Getting outdoors and out to the farms for apple picking, pumpkin picking, and getting lost in corn mazes are some of the most popular fall kid activities we’ve found. There are also many family-friendly festivals and events to choose from that celebrate autumn’s bounty and also every kid’s favorite spooky holiday, Halloween. Below are some of our top picks for fall family fun north of Boston.
Kid-Friendly Farms Near Cape Ann
Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA offers apple picking (with many apple varieties to choose from). Browse the farm store for a delectable assortment of apple cider donuts and fresh produce and visit the on-site winery for tastings.
Brooksby Farm in Peabody, MA offers apple picking, fall hayrides, campfires with s’mores on weekends, and a story hour on Sundays in November.
The Marini Farm Farm Stand is open June through October, stocked with produce fresh from the fields. The “Maze Park” offers an 8-acre corn maze and a 1-acre mini maze in addition to numerous other kid-friendly games and activities.
Halloween in Salem MA
Salem, MA, is the “Witch City” and appropriately celebrates Halloween all throughout October. Salem’s Haunted Happenings include ghost tours, haunted houses, and psychic fairs, to the Grand Parade and Family Film Nights on Salem Common. Check the Haunted Happenings calendar — there are many things to do in Salem in October each day.
Fall Fairs & Festivals
The Topsfield Fair is “America’s oldest and finest agricultural fair.” The fair features a large carnival midway, demonstrations (ranging from beekeeping to miniature trains), a Grange Museum, pumpkin weigh-offs, musical acts and attractions, the 4-H Agricultural/Arts and Crafts exhibits and more.
Where to Stay For Your North Shore Fall Getaway
Atlantic Vacation Homes offers a wide variety of vacation rental homes across Cape Ann that would be perfect for your North Shore getaway in fall. To book your accommodations (and take advantage of our lower autumn rates), simply view available vacation rentals and enter your desired dates to get a quote. You can also call toll-free at (855) 853-9143 to speak with a Guest Experience Specialist.
