11 of the Top Kid-Friendly Fall Activities in the US According to Viator Travelers
After the sticky heat of summer, the crisp air and hygge-inspired ambiance of fall are a relief to many across the US. Sure, the kids are back in school (hallelujah!), but you can still make the most of the season before the chill of winter sets in. With a few long weekends scattered between September and Thanksgiving, fall is an excellent time for a kid-friendly city break close to home or a longer, farther-flung vacation if family schedules allow.
From seasonal wildlife viewing to new shows on Broadway to everyone’s fall favorite, leaf peeping road trips, these 11 kid-friendly fall activities in the US are sure to appeal to every member of the family.
1. Get down with the monsters at LEGOLAND® California
Celebrate every kid’s favorite fall holiday with Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND® California. Not-so-scary shows (suitable for little ones), trick-or-treat candy, and fun LEGO® monster characters add a Halloween vibe to this year-round theme park. Brick-or-Treat runs on select weekends from mid-September until late October, so there’s plenty of time to make it to Carlsbad outside of Halloween itself.
What one reviewer said: “It was an amazing experience, had so much fun and so many activities for toddlers and older kids. Rides were amazing, favorite one for my kid was driving school, where she got her driver's license after the ride. Highly recommend Legoland.” Lizbeth_J, June 2025
2. Give your kids the fright of their lives in New Orleans, Louisiana
While Halloween is the one time of year parents have free reign to scare their children silly, you can keep things PG on a family-friendly ghost tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans. See the historical sights, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn more about the city’s spooky past during a Halloween event for families—without the fear of nightmares.
What one reviewer said: “Awesome guide! Kids had such a great time! Lots of interesting stories and cool history—kids are 7 and 11.” Katherine_D, October 2025
3. Catch a show on Broadway in New York City
A host of new shows open on Broadway in October and November, so fall is the perfect time to make a trip to the Big Apple to see the latest family-friendly shows. These seasonal releases run alongside long-running musicals that are on throughout the year (such as Aladdin), so your family can surely find something to suit everyone’s preferences.
What one reviewer said: “Absolutely amazing show and great experience. Great host for the venue to show you to your seats and very quick entry. We were sat on the top balcony and we still had an incredible view with no issues.” Holly_B, March 2025
4. Hang with the T-rex at New York’s American Museum of Natural History
Looking for a family-friendly activity in New York City before your Broadway show at night? Head to the American Museum of Natural History, an already kid-friendly favorite in NYC, with a pre-booked admission ticket and explore at your own pace. Kids of all ages will love exploring the millions of years of history and culture on display in these hallowed halls.
What one reviewer said: “Anyone visiting NYC should have the AMNH high up on their lists of things to see and do. It’s a place which allows you to delve into the past and present in a very exciting and informative way and it’s an event to be experienced by young and old alike.” Neil_G, July 2025
5. Search for manatees in the Everglades in Florida
Florida is the perfect fall vacation destination thanks to its warm climate, and late autumn is an especially good time to go to spot manatees. Mana-what? As many a wildlife-loving kid will tell you, manatees are also known as sea cows: think, walrus-meets-seal. See for yourself on a boat tour of the Everglades.
What one reviewer said: “Our airboat experience was great from start to finish! Bobby, our boat pilot, was extremely personable, easygoing, and fun to be around. His knowledge of the area and ability to spot wildlife was impressive—he found several large alligators and brought us in close enough to get amazing photos. He even pointed out a nest with several baby gators, which was a real highlight!” andrew_g, November 2025
6. Skip the lines at Universal Studios Hollywood™ in California
Los Angeles is the ultimate fall city break destination for families, thanks to its warm climate and excess of kid-friendly attractions. Save time with skip-the-line entry to Universal Studios Hollywood™ to make sure nobody gets cranky waiting to go in (here’s looking at you, kids). Once you’ve made it inside, spend the day exploring the rides, shows, and themed areas of the movie-centric park.
What one reviewer said: “Skip the line is definitely worth it. No waiting in long queues. Got to do every ride once and made our day lots of fun.” Rosa_O, September 2025
7. Hike the trails of Yosemite, California
Avoid the scorching summer temperatures at Yosemite National Park by visiting in the fall instead. Visiting some national parks in the fall is preferable in many ways, as conditions are much more comfortable for family hikes. You can choose to trek in the Yosemite Valley or the High Country, depending on your family’s abilities. Taking a family-friendly guided private hike is the best way to ensure you all stay safe.
What one reviewer said: “Emily was awesome—super knowledgeable about the park, patient with the kids, adaptable as needed with the course. We would do it again and highly recommend it to others.” Lauren_S, October 2025
8. Admire migrating humpback whales in Hawaii
Autumn tends to be the shoulder season for travel to Hawaii, which is ideal if you’re looking for a more affordable fall family vacation. The season also heralds the return of migrating humpback whales, which make their first appearance off Oahu in October. Kids will love getting a glimpse of these majestic creatures on a boat tour.
What one reviewer said: “Great safe boat. Excellent crew. Very friendly and accommodating! We had an exceptional beautiful day with clear views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. We were thrilled to see a pod of whales.” Susan_P, February 2025
9. Go leaf peeping in Massachusetts, New England
Does fall even happen if you don’t witness the flaming orange foliage and fluttering leaves that give the season its name? While parents will enjoy the ever-changing autumnal hues, kids will love frolicking in the piles of fallen leaves on a fall foliage family trip. The Northeastern US is among the best places in the country to go leaf peeping. Consider seeing the colors from the Boston Harbor with a New England fall foliage cruise.
What one reviewer said: “From boarding to the crew to the food and cruise, everything was perfect. It was appropriately narrated throughout the cruise and just an enjoyable trip. Would recommend highly.” Tina_P, November 2025
10. Settle the eternal pizza debate in Chicago, Illinois
While Chicago might not actually be the windiest city in the US (that would be Boston), the metropolis known as the Windy City can nevertheless get a bit chilly in the fall. Warm your family’s bellies by eating your way around the city’s best pizza joints. Sample Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza and make your kids the ultimate judges: Who does pizza better, Chicago or New York?
What one reviewer said: “What a great time! Tour was very well planned and executed. James is quite knowledgeable about pizza and Chicago history, and funny, too!” Ken_B, September 2025
11. Ride a dog sled on a glacier in Anchorage, Alaska
Don’t wait for winter to officially roll around to enjoy some snowy adventures. Make the most of autumn at Alaska’s northern latitudes by taking a helicopter across Anchorage and riding a dogsled across a glacier. Don’t forget to look out for moose and mountain goats along the way.
What one reviewer said: “This was one of the most memorable experiences during our trip. Getting flown to the top of a glacier, meeting the crew and dogs, touring their summer camp and getting to mush with the pups was exciting and exhilarating. It was a bucket list adventure that lived up to the hype. If you are contemplating this adventure…I 100% recommend it. You won't be disappointed.” denise_s, August 2025
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