Temperatures tell us we might be ahead of ourselves, but we’re bursting with enthusiasm for fall fun. We are so ready to jump into a new season! Here’s our round-up of Ways to Celebrate Fall Around Austin.
It’s pumpkin time!
Pack in some fun at a pumpkin patch! What could be more fitting for the season than visiting a farm, trailing through a corn maze, picking a perfect pumpkin, and going on a hay ride? We’re pretty sure this is tops on most lists for family fun in the fall, and we’re lucky that Central Texas has a great assortment of farms to visit! Check out our list of Favorite Pumpkin Patches for some ideas on where to go.
Whether in a tent, RV, or cabin, it’s a fun time of year to go camping!
Go Camping! Enjoy a night or two sleeping under the stars in the great outdoors. Make a reservation at a Texas State Park, an LCRA Park, a Travis County Park, or even a city of Austin park such as Emma Long, (or you can even pitch a tent in your own backyard) and save the date for a campout with the kiddos. Enjoy some leisurely family time, eat s’mores, tell spooky stories, and make some memories together! Browse our list of Best Camping Spots Around Austin for ideas on where to go.
Check out the whimsical forts of Fortlandia. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has announced that their unique outdoor exhibit, Fortlandia, will be back with all new forts this Oct. 6, 2023 – Feb. 4, 2024, at the Family Garden! Get more info on the forts and their designers here.
via Texas Book Festival
Mark your calendar for the Texas Book Festival. This annual fall festival is back this fall to include a diverse lineup of established, emerging, and debut literary talent for readers of all ages. The Texas Book Festival is scheduled for Nov. 11 and 12 in downtown Austin. View the lineup of authors and illustrators for 2023 here.
We love getting some fresh air on a family hike!
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! We’ll be sure to pack in as many Halloween treats, movies, and special events 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 Oct. 22.
Previous Viva la Vida Fest.
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 exhibitions. Keep an eye on mexic-artemuseum.org for updates to come. Your kiddos can also enjoy the Scottish Rite Theatre’s annual Dia de los Muertos children’s play, Rosita y Conchita. We’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date with any announcements of Dia de los Muertos events to come!
Creek show, photo by Roger Ho
Visit the Creek Show at Waterloo Park. Creek Show is an annual outdoor exhibit of illuminated art installations. Waterloo Greenway will display this year’s Creek Show from November 10 – 18 in Waterloo Park. Admission is free to see the impressive artistic creations, and attendees can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Learn more about this year’s artists.
Jo’s Coffee – Fall Drink Spread – by Rickyann Ramos
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! Here are a few local fall flavors we’re hearing about:
- Pumpkin Patch Lattes, Horchata Matcha , and Campfire Cold Brew @ Joe’s Coffee
- Horchata Ice Cream @ Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
- For a date night: Seasonal Cocktails like a Charcoal Margarita and more @ Hotel San Jose
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.
