The Best Fall Activities in Minneapolis for Families With Kids

There is something about September in Minnesota that makes me want to put absolutely everything on the calendar.

The kids are back in school, the air starts to feel a little different, and suddenly everyone is asking the same question: What are we doing this fall?

As a Minneapolis-area family photographer, fall is easily my busiest season of the year. But it is also arguably my favorite time to live in Minnesota. Between apple orchards, pumpkin patches, changing leaves, cozy nights outside, Halloween events, and all of the little traditions that only happen for a few short weeks, there is so much to enjoy.

The trick is actually making time to enjoy it all.

Every year, there are a few places we come back to instead of constantly chasing whatever new fall activity is trending on TikTok. One of our traditions is visiting Everly Farms. We have been going for about three years now, and one of my favorite things to do is their Wednesday evening pizza and wine nights. We will grab dinner, bring a blanket, enjoy the live music, and watch the sunset over the farm.

So, if you’re looking for fall activities in Minneapolis, here are the places I would actually put on your calendar.

What Are the Best Fall Activities in Minneapolis?

Pizza Night & Apple Picking at Everly Farms – Minnetrista

If you only take one recommendation from this list, let this be one of them.

We originally found Everly Farms on TikTok, which feels very on brand for me because I am constantly saving everything from recipes and fall outfits to local recommendations. We have been going back for about three years now, and it has officially become one of our fall traditions.

What I love about Everly Farms is that it doesn’t feel like you have to pack the entire family into the car at 8 a.m. and spend six hours doing fall activities. It can be as relaxed as you want it to be.

Their fall season includes apple picking, hayrides, an animal barn, a corn pit, pumpkins, playgrounds, donuts, live music, and more. But my favorite way to experience the farm is their evening pizza and wine nights.

A tip from someone who has actually been: get there in the early evening.

The pizza nights are incredibly popular, and the line can build quickly. We typically try to get there around 4:30 so we can get settled before things get busy. I would much rather arrive early, grab our food, and find a spot on the hill than arrive later and spend half the evening waiting in line.

Once you walk through the entrance, you’re at the top of a hill. The food and wine garden is farther down the hill, with grassy areas where you can spread out a blanket and let the kids play. There are also tables near the live music if you’re lucky enough to grab one.

The animals are farther up toward the top of the property, away from the food area, so the whole place feels spacious rather than crowded. It’s relaxed, casual, and incredibly pretty, especially when the sun starts to set and the string lights come on.

And yes, it is also a great place to get a cute family photo.

It’s pet-friendly too, and you’ll see plenty of people bringing their dogs.

For families: This is one of the more well-rounded options on my list because there is something for little kids, older kids, and adults. And if you’re looking for a date night without the kids, I would absolutely recommend it for that too.

2026 fall season: The Orchard opened August 29, 2026. Pizza and wine night is free to enter. For the Orchard: weekend admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 3–12, and children 2 and under are free. Weekday access to the U-Pick and Retail Barn is free, while the full list of attractions is available on weekends.

My tip: Go early for pizza night and bring a blanket. If you have kids, bring a few card games or something they can do while you enjoy your wine and dinner.

Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest – Jordan

If you’re looking for the full fall experience, Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest in Jordan is a great option.

This is the kind of place where you can easily spend most of your day because there is a lot going on beyond apple picking. The farm has a pick-your-own apple orchard, pumpkin patch, corn maze, corn pit, wagon rides, gem mining, duck races, a pumpkin jumping pad, cow train, and more.

There is also a country store, bakery, Harvest Bistro, and cider bar, so you can make an entire fall day out of it.

One thing I especially like about this option is that you can make the day as activity-heavy or as relaxed as you want. You could go all in with the kids and do every activity, or simply visit the market, grab some apple cider donuts, and enjoy the farm.

For families: This is especially good if you have kids who need a lot to do. There is enough here to keep everyone entertained for several hours.

2026 fall season: August 15 through November 1.

Hours: Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Cost: Access to the country store, bakery, Harvest Bistro, and cider bar is free. Admission is required for Apple Blossom Park and the apple orchard. In 2026, Apple Blossom Park admission is $18 for ages 2 and up.

Parking: Parking is available on site.

My tip: If you don’t want to spend the entire day doing activities, you can still stop by for the farm market, bakery, and fall treats without paying for the full attraction experience.

Dehn’s Pumpkins – Dayton

If you’re searching for pumpkin patches near Maple Grove, Dehn’s Pumpkins in Dayton is one I would put on your list.

This is a great choice when the main goal is simply to have a classic pumpkin-patch day with the kids. It has the pumpkins, fall activities, and farm atmosphere you expect, without requiring you to drive all the way out of the metro.

Dehn’s is especially convenient for families in the Northwest Metro, including Maple Grove, Rogers, Champlin, and surrounding areas.

2026 season: Opening day is September 19.

September hours: Monday–Thursday 12–6 p.m.; Friday 12–9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

October hours: Monday–Thursday 12–6 p.m.; Friday 12–6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Parking: Free.

For families: This is a particularly convenient choice if you want a fall outing without making a huge day trip out of it.

Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze – Brooklyn Park

If your kids love activities, this one is worth adding to the list.

The Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze is more of an all-day fall festival.

The 2026 festival includes a corn maze, petting zoo, inflatables, train ride, corn pits, straw bale maze, playground, live music, photo opportunities, and more.

There are also optional activities for an additional fee, including pony rides, animal feed, face painting, caricatures, and the pumpkin slinger.

2026 dates: Saturdays and Sundays in October, plus MEA Thursday and Friday, and November 1.

Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Cost: $20 per person. Kids under 36 inches are free.

Parking: Free.

LuceLine Orchard – Watertown

LuceLine Orchard is another one to put on your list if you want an orchard experience that feels like more than just picking apples.

There are activities for kids, a corn maze, live music, pony rides, and food, and the orchard has a more relaxed country feel.

One of the biggest perks? Admission and parking are free.

That makes this a nice option if you’re trying to get out and enjoy the fall weather without committing to a larger admission fee for the entire family.

2026 hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Wednesday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: Free admission.

Parking: Free.

For families: Great for families who want an orchard outing without feeling like they need to spend the entire day there.

My tip: Check their event calendar before you go because live music and additional activities are part of what makes this orchard worth the drive.

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store – Jordan

Okay, hear me out.

This one isn’t technically a fall activity in the traditional sense, but if you’re already driving out toward Jordan for an orchard, it is such a fun stop to add to your day.

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store is exactly what it sounds like – a giant candy store filled with an overwhelming amount of candy, soda, treats, and random things your kids will probably convince you they absolutely need.

It is more of a quirky roadside attraction than a traditional fall destination, which is exactly why I think it is worth including.

Pair it with Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, and you have a very easy fall day trip.

Cost: Free to enter.

Parking: Free parking is available.

My tip: Give yourself more time than you think you need. It is much bigger than you expect, and kids will want to look at approximately every single thing.

ValleyScare at Valleyfair – Shakopee

If your family likes Halloween a little more on the spooky side, ValleyScare is another option.

ValleyScare takes over Valleyfair after dark with haunted mazes, spooky entertainment, and rides at night.

This one is better suited to older kids, teens, and adults than toddlers or very young children, especially once the haunted elements are in full swing.

For younger kids, look for Valleyfair’s daytime Halloween programming instead.

2026 season: ValleyScare begins in September and continues into October on select evenings.

Hours: Evening hours vary by date, so check the calendar before planning your visit.

Location: Shakopee.

The Great Pumpkin Trail – Wyoming

For something that feels completely different from an apple orchard, put The Great Pumpkin Trail on your list.

Located at Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming, this is a nighttime half-mile trail filled with thousands of glowing jack-o-lantern displays.

It’s less “pumpkin patch” and more Halloween light experience, which makes it a fun option once the sun goes down and you want something to do after dinner.

2026 dates: September 25–November 1 on select dates.

Cost: Ticket prices vary by date.

Parking: Free.

Accessibility: The approximately half-mile trail uses wide, firm gravel pathways and is designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

For families: Great for kids who love Halloween but aren’t quite ready for a traditional haunted attraction.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo

This is another one I would save for an evening when you want something a little more magical.

The Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular transforms the zoo into a glowing trail filled with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins.

It is one of those activities that feels very different from visiting a pumpkin patch during the day.

2026 dates: September 25–November 1.

Tickets: Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.

Parking: $10 per car or van.

Good to know: The trail includes hills, elevation changes, and a considerable incline, so keep that in mind if you have a stroller or little ones who don’t love walking.

Children ages 0–2 are free.

Bonus: Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife Educational Park

Okay, technically this one isn’t Minneapolis or even the West Metro – but it is too fun not to include.

I recently visited Fawn-Doe-Rosa with a friend and her kids, and it was such a fun day trip.

If you’re looking for something a little different than another pumpkin patch or apple orchard, put this one on your fall list.

Kids can get up close with animals, explore the grounds, and spend the day outside. It is one of those places where the adults have just as much fun watching the kids experience everything as the kids do.

2026 fall hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. from September 14 through October 25.

Admission: Adults $12 plus tax; children ages 2–12 are $11 plus tax. Animal feed is $3 per bag.

Parking: On-site parking is available.

My tip: This is a great one to make into a true day trip. Pack snacks, give yourself plenty of time, and let the kids take the lead.

Worth the drive? Absolutely.

Where Can You See the Best Fall Colors Near Minneapolis?

Fall foliage is one of the biggest reasons I love Minnesota in the first place.

And when people search for fall foliage in Minneapolis, I think there is a tendency to assume you have to drive several hours north to get the really beautiful colors.

You don’t.

There are plenty of beautiful places within an easy drive of the metro, and you can choose your adventure based on how much effort you actually want to put in.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

This is probably my personal favorite recommendation.

We go to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum every spring and fall, and it never gets old.

One of my favorite things about the Arboretum is that you don’t have to commit to a long hike. The 3-mile Three-Mile Drive allows you to drive through the grounds and stop along the way wherever you want.

That makes it especially great for families.

You can get out and walk when you want to, stay in the car if the kids are having a day, and still experience the fall colors.

For families: One of my top recommendations because you can make it as easy or active as you want.

Accessibility: There are paved areas and accessible portions of the grounds, but some trails are more rustic. If you’re bringing a stroller, stick to the more accessible routes.

2026 fall hours: Grounds are open 8 a.m.–7 p.m. in September and October.

Tip: Buy tickets in advance, especially on weekends.

Duluth, the North Shore, and Lutsen Mountains Gondola

If you have an entire weekend, this is where I would go.

The North Shore is one of Minnesota’s classic fall destinations, and the drive itself is part of the experience.

This is not a quick afternoon outing from Minneapolis, but if you’re looking for a fall weekend away, it is hard to beat.

If you are making a bigger fall trip out of it, add the Lutsen Mountains gondola to your list.

Seeing the fall colors from above the trees is completely different from driving through them.

It is definitely more of a destination than a quick afternoon activity, but if you are already heading up the North Shore, it is worth considering.

Red Wing or Winona

For another beautiful fall day trip, head south instead of north.

The bluffs around Red Wing and Winona create a completely different landscape from the lakes and forests around the Twin Cities.

This is a great option when you want a scenic drive, a small-town stop, and a little hiking.

When Does Fall Peak in Minneapolis?

This is one of the hardest questions to answer because there is no exact fall-color week that works every single year.

Minnesota’s fall colors typically progress from northern Minnesota toward the southern part of the state, and the timing can shift depending on temperatures, daylight, and weather.

For the Minneapolis area, I generally think of early to mid-October as the sweet spot to start watching closely, with some years pushing later into October.

And here is my photographer’s opinion:

If you want fall family photos, I would rather schedule you a little early than too late.

When I am planning fall sessions for my clients, I typically aim for earlier October when possible.

Why?

Because Minnesota weather is unpredictable.

Wind can take leaves down surprisingly quickly. Rain can change the look of a location. A warm stretch can delay the color, while an early cold snap can speed things up.

And the good news is that you don’t need every tree to be at peak color for beautiful fall photos.

We only need a handful of really beautiful trees.

That is why I would rather have a session scheduled during a window where we have a good chance of catching some color than wait until the absolute theoretical peak and risk a windy weekend stripping the trees.

For the most accurate timing each year, I recommend checking the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder as you get closer to your date.

My favorite week for fall family photos?

If I had to pick a week based purely on experience photographing families in Minnesota, I’d choose the first half of October as my safest bet.

Not because that guarantees peak color, it doesn’t, but because it gives us more flexibility.

You may get beautiful early color, some green mixed in, or a little later-season color depending on the year. And I’d much rather have flexibility than gamble everything on one “perfect” week.

Fall Family Photos: When Should You Book?

If fall family photos are part of your fall bucket list, this is one thing I would not leave until the last minute.

The fall photography season is incredibly compressed.

There are only so many weekends with beautiful weather, reasonable temperatures, colorful trees, and enough daylight for outdoor sessions.

And as a photographer, this is also the season when my calendar fills the fastest.

If you are deciding between a mini session and a full family session, I actually wrote an entire guide breaking down the difference between the two so you can figure out which one makes the most sense for your family.

Check out: Mini Sessions vs. Full Sessions: Which Should You Pick?

If you want the short version: a mini can be perfect when you just want updated family photos and a quick experience, while a full session gives you more time, more variety, and more room for your kids to simply be themselves.

And if you’re expecting a baby this winter, I would also recommend getting your maternity photo session date on the calendar sooner rather than later.

Fall Weekends in Minneapolis Fill Up Faster Than Families Expect

Don’t wait until October to figure out what you’re doing in October.

The good fall-weather window in Minnesota is short.

Apple orchards have their busiest weekends. Fall festivals have limited dates. Popular Halloween events can sell out. And photographers have a finite number of fall sessions they can take.

If there is a specific orchard, festival, or activity you know your family wants to do, check the dates early and put them on the calendar.

Make the Most of Fall in Minneapolis This Year

If I were making a fall bucket list for my own family, I would keep it simple.

I’d spend an evening at Everly Farms, pick apples and make apple crisp; I’d make a trip to the Arboretum to drive through the colors; I’d plan one bigger day trip – maybe Fawn-Doe-Rosa or Red Wing.

It goes by incredibly fast.

The leaves change, the weather turns, Halloween comes and goes, and suddenly we’re talking about Thanksgiving.

So make the plans. Put the orchard on the calendar. Buy the cider donuts. Let the kids run through the leaves. Take the family photos even if everyone isn’t perfectly coordinated.

And most importantly, enjoy the season while you’re actually in it.

Have a favorite fall spot that I missed?

Tell me in the comments! I would love to keep adding to this list and discovering the places that Minnesota families come back to year after year.

Fall Activities in Minneapolis: Frequently Asked Questions