Rochester, NY during the fall season is the best! There are great outdoor activities and special events for the whole family. We’ve rounded up the best fall activities in Rochester, NY to enjoy some quality family time during the autumn season.
Like most families fall is a busy time of year for us. We are getting back into the routine of school and preparing for the winter months ahead.
I like to check out some of the great hiking trails in Rochester. The city of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region has so many fun things to do year round but fall just feels different.
Apple picking is one of our favorite things to do in fall in Rochester as well as visiting farms and trying their specialty fall treats.
We also know that living in the Northeast United States in the fall is one of the best places to be, and we want to take advantage of it! an
There is so much to do in the area so don’t feel like you have to do it all! Pick activities that work for your family and have fun enjoying this gorgeous season in New York!
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Best Fall Activities in Rochester, New York
This is the time of year when we are putting our summer clothes away in favor of cozy hoodies and sneakers. I love the fall weather, it is the perfect season to get out and explore.
HalloweenFest at Lincoln Hill Farms
This year we added a visit to HalloweenFest at Lincoln Hill Farms to our fall activities in upstate New York. They have live music and food, but we really loved the walk through trail.
It really gets you in the Halloween spirit but is fun for little kids and big kids.
The trail is not scary and features pumpkin carved scenes. I really liked the Headless Horseman. Read about our visit here: HalloweenFest at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY.
This year they will have live costume characters, the walking trail, live entertainment, and a Zombie hunt.
The Zombie Hunt is an add-on experience to your admission. Participants must be 12+ and accompanied by a guest 21 and up.
From the Lincoln Hill Farms website: “…hunt the undead. Join us on a live action zombie hunt at the farm. Ride the zombie hunt wagon through an apocalyptic destination and test your zombie hunting skills. Zombie hunt ticket includes special zombie hunting weapon with 500 rounds of “zombie serum” gelly balls.”
Powers Farm Pumpkin Teepees
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The three teepee’s are a kid friendly walk through that is lit up with carved pumpkins and Halloween decorations. We will often walk through a few times during our visit to the farm. This is a free activity too!
Powers also has fall themed photo-ops, a general store, as well as a not so spooky Halloween hayride($). We think a visit to Powers is well worth it! Check out our full visit to Powers Farm Market a few years ago.
Powers Farm Market has a lot of fun fall activities to enjoy but the most unique is the pumpkin teepees. According to their website they are the “world’s largest teepees”, and we are totally here for it!
Wickham Farms
Wickham Farms is great for kids to pay one entrance fee and have a lot of different activities to enjoy. The activities are best for younger kids but we all enjoyed our visit.
The jumping pillow is one of the kids favorite activities and we also enjoyed the corn maze. They have also added a zipline area, multiple playgrounds, mini-golf, and more.
Guests visiting can enjoy specialty seasonal treats and special events throughout the season.
Be sure to check the events page for the apple cannon and hayrides.
Seneca Park Zoo
ZooBoo is a really fun activity at the Seneca Park Zoo. Located in downtown Rochester the zoo offers trick-or-treating and fun games.
As of publishing this dates for 2023 have yet to be announced. Check the zoo event page for more details.
Schutt’s Apple Mill
I have talked about Schutt’s Apple Mill before and it is worth repeating. I love visiting the store and picking up hot fried cakes.
I also enjoy browsing the store and stopping to take a look at the apple cider press. You can also pick apples across the street at the orchard.
Related Post: 16 Day Trips from Rochester, NY
Stokoe Farms
Stokoe Farms has a lot of family fun activities on the farm. We loved that it is a great place for all ages and really has something even my older kids will enjoy.
You do need to purchase tickets to enter but it includes most of the activities at the farm.
I really enjoyed the nature trail for a fun family hike! There are a few climbing structures built into the path making it a unique fun activity.
Bristol Mountain
The Fall Sky rides are such a fun way to see all the fall colors in Rochester. I really liked the flexibility of the ride. You have a timed arrival but once at the top you can explore as long as you would like.
We spent the morning exploring the mountain. I highly suggest purchasing tickets early to secure a reservation.
Fall Foliage
There are so many places to see the fall leaves change colors. From fall hikes in Rochester to checking out your own backyard, this is the perfect season for outdoor family time.
Letchworth State Park is beautiful this time of year as is Watkins Glen State Park. Keep in mind that weekend crowds will be busy.
Be prepared when doing these hikes with good hiking shoes, water bottle, and hats/sunscreen.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is one of our favorite fall traditions! We love it so much I wrote an entire post about our favorite apple picking places in Rochester.
It’s best to go at the end of September or early October. We always have so much fun at the orchard and at home deciding what to make with our apples.
Genesee Country Village Museum
Genesee Country Village is a great place to explore during fall in Rochester. During the fall they offer seasonal events like the Agricultural Festival and Spirits of the Past, a spooky walking tour.
Fall Train Ride in Rochester
A great way to spend a fall afternoon is aboard a train at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Check out their website for ticket information and schedules.
Fall in Rochester is a great time to plan fun local family time. With so many activities you will have your weekends full of quality family fun that gets you outdoors and creating lasting memories.
Bauman’s Farm
Bauman’s Farm is located in Webster and isn’t a lot of bells and whistles but it has a Stranger Things walk through this year that is free and great for fans of the show.
We visited a week ago and it was really fun. We also picked up some fresh corn for dinner. There is also a small children’s hay maze for younger kids.
More Places to Visit During Fall in Rochester NY
- Long Acre Farms
- Rochester Museum and Science Center (Special Seasonal Events/Trick of Treating)
- The Strong Museum of Play (Special Seasonal Events/Trick or Treating)
- Becker Farms
- Haunted Housel
- Pick n Patch Corn Maze
Fall in Rochester has been the backdrop for some of our best times and memories. Year after year we find so many fall activities in Rochester NY. Pick a few and start a family tradition!
Read Next: 17 Best Family Day Trips from Rochester, NY
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.