Autumn is upon us, and it’s the perfect time of year for a family photo shoot! Not only do you get the beautiful backdrop of the leaves changing color, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to check out. We’ve put together a list of our favorite fall activities for you to check out in Austin, so let’s get into it. 

Fall Festivals in Austin, Texas

If you like fall festivals, Austin has an almost endless supply. We’ve narrowed it down for you so you have a good place to get started.

Barton Hills Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch 

Barton Hill Farms is a family-owned business about 30 miles outside of Austin, Texas. On weekends until November 7, you can take the kids down for some good old fashioned fall fun! The festival includes a pumpkin patch, corn maze, live music and plenty of local vendors to shop from. 

Deutschen Pfest

Just north of Austin, you can find the Deutschen Pfest in Pflugerville. The festival is held in Pfluger Park October 14-16. Here you’ll find all kinds of fall fun from live music to a Pfun Run! Mom and Dad can hang out at the beer garden while the little ones play. Oh, one more thing. If you come dressed in full lederhosen, you’ll get in for free! 

Pumpkin Nights 

Now this one is a cool place to take pictures. Pumpkin Nights branches out from your classic hayride and corn maze fall festival activities. At this event, you’ll be able to explore several different lands from a pirate cove to a coral reef, all made from carved pumpkins! 

Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival 

The Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival is held at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead. History buffs should know that this is a Texas State Historical landmark, so it’s worth checking out at any time of year. The farm makes for a gorgeous fall festival backdrop. This fest has everything from live vendors to sack races for the kids. If you love fall activities, you don’t want to miss this one. 

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Fest 

If you like corn mazes, you must check out the Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Fest. They offer a 4.5 acre corn maze that’s safari themed, along with a 2 acre pumpkin patch. The kids will have plenty of room to run around and burn off energy in a lovely fall setting! Sweet Eats also has a petting zoo, pig races and pony rides for the kids who love animals, too! Don’t forget your camera, there will be great photo ops here.

Pumpkin Patches

It’s just not October without a visit to a pumpkin patch! Here’s a list of some of our favorites in the Austin area.

Indian Springs Ranch 

For the entire month of October, Indian Springs Ranch hosts a pumpkin patch for the animal lovers. Along with getting to romp among the pumpkins, kids can feed the exotic animals which makes for great photo ops! Keep in mind that not all of the attractions are open on weekdays, and if you want to shop and eat, local vendors are only there on the weekends. The little ones under 2 get in free everyday, as well. 

Mama Mary’s Farm 

For another excellent pumpkin patch near Austin, head to Creedmoor, TX. Here you’ll find Mama Mary’s Pumpkin Patch that has activities for fall enthusiasts of any age. Mama Mary’s has all the classics including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, farm animals and a lot more. 

Crowe’s Nest Farm 

If you head east of Austin, you’ll find Crowe’s Nest Farm. This 100-acre farm is fully functional and you’ll get a glimpse of what actual farm life is like. Crowe’s Nest hosts a fall festival every weekend for the month of October for you to get your pumpkin fix. Along with autumn activities, you can check out a cow-milking demonstration or a full tour of the farm! 

Austin Texas Autumn Events 

After you’ve seen all the pumpkins at the patch, there are still many autumn activities in Austin! 

Boo at the Zoo

The Austin Zoo hosts a Boo at the Zoo event every weekend in October for you and the little ones! They encourage costumes for everyone, even adults! Take a ride on the haunted train and visit the haunted house. Keep in mind that this event happens at night, and you must buy tickets ahead of time to ensure it doesn’t sell out! Don’t forget to pack a picnic for this fun Halloween event! 

Halloween Children’s Concert

Join the Austin Symphony Orchestra at the Long Center for a night of spooky Halloween music with the kids! Throw on your costumes and get ready to be immersed in a totally unique event. The program this year includes music from John Williams and Danny Elfman. 

The Spooky Sprint 

If you want to stay active this fall, sign up for The Spooky Sprint! This is a Halloween themed run that’s perfect for the whole family. You’ll get a t-shirt and a medal for participating so you can remember the event. 

Center Street Trick-or-Treat

It’s just not Halloween without trick-or-treating! If your kids are dying to get out there and get some candy, head down to Kyle, TX for early tricks and treats October 22. Center Street Trick-or-Treat is held in Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park and goes from noon-3pm.  After you visit the Treat Trail, there will be a costume contest so be sure to wear your best! 

Final Thoughts

Austin, TX is a fabulous place to be in the fall. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and there’s so much to do! Grab the kids, get a pumpkin and find some tricks or treats today!