Weekday Fall Activities to Do with Kids

While festivals and such are great, fall fun isn’t limited to JUST the weekends! In fact, weekday fall activities are some of the things I miss most now that my kids are both in school full-time. Getting out of the house during the week often allows you to enjoy smaller crowds, lower prices, and might just be a necessity depending on your work schedule. If you have little ones that are home during the week, this is the list for you. (Some events also go later than the school day, so you could even surprise your child with a fun afternoon outing!)

Farms with Weekday Activities

Hellerick’s Family Farm

5500 N. Easton Road, Doylestown

Hellerick’s Farm offers over 40 activities included in their Adventure Farm tickets. There’s a hay ride, corn mazes, hay bale slides, playground areas, pumpkin racing, huge slides, and more. (My daughter’s personal favorite is the corn barn, which is basically a little playhouse filled with corn kernels and horse toys.) They’re a popular weekend spot this time of year, but Hellerick’s is also open during the week from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through November 1. (Last admission is at 5 p.m.) Tickets are $16.99 per person on weekdays vs $19.99 on weekends. Children under 36 inches are free.

Additional attractions include mini golf, aerial adventure park, silo climbing wall, goat experience and u-pick flowers. (These are all an additional fee.)

Shady Brook Farm

931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley

We’ve had Fall Season Passes to Shady Brook for over 5 years now. I love being able to pop over for an hour or so without worrying if we’re “getting our money’s worth.” I highly recommend that you keep an eye out for when they do flash sales in the summer. Otherwise, you can save some money (and avoid crowds) by visiting Shady Brook on a weekday. They’re open Wednesday – Sunday (starting September 30), and tickets are significantly cheaper Wednesday – Friday at $20 per person instead of $25-35 on weekends. Festival Field is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays (closing moves back to 9 p.m. starting October 14) and until 10 p.m. on Fridays. Make sure to buy tickets online to save! The basic activities are the same. They just don’t have the live music Wednesday and Thursday. Enjoy the hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin/apple/sunflower picking, jumping pillows, pedal go-karts, giant slides, obstacle course, sports area, and more. Last year, the food stands were open during the week, but I noticed you had to get your Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream out by the Market instead of the smaller stand on the Festival Field. (I haven’t gone on a weekday this year yet, but I’ll check on this!)

If you don’t want to do the full Shady Brook FallFest, you can visit the Market area with no admission fee. There’s a brand new playground, Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream and lots of fall goodies in the store.

In addition, Shady Brook is hosting FREE classes for little ones on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!
Fall Lil Sprouts Shake & Stretch Yoga: Tuesdays through November 10 at 11 a.m.

Atlas Yoga is back at Shady Brook with a free program for preschool age children where they’ll move their bodies, stretch, breathe, and learn about senses and emotions.

Fall Lil Sprouts Tune Time: Wednesdays through November 11 at 11 a.m.

Music will be on the patio stage or in the barn depending on the weather. Wear Halloween costumes on October 28! Free class.

Styer Orchard

97 Styers Lane, Langhorne

If you’re looking for a farm experience without the frills, head to Styers. You can pick apples or pumpkins, take a hayride, shop their huge variety of pumpkin and squash … and you only pay for what you bring home. Admission and rides are free. This is also a great spot if you want to take some pictures without paying admission like so many of the other farms nearby. Styer is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Grab lunch or treats from the Market on your way out.

Winding Brook Farm

3014 Bristol Road, Warrington

You’ll have to wait until the last two weeks in October to visit Winding Brook Farm on a weekday for pumpkin picking. This is a great spot if your weekends are packed with sports etc., but you still want to get in a pumpkin picking experience after school. Pumpkin picking is open daily the last 2 weeks in October from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Terhune Orchards

330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton

The frozen apple cider slush and apple cider donuts alone are worth the trip to Terhune. While they have live music, pony rides, pumpkin painting and more on the weekends, you CAN visit for pumpkin/apple picking, visit the farm store and see the animals and play area during the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You need tickets on the weekends, but it’s free to visit during the week!

On Tuesday, October 7, you can purchase tickets for the pumpkin-themed Read & Pick where kids enjoy a storytime and pick a pumpkin. Sessions are at 9:30 a.m. and 11 .m. Register HERE.

Howell Living History Farm

70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville

This farm was a new spot for us in 2022, and I’m so sad that I didn’t go to it when my kids younger! It’s open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free if you’d just like to take a walk around the beautiful farm and visit with the animals. There are also special programs such as their Corn Maze, which is open Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (as well as weekends) and Monday, October 13 from noon to 4 p.m.

Linvilla Orchards

137 W. Knowlton Road, Media

Linvilla’s Pumpkinland is open daily now through November 8. Not ALL of the activities are open on weekdays, but there’s definitely enough to spend several hours there with little ones. You don’t need an admission ticket to walk through Pumpkinland and enjoy the atmosphere. Instead, you purchase tickets for individual activities, so check the website for details. There’s a train ride that goes around a 1-acre track, hayrides (including Autumn Moon Evening Hayrides!), straw bale maze, playground, and more.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks

This one is a drive – it’s all the way out in Lancaster County, but we LOVED it when we went on my son’s October birthday a few years ago. If you’ve ridden a train from Strasburg Rail Road, you’ve gone past Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. They have more than 60 farm activities including hay chutes, hayrides, a corn barn, pedal carts, pumpkin picking, and more. Ticket prices start at $25.95 on weekdays. They’re open Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The fall season goes until November 7.

More Outdoor Destinations

Scarecrows at Peddler’s Village

Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska

Peddler’s Village typically has some additional activities on the weekends, but if you just want to see the scarecrows and enjoy a leisurely walk around the Village, go on a weekday! The stores are typically open until 6 p.m. (8 p.m. on Fridays), so you can shop and eat while you pick out your favorite scarecrow. My kids’ favorite destinations include Clusters popcorn, Mama Hawk’s, Nina’s Waffles & Ice Cream and lunch at Buttonwood Grill.

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Sesame Place is a popular weekend destination for families with little kids, but they’re also open Friday evenings this time of year. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, kids can see the Halloween-themed shows and parade, trick or treat and go on some rides.

Morris Arboretum

100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia

During the month of October, you can take a walk around Morris Arboretum & Gardens and enjoy more than 30 scarecrows along the Scarecrow Walk. This year’s theme is “The 70s” – featuring scarecrows inspired by the 1770s, 1970s, or any decade ending in 70! Vote for your favorite if you visit before October 18. On October 21, there’s a free storytime for children 3-6 in the Outdoor Classroom from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wear a costume and make your own scarecrow craft. Be sure to check out the Morris Pumpkin Cottage- a 100-square-foot exhibition covered in hundreds of pumpkins. My kids also love the Fairy Woods where they can build homes for fairies with natural materials, and the huge nets in the “Out On a Limb” exhibit. Morris Arboretum is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (They open at 9 a.m. on weekends.) Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 3-17 if you purchase online. They’re $2 more at the gates.

Grounds for Sculpture

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ

I’ve written and entire post about how much we love Grounds for Sculpture, so I won’t get into too much detail here. (Go read THIS POST for more AND a free printable scavenger hunt!) It’s a gorgeous place to take a walk with the kids exploring art and nature. Grounds for Sculpture is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Tuesdays. You need to purchase time tickets online. Kids 5 and under are free. And you can often get free passes at your local library!

Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

Longwood Gardens is a popular Christmas spot and it’s always beautiful in the spring and summer, but don’t forget that you can go in the fall, too! We actually spent Henry’s first birthday at Longwood Gardens. The colors are gorgeous, it’s not too hot or cold walking around, and they have a really cute kids area. There are festive pumpkin displays the entire month of October. Also during the month of October, enjoy storytime on Thursdays at 11 a.m. in the shade of London plane-trees in West Conservatory Plaza. (Best for children ages 2-5.) And the Garden Railway with Thomas and his friends opens on October 2 and remains open until the beginning of January. Longwood Gardens is open every day except Tuesday.

Churchville Nature Center

501 Churchville Lane, Churchville

Take a walk, play on the recycled material playground, and see the animals at the Visitor Center. Churchville Nature Center’s Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday. The trails are open daily from sun up to sundown.

Silver Lake Nature Center

1306 Bath Road, Bristol

Similar to the above Churchville Nature Center, Silver Lake has trails for exploring, a Visitors Center with educational displays and a few animals. It’s also right next to (you just verge off from the one path) Silver Lake Playground. Plus, the playground at the Bristol Community Center is just down the road if you want to visit two spots. Silver Lake offers afterschool nature classes and a homeschool enrichment series. The Visitors Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Weekday Trunk or Treat and other 1-Day Events

Action Karate Doylestown Trunk or Treat

When: Thursday, October 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 1456 Ferry Road, Doylestown

Open to the public. Takes place outdoors in the parking lot. Pre-register HERE and the first 100 kids will receive an Action Karate goodie bag.

Burns Auto Group Trunk or Treat

When: Thursday, October 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 10 Lincoln Circle, Fairless Hills

Free candy and pumpkins for kids in costumes!

Fred Beans Ford of Langhorne Trunk or Treat

When: Friday, October 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 1939 East Lincoln Highway, Langhorne

Candy, games, music, food trucks, face painting and giveaways! There will also be fore trucks and police cars for the kids to go in.

Trunk or Treat at Chick-fil-A Newtown

When: Friday, October 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 4 West Road, Newtown

Chick-Fil-A Newtown is hosting a trunk or treat!

Redeemer Lutheran Church Penndel Frightfully Fun Halloween Party

When: Friday, October 23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 246 Hulmeville Avenue, Langhorne

Haunted house, spooky songs to dance to, Halloween themed games, kid activities and a costume contest! Admission is $10 per person, $5 for children 12 and under and includes pizza, snacks and drinks.

Action Karate Trunk or Treat

When: Friday, October 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 1800 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville

Free event open to the public. Pre-register HERE.

Trick or Treat at the Trenton Thunder BallPark

When: Thursday, October 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (free timed tickets required)
Where: 1 Thunder Road, Trenton

Families are invited to trick or treat through the luxury suites, which are all decorated for the holiday! There are typically some other games and giveaways, they play a Halloween movie on the big screen, and you can purchase food if you like.
Limited tickets available HERE.

Warwick Community Halloween Happening

When: Thursday, October 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Warwick Community Park, 1733 Township Green, Jamison

Trunk or treat, live performances and games, costume vault, and voting for the scarecrow showdown! Plus, Movie in the Park!

Trunk or Treat at Judy Sare

When: Thursday, October 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 2909 Bristol Road, Bensalem

Trick or treat at decorated trunks, plus there will be music and games. Suggested $5 per family donation at the door.

Trunk or Treat in Peddler’s Village

When: Friday, October 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, Lahaska

Trick or treat at participating shops throughout the village and visit Trunk-or-Treat Lane behind the Visitor & Event Center where there will be 15 to 25 decorated cards from local residents, organizations and businesses.

Amerikick Princeton Trunk or Treat

When: Friday, October 30 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 2901 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville

Free event with live DJ, loads of candy, Kona Ice, carnival games, pumpkin painting and more. Register HERE.

Other Activities

Stories and Play at the Library

We love visiting libraries, and when my kids were younger, we could fill most of the day focused around our library visit. We’ll start our day at the library, then visit a playground nearby if possible. (Langhorne, Bensalem and Yardley all have libraries either within the same parking lot of less than a minute drive.) And then, of course, we’ll have new books and sometimes DVDs that we borrowed. All of the Bucks County Free Library Branches offer storytime events that last about 30 minutes. We also love the play areas at many of the areas. Penn’s Little Village (Langhorne) and Career Corner (Yardley) are the two biggest, but all of them have at least some play area for kids.

Check out the Bucks County Free Library website to view the calendar of events – all free!
I spotted a Halloween Storytime and Parade at the Warminster library on October 29 at 10:30, Halloween storytime at the Southampton library on October 30 at 10:30, Costume Party at the Langhorne library on October 30 at 11, Halloween Storytime at the Quakertown library on October 31 at 10 and crafts at 2, and pumpkin painting at the Warminster library on October 31 at 10:30.

Go to a Playground

You know I can’t have a list and NOT includes playgrounds! (Well, until it gets TOO Cold at least.) In my kids’ younger years (they’re now 9 and 7) we’d go to a playground at LEAST once a week. I’d either plan our entire day around it, packing a lunch etc. Or, we fit it in based on a library we’re planning to visit, errands we’re running … whether we go for 30 finds or 3 hours, we find ourselves at playgrounds. If you want to find some new playgrounds to explore, visit my Guide to Playgrounds.

Make a LEGO Pumpkin and Other Fun at LEGOLand Discovery Center

We love Legoland Discovery Center in Plymouth Meeting Mall. Tickets are cheaper on weekdays AND it’s less crowded, so it’s a win win. During the month of October, Legoland Discovery Center will celebrate Halloween with special themed decor and activities. Make something ghost-inspired with glow-in-the-dark bricks. See the 4D movie – The Great Monster Chase. Make a Halloween build in Creative Workshop. The Discovery Center is open daily (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.)

Get a Free Pre-K Pass for the Adventure Aquarium

Sign up for the FREE Pre-K Kid’s Pass at the Adventure Aquarium and receive free admission for your children between the ages of 2 and 5 for the entire year. As a heads-up, you sign up for the pass on the website, but you then need to visit the aquarium with your child and proof of birthdate before October 25 to activate the pass. This is an amazing deal, and I’m sad my kids are now too old for it! Halloween is also a really fun time to visit the aquarium!

Visit Crayola Experience during Screamin’ Green Hauntoween

Crayola Experience is so much fun … even moreso when you don’t have to deal with big crowds! I have a post with tips on visiting Crayola HERE.

Halloween activities are running now through November 1. Plus, on select Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, Crayola hosts Toddler Tuesdays with special creative activities designed just for little ones. Upcoming dates are October 20 and November 15.