Meet some uniquely American, slightly eccentric fall family festivals and plan an autumn interlude with the kids. We encourage travelers of any age to exfoliate that sinking back-to-school feeling with fun fall activities.
There are other good reasons to travel in fall besides fun. First, autumn is the time to harvest some of the year’s top free festivals. Plan now and attend apple harvesting at u-pick farms, photo safaris, fall foliage viewing, film festivals and museum openings.
Second, these festivals are typically in small towns across America, where food and lodging is less expensive than in big cities. Next, autumn is considered the shoulder season between summer and winter holidays, so it’s easier to find discounted hotel rooms. Having said all that, we urge you to plan ahead to secure a room once you’ve selected your destination festival.
Here are some of our favorites:
Woolly Worm Festival, North Carolina’s Top Fall Family Festival
The third weekend of October for the past 46 years, Banner Elk has been home to a wriggly event featuring Woolly Bear Caterpillars. The Woolly Worm Festival typically begins at the local high school, where contestants bring their pets. The famous woolly worm races begin around the festival’s daily opening time of 9am. Or, as soon as the first heat (20 worms) is registered and running. Watch these fuzzy caterpillars race up three-foot strings. Cheer them on! Judges crown the champion worm and trainer (and pay them!) Experts interpret the winning worm’s 13 brown and black stripes to predict the weather forecast for the coming 13 weeks of winter. Expect about 20,000 spectators, 1,000 racers plus 150 craft and food vendors, serenaded by local talent.
Other Fall Family Activities in Banner Elk
The charming town of Banner Elk, Avery County is between the local ski areas at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain near the Tennessee border. Locals call it the High Country and mid-late October is the height of leaf peeking in the region.
Family-Friendly Lodging in Banner Elk
Look at the pet-friendly Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk offers moderately-priced, spacious double rooms. Another inn we liked is actually a small condo with apartment like units, that serves afternoon tea, bedtime snacks and popcorn in between. It’s called Little Main Street Inn & Suites and is located, where else, on the town’s main street.
The Family Favorite Apple Festival, Bayfield, Wisconsin
True apple picking aficionados will recognize Wisconsin for its first-rate Gays Mills apples, honored at the 1905 New York Apple Show and highly regarded ever since. Although Gays Mills is still the most concentrated orchard region in the Midwest, we’re sending you north to the scenic fishing village of Bayfield on Lake Superior. Bayfield residents have celebrated the Apple Festival for more than 55 years. For three days in early October, orchard tours, an apple-peeling contest (imagine a record 311″ peel?) and every conceivable apple product are on show. More than 50,000 visitors head to Bayfield for what’s considered one of the Top 10 Autumn Festivals in North America.
Fifteen local growers set up roadside stands to sell frosted apples, pies, strudels, cider, apple sundaes, apple jam, apple butter, apple bratwurst, apple dumplings, and more. Eat to your heart’s content. Then, join in for country dancing and carnival rides in this very family-friendly affair. Kids of all ages participate in a midway packed with games and rides. The whole family will enjoy the closing day’s Grand Parade featuring a 400-piece band.
Other Fall Family Activities in Bayfied
Bayfield is on the outskirts of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Watch hemlocks and maples change color before your eyes on some of the most scenic roads in America. The Hayward to Glidden route is especially spectacular. Those traveling after mid-month should concentrate on the Kenosha and Elkhorn regions near Milwaukee, where fruit and foliage ripens later. For more information and a 24-hour foliage report, contact the Wisconsin Board of Tourism.
Family-Friendly Festival Lodging in Bayfield and Nearby Wisconsin Towns
If you’re going to make a real vacation of this visit, the lakefront Bodin’s Resort in Washburn is popular and quiet. The resort, founded in 1938, has four well-kept one and two-bedroom cottages overlooking Lake Superior and five of the Apostle Islands. Families will enjoy the large lawn area for playing and the surprisingly nice sandy beach. By the way, your four-legged relatives are welcome here, too.
For a more sublime and eco-friendly stay, try the historic eight-room farmhouse called the Pinehurst Inn. This place has been recognized for its sustainable and energy-efficient practices. They give some of that energy back to guests with its fine spa, locally grown cuisine and attentive service. Fall rates — a bargain — include a three-course breakfast.
The FireAnt Festival, Marshall, Texas
You have to give the 25,000 residents of Marshall in east central Texas some credit for their sense of humor. Anyone who’s sat on one of those springy verdant lawns carpeting Austin, Dallas, or Houston has probably known (in the Biblical sense) a Texas fireant. These incredibly ferocious pests are feted annually the second Saturday in October at Marshall’s FireAnt Festival.
The 42nd Annual FireAnt Festival will have a free concert and dancing, petting zoo and kids activities. Fun costumes, a parade, the Tour de FireAnt bicycle race, and the awarding of FireAnt King and Queen scholarships to local highschoolers should engross your family.
Other Fall Family Festival Activities in Marshall
Your family can enjoy long walks through the city’s large historic core of 19th- and early 20th-century Western houses, or visit nearby Jefferson, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana. Search the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce for other events occurring during your stay.
A Budget Festival-Worthy Motel in Marshall, Texas
There’s a newly renovated La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marshall with a fridge and microwave in the rooms. Pets and kids are welcome. Take advantage of the indoor pool and gym. There are also laundry facilities (in case anyone gets ants in their pants.) Budget rates include complimentary breakfast.
Fall Foliage Festival, Boothbay Harbor, Maine
It may be known as the Pine Tree State, but Maine still has plenty of fall color to go around the 17.7 million acres of woodland. Plan to visit the Boothbay region, where your family can check out the annual Maine Fall Foliage Festival, more than 55 years running. The event takes place over the three-day Columbus weekend and features arts, crafts, great food, local entertainment, children’s activities and steam train rides.
While in Maine, don’t miss the fabulous pumpkin art being readied for October’s Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta nearby. It’s typically held the Columbus Day holiday weekend.
Other Fall Family Activities in Boothbay Harbor
Check with the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber and discover local fall family attractions. This coastal village reflects Maine’s long sea-faring history, has many local watersports and boating options, and is very picturesque.
Visitors enjoy shopping in the harborfront village. Take a scenic cruise on the water or hike on 35 miles of beautiful local trails in the Boothbay Region Land Trust. The Oak Point Farm visitors center is the place to begin.
A Favorite Place to Stay in Boothbay Harbor
The waterfront Boothbay Harbor Inn is good place to stay, near the marina. Spacious rooms with two queens welcome kids under 12 to stay free. The hotel also has business services and a bar if you’re remote working from here. Rates include breakfast and WiFi. This is a popular town, so if you have trouble finding a room, check out the inventory at Booking.com.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
2 Replies to “Autumn Interludes and Fall Family Festivals”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
I love to travel check it
I love to explore new things or new places, thank you for sharing your experience with is
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really
appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further post thanks once again.
Hello Hatch, we would be pleased if you want to share any articles from FamilyTravelForum with your audience. Anything we can do to help family travelers is a plus! Thank you.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long
as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!
CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
Hi,
I am Paul from Cheapfaremart. I like your Article. If you always travel in Group then you can book cheap flights for Group travel like Family group, Students or business Group.
Know more:
I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.