

You’ll have to travel a bit outside of the Triangle for this one, but Hubbs Farm is home to an epic fall festival, corn maze, and pumpkin patch. With the many activities they offer, it could be a great day trip. Their fall fun starts 9/21, and includes things like wagon rides, animals, tire mountain, gem mining, corn hole games, live duck races, and more.

Location: 📍

Hours:

Wed – Fri 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturdays in Sept/Nov 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays in October 10 a.m. to 9.pm.
Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Pricing: $12.95

Triangle Fall Festivals and Events

This list is continuously being updated as more events are announced, so check back for more as fall gets closer!

NOTE: FREE events are shown in GREEN!

🍁10th Anniversary Oktoberfest Celebration – The Glass Jug Beer Lab (Durham)

Saturday September 7th | 2:00pm-9:00pm

Family-friendly, all are welcome, and no cost to attend. DJ Gummy will be getting the party started from 2-5 PM, spinning a mix of party favorites and Oktoberfest classics. The Little German Band & Dancers will take the stage from 5-9 PM with a full band and dancers leading us in a classic Oktoberfest celebration!

🍁 Oktoberfest – Raleigh Brewing (Raleigh)

Sunday September 8th | 1:00pm-6:00pm

Dust off your Dirndl and Lederhosen and join us at our Oktoberfest Celebration on September 8th! Free to attend

🍁Pumpkin Party – Leslie-Alford-Mims House (Holly Springs)

Sunday September 8th | 11:00am

Join the Glass Slipper Princess & her Step Sisters on Sunday, September 8th at Leslie-Alford-Mims House for the ultimate Pumpkin Party! Guests will enjoy seasonal sweet treats, pumpkin decorating, live performances, mini makeup fun, games & more!

🍁Fall 2024 Open House – Smith’s Nursery (Benson)

Saturday September 14th | 9:00am-5:00pm

Come join us on Saturday, September 14th from 9 am to 5 pm for our Fall 2024 Open House. You can shop fall decor and mums, eat some yummy ice cream, and ride the hayride down to the pumpkin patch!

🍁Oktoberfest – Apex Town Campus (Apex)

Saturday September 14th | 12:00pm-7:00pm

Come out to Town Campus and enjoy an afternoon of celebration. This family friendly, outdoor festival features live German music, beer, wine, local food including traditional brats, a Kids Zone and more. This is a community event
organized by the American Legion Post 124.

🍁Oktoberfest 2024 – Bull McCabe’s (Durham)

Saturday September 14th

This year on Saturday September 14th we’ll be hosting the Appalachian Freunde Polka Band from 2-5, and 6-10pm, and they’ll be leading us on in songs, dance, and games! We’ll have all our favorite Festbiers & Marzens, with a crazy good themed menu!!! The event is FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY, and festive attire is encouraged!

🍁Burwell School Fall Festival – Burwell School Historic Site (Hillsborough)

Saturday September 21st | 10:00am-4:00pm

Discover a bustling marketplace with local vendors offering treasures aplenty, tantalize your taste buds at our delectable bake sale, and hunt for hidden gems at our vibrant tag sale. Experience the charm of yesteryear with historic children’s games that promise laughter and joy for all ages.

🍁Mead Fest 2024 – Starrlight Mead (Pittsboro)

Saturday September 21st | 12:00pm-5:00pm

Our annual celebration of all things mead! Drink mead, learn how to make mead, celebrate mead! Also, it’s a fun excuse for a mini-Renaissance faire! Music, Vendors, Knights, Food, and more!

Special Needs Farm Day – Phillips Farms (Cary)

Wednesday September 23rd | 3:00pm-6:30pm

Admission for special needs children and one caregiver is FREE. Additional guests 1/2 price admission on this day only. Only special needs children and their families will be admitted in order to create a safe space for them to play and enjoy the fun park.

🍁Oktoberfest – Lafayette Village (Raleigh)

Saturday September 28th | 12:00pm-4:00pm

Grab your Lederhosen and enjoy a German Inspired festival with Fall Brews, German inspired Foods, Live Music, Shopping & Fun throughout the Village! PLUS, the 8th Annual Wiener Dog Races!

🍁NC Eat & Play’s Fall Hootenanny – Hunt Horse Complex @ State Fairgrounds (Raleigh)

Saturday September 28th | 3:00pm-7:00pm

Foodie fest, live music, and family fun. Presented by Cheerwine.

🍁Triangle Oktoberfest – Koka Booth Amphitheater (Cary)

Friday and Saturday October 4th-5th

This is the Triangle’s biggest Oktoberfest there is an abundance of live music, German beer, German food, dancing, and fun for all. The younger members of the family will enjoy the Kinderplatz Zone with face painting, yard games, and other kid-friendly activities. Ages 15 and under are free.

🍁Fall Arts Fair – Fred Fletcher Park (Raleigh)

Saturday October 5th | 10:00am-5:00pm

Get an early start on your holiday shopping and enjoy a fun-filled day at Fred Fletcher Park on Saturday, October 5, from 10 am to 5 pm, featuring over 60 local artist vendors, food trucks, live music, hands-on activities, and demonstrations.

🍁Wendell Harvest Festival – Downtown Wendell (Wendell)

Saturday October 5th | 9:00am-9:00pm

This day of fun in Downtown Wendell has been happening for nearly 100 years, and includes a parade, a Kids Village, on-stage entertainment, food trucks, and an evening concert.

🍁Falling for Local – Dix Park (Raleigh)

Saturday October 5th | 11:00am-6:00pm

This huge event in the Triangle offers hayrides, a free pumpkin patch, inflatables, kids activities, delicious food, live music, NC craft beer, and much more!

🍁Raleigh Fall Harvest Vendor Market & Trick or Treat – Compass Rose Brewery (Raleigh)

Saturday October 12th | 12:00pm-5:00pm

Fall is here! Time for apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkins, hayrides, and fall decor. Have a beverage and shop fall fashions, decor, and more from small businesses at our Fall Harvest Vendor Market. Shop local vendors, trick or treat for the kiddos, vendor giveaways and more.

🍁Oktoberfest – Deep River Brewing (Clayton)

Saturday October 12th | 12:00pm-10:00pm

Games, food trucks, live music. The FIRST 100 people will be lucky enough to receive a pretzel necklace with their stein purchase.

🍁NC State Fair – State Fairgrounds (Raleigh)

October 17th-27th, 2024

The NC State Fair is the biggest annual event in the state. While it isn’t fall-themed, it is a true fall tradition for families! This year will be its 156th year!

🍁HollyFest – Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park (Holly Springs)

Saturday October 26th | 10:00am-4:00pm

This annual, family-friendly event celebrates Holly Springs and all the people, places and services that our community has to offer. Featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities, and local entertainment; this free event is a Holly Springs tradition.

Halloween Events and Trunk or Treats

This list is continuously being updated as more events are announced, so check back for more as fall gets closer!

NOTE: FREE Events are shown in GREEN!

🎃Movie Under the Stars: Hocus Pocus – Carolina Square (Chapel Hill)

Friday October 4th | 6:00pm-9:00pm

Join us for a fun, free movie screening in Downtown Chapel Hill at the Carolina Square lawn! This spooky edition of Movies Under the Stars will feature the beloved Halloween film Hocus Pocus. Expect a round of movie-themed trivia, a costume contest, and a movie screening beginning at sundown.

🎃Boo Bash – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 11th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo – Downtown Garner (Garner)

Saturday October 12th | 6:00pm-10:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular foodie fiesta at our Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo, paired with a delightful Artisan Market!

Freaky Feasts & Ghoulish Grub! Artisan Market Delights! Costume Contest!

🎃Track or Treat Halloween Train Rides – Triangle Train (New Hill)

October 12th, 19th, and 26th – Track or Treat | See website for times

A kid-friendly train ride complete with scenes of flying witches, smoking cauldrons, large pumpkin faces, Count Dracula and other friendly creatures along the route. Passengers can also play Mummy Mayhem, a game where riders search for 13 mummies hidden along the train tracks. In the rail yard, families can listen to songs by the popular singing pumpkins, take advantage of the many photo opportunities and watch model trains zip around the Garden Railway. Our gift shop will also be open. Halloween costumes are encouraged for passengers of all ages.

October 25th – Boo & Brew | See website for times

We have all the Halloween decorations up and we also have all the same actors in the woods as the Track ‘n Treat Halloween train ride. The difference is we have food and beer for you to purchase and its on Friday night.

🎃Family Spooktacular – Sugg Farm Park at Bass Lake (Fuquay-Varina)

Saturday October 12th | 1:00pm-4:00pm

Geared for ages 3-11, this free event includes candy stations, games, and slime-making. Children are invited to participate in costume contests. Gather around the fire to roast marshmallows to perfection for smore’s. There will also be Trunk-or-Treating!

🎃Step into the Halloween Village – Lafayette Village (Raleigh)

Sunday October 13th | 4:30pm-7:30pm

Come trick or treat and meet your favorite Halloween characters for a spooky time!

🎃Mummy & Son Monster Mash – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 18th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Join us for the Mummy and Son Monster Ball at Piney Town Playhouse on October 18th, 5-7 pm! This Halloween-themed dance invites moms and their little monsters to dress up, dance, and create unforgettable memories.

🎃Halloween Boo Bash – Downtown Wake Forest (Wake Forest)

Saturday October 19th | 11:00am-2:00pm

A free, family-oriented festival for children ages 12 and younger. This year’s festivities will include inflatables, a photo booth, sponsor exhibits, DJ, food trucks and a variety of ghostly games and activities! Costumes are optional, but the best costumes may be featured on the Town website and social media pages.

🎃Bull City BOOs Fest 2024 – Durham Central Park (Durham)

Saturday October 19th | 4:00pm-11:00pm

Join The MAKRS Society for our 3rd annual Halloween Festival at Durham Central Park! Halloween vendors, local breweries, live DJ, Halloween activities, selfie station, food trucks, decor, and more.

🎃Scarecrow Row – Apex Community Park (Apex)

October 23rd-October 31st

Visit Apex Community Park’s Scarecrow Row the week of Halloween and check out all the community-decorated scarecrows! Bring a flashlight if you’d like to visit after dark – the park closes at 10 pm.

Apex Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources staff will host a scarecrow decorating event on October 23, 2024 for registered families.

🎃Baby Boo Bash (2 and under) – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Wednesday October 23rd | 10:00am

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

🎃Trick or Treat in Downtown (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 25th | 2:00pm-5:00pm

Families are invited to dress up their ghosts and goblins and visit the businesses in both downtown districts. Look for the sign “Trick or Treat Here!”

🎃Boo Bash – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

🎃Halloween Carnival – Town of Carrboro (Carrboro)

Friday October 25th | 5:00pm

We boast a host of carnival style activities that reward the children’s participation with a wickedly good prize bag. Popcorn, sodas, hot chocolate, apple cider and coffee will be sold at the concession booth.

🎃Boo Bash Halloween Special Needs Dance – Clayton Community Center (Clayton)

Friday October 25th | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Our annual free Halloween dance and trunk or treat for participants with special needs will take place outside under the covered porch at the Clayton Community Center! Wear your favorite costume and come dance the night away! Volunteers from Clayton Youth Council and other organizations help make this possible. Refreshments will be provided and support staff is welcome!

🎃23rd Annual No Scare Fair – Dennis B. Wicker Center (Sanford)

Saturday October 26th | 11:00am-4:00pm

Enjoy an afternoon of kiddie crafts, games, vendors, food trucks, and pint sized pastures while supporting HAVEN in Lee County.

🎃Morrisville Boo Bash – Morrisville Community Park (Morrisvile)

Saturday October 26th

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of Halloween magic at Morrisville Boo Bash! Bring your little goblins, ghosts, and superheroes for an afternoon filled with laughter, treats, and spooky surprises.

🎃Trunk or Treat – Jack Marley Park (Angier)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-8:00pm

Family Fun, Food, Games, Bounce Houses, Free Candy, Games, Costume Contest

🎃Goblin’s Groove – Halle Cultural Arts Center (Apex)

Saturday October 26th | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Come out to the Spooktacular Annual Goblin’s Groove Family Dance. Parents and kids won’t be able to stop singing and dancing along to groovy music from all
decades. Have no fear, we will have all of your spooky favorites: festive games, fun crafts, and haunting Halloween tricks and treats. This is a parent/child dance, youth and teens must be accompanied by an adult. Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged, but not required. Ghoulish punch and snacks will be provided.

🎃Halloween at Piedmont Feed and Garden Center (Chapel Hill)

Saturday October 26th | 9:00am-5:00pm

Get the kids in their costumes (pets too) and bring them out for a family-friendly Halloween celebration at Piedmont Feed & Garden Center! Face painting, birds of prey, food truck, and costume contest.

🎃North Hills Night Market: The Haunted Village – Midtown Park at North Hills (Raleigh)

Saturday October 26th | 4:00pm-9:00pm

Pumpkin patch, local vendors, food trucks, live music, sip & shop, family fun, photo area, trick or treating

🎃Baby Boo Bash (2 and under) – Piney Town Playhouse (Fuquay-Varina)

Wednesday October 30th | 10:00am

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at our “Boo Bash” event! Join us for a memorable day filled with autumn-themed fun, costumes, and plenty of surprises. It’s a Halloween party like no other!

🎃Trick or Treat Main Street – Downtown Clayton (Clayton)

Thursday October 31st | 1:00pm-3:00pm

Trick or Treat in Downtown Clayton! This holiday tradition is designed for those with little legs to put on their costume and take over Main Street… marching down the street and sidewalks where they are greeted by local business owners waiting to hand them goodies and treats. Once you’ve filled up your bags, stop by Town Square to snap a festive picture and play some games! Meet in Horne Square to get things started – 348 E Main St.

🎃Trick or Treat the Trail – White Deer Park (Garner)

Thursday October 31st | 3:00pm-6:00pm

Trick-or-treat your way around White Deer Park’s one mile loop trail, come dressed in your best costume, and don’t forget your candy bucket! Local businesses and organizations will be passing out treats, a creepy crawlies exhibit will be featured in the Nature Center, and food trucks will be on site for purchase.

Fall Day + Weekend Trips

Raleigh is in such a wonderful location in North Carolina, but there are also some exciting options a little further out. These can make for great fall day trips as a family.

Millstone Creek Orchards

The closest apple orchard to Raleigh is Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur, NC. It’s a little over an hour drive from Raleigh, so it’s definitely doable for a day trip. Apple season is late August-September, so it’s right around the corner!

This year they’re also opening a brand new Cider House, serving hard cider, craft beer, and local NC wines, plus an array of food items. Sounds amazing!

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park, about a 2-hour drive from the Triangle, is a great destination for a fall day trip. The park’s distinctive peak offers spectacular views, especially when the leaves are changing colors.

Enjoy a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and rock climbing opportunities. The Jomeokee Trail, a short trail which circles the base of the pinnacle, is a family favorite. For views of the rock itself, consider tackling Little Pinnacle Overlook trail.

Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park is another perfect fall day trip from Raleigh. This scenic park is about a 2-hour drive from the Triangle. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning rock formations.

For details on the best hikes here, check out this guide by my friends Carl and Christina from NC Tripping.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

We love the Ren Faire! My husband has been going here since his teens, and he brought me along after we met. It’s such a fall tradition for us and so many families. Games, shows, food, mead, costumes, rides. It’s everything you could want.

It’s definitely a day or even a weekend trip from the Triangle, however, as it is located in Huntersville, NC. This year’s dates for the Ren Fest are weekends October 5 – November 24.

Autumn at Oz – Land of Oz NC

Follow the yellow brick road…..er, I mean, the North Carolina highways, to the Land of Oz in Beech Mountain. It’s a trek at nearly a 4 hour drive, but if you are a Wizard of Oz fan, this is worth it. Autumn in Oz takes place over 3 weekends in fall, this year the dates are September 6th-8th, 13th-15th, and 20th-22nd.

Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train

This might be a good weekend trip for families with older kids. The Ghost Train looks pretty darn spooky! There are other attractions in addition to the train ride, such as carnival rides. It’s worth looking into!

Carolina BalloonFest

Head out to Statesville, NC, for the 49th annual Carolina BalloonFest. Hot air balloons fill the skies at this amazing festival, and there’s more to do, too, like evening balloon glows, live entertainment on two stages, a kids’ zone, marketplace and artisan village, NC wine and craft beer garden, aerialist circus performances, and even skydiving exhibitions. This year’s dates are October 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2024.