It may still feel like summer outside, but we can’t wait to dive into all the cozy, colorful fun that comes with fall in Austin. From pumpkin patches and outdoor movies to festivals, hikes, and seasonal treats, there are so many ways to make the most of autumn with your crew. Here’s our 2025 roundup of family-friendly ways to celebrate fall around Austin.
Pack in some fun at a pumpkin patch! Few things say “fall” like wandering through a corn maze, picking out the perfect pumpkin, and hopping on a hayride. Central Texas has no shortage of spots where families can soak up autumn vibes, snap seasonal photos, and enjoy farm-fresh fun. Check out our list of Favorite Pumpkin Patches to plan your next outing.
Go camping! Spend a night (or two) under the stars and soak up the cooler fall evenings. Reserve a spot at a Texas State Park, an LCRA or Travis County park, or even a City of Austin site like Emma Long. Or keep it simple with a backyard campout! Roast marshmallows, swap spooky stories, and enjoy unhurried time together. Check out our guide to the Best Camping Spots Around Austin for ideas on where to pitch your tent.
Mark your calendar for the Texas Book Festival. Mark your calendar for the Texas Book Festival, returning to downtown Austin November 8 and 9. This annual celebration brings together a wide mix of authors, from beloved favorites to exciting new voices, along with story times, panels, book signings, and activities for readers of all ages. It is a wonderful way to spark a love of reading and enjoy a lively fall weekend. Get more info for 2025 here.
Enjoy a hike. Get out and enjoy the fresh air on a trail that you and the kids can navigate together. Browse our picks for Best Hikes for Families. Also, check out some of our favorite hikes: St. Edward’s Trail, Hamilton Greenbelt, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Bull Creek Greenbelt, Inks Lake State Park, McKinney Falls State Park, and the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail.
Have some Halloween fun! Start planning your costumes! As the Halloween Events roll in, we’ll be sure to pack in as many Halloween treats, movies, and special events on Top Halloween Events for Austin Families as we can. Get your tickets for Austin Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo for a costumed evening visit to the zoo by flashlight. Keep an eye on the calendar at Pioneer Farms, where they are home to Pumpkin Nights this fall. Be sure to get your tickets for the annual Halloween Children’s Concert from the Austin Symphony Orchestra, which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos. Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a holiday in which friends and family gather to remember loved ones who have passed away. The Mexic-Arte Museum annually hosts the Viva la Vida Fest and invites visitors to experience the Day of the Dead festivities on October 25, 2025. We’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date with any announcements of Dia de los Muertos events to come!
Tempt your tastebuds with some favorite flavors for fall. Do you love all things pumpkin spice? Dream about a Thanksgiving dinner menu, craving some apple pie, fresh hot cider, or Mexican hot chocolate with hints of cinnamon? YUM! Check out Where to Find Fall Flavors in Austin.
Give back to those in need. The Thanksgiving season is always a nice time to reflect on our blessings and consider ways to help those who are less fortunate, and it’s a great time to involve the kids in making decisions about where to donate, volunteer, make care packages, and supply holiday gifts to local families in need. Help out with Operation Blue Santa and learn how you can lend a hand. Generation Serve and Austin Allies are both great organizations for getting kids involved in volunteering. For more ideas, check out our page about Volunteering with Kids in Austin.
