Fall is kind of the perfect season. We’ve just dealt with months of the hot North Carolina summer, and now, we can finally go out without having to worry about being reduced to piles of sweat by early afternoon. It’s a wonderful time to get out of the house and discover everything this wonderful city has to offer. If you’re determined to make this an unforgettable autumn, I’d love to give you a quick rundown of my very favorite Raleigh fall activities. Whether you’re looking to discover nature or experience some premium Halloween thrills, I’ve got the ideal destination for you!
Eight Incredibly Fun Raleigh Fall Activities For The Whole Family
North Carolina State Fair
The North Carolina State Fair invites you to spend ten days seeing all this state has to offer. The fair takes place near the campgrounds and gives you the ability to camp out throughout the event. Each October, you can view livestock shows, participate in home chef challenges, and take part in additional exciting challenges. The fair has live bands, tons of rides and games, and conservation displays. Their public house gives you the chance to unwind with a drink, while their legendary fair food will give you a truly delightful dinner. You can find it near the Midway at 1025 Blue Ridge Road.
Neuse River Greenway Trail
There’s no better place to view the fall foliage than the Neuse River Greenway Trail. This 30-mile paved trail gives explorers the chance to bike, hike, jog, or go for a stroll. Throughout your time, you’ll see everything from leafy forest views to boardwalks to covered bridges. There are unlimited significant sites to satisfy any history lover. Don’t worry about working up an appetite while you’re on the trail. You’ll travel near barbeque restaurants that will quell your hunger. You can also stop by a bike shop with parts to repair any breaks. You can find the trailhead at Falls Lake State Recreation Area at 13304 Creedmore Rd. in Wake Forest.
Naylor Family Farm Fall Activities Near Raleigh
While the Naylor Family Farm is open year-round, their fall harvest time is especially great. Every year, the farm brings in tons of activities that guests of all ages will love. Their hayride is packed with spooky fun that remains kid-friendly. The farm is careful to not use actual hay bales, so you won’t have to worry about those pesky allergens. You can get lost in the giant corn maze or race down the Super Mega Ride-N-Slide. The farm features animals such as pigs and horses alongside a corn crib where children can dig through dried kernels. The farm also has a pumpkin patch, so you can get your front porch Halloween-ready. You can find it at 6016 US-401 in nearby Fuquay-Varina.
Ken’s Korny Corn Maze
Throughout warmer months, Ken’s Produce and Garden Center is a top choice for families wanting to bring some brilliant color to their landscaping. Once it cools down, however, the site becomes a go-to spot for those looking for a fall-themed and activity filled Raleigh destination. Ken’s Korny Corn Maze rests on just over 5 acres. While the site is great for all ages, they recommend you bring a stroller in case smaller challenge-seekers get a bit tired from all the fun. In addition to the maze, the farm has an adventure zone complete with hayrides and activity stations. The area also has a sunflower field in bloom from July until late October. You can check it all out at 3175 Benson Road in Garner.
Phillips Farms
For over 100 years, Phillips Farm has been a family-owned spot that grows quality produce. In 2008, one of the family members had an idea to turn the farm into a fun park. In late summer, the farm shuts down to prepare for its annual fall activities. You’ll find classic North Carolina barbeque alongside locally-made donuts. Between sampling delicious food, your family can try out a roller race, sift through the corn crib, or hop on a wagon ride. The farm has a petting zoo and outdoor games, as well as a giant sunflower field. You can do these activities and so many more at 6720 Good Hope Church Road in Cary.
Kersey Valley Spookywoods
Kersey Valley Spookywoods is a bone-chilling adventure designed for visitors ages 10 and up. For nearly 40 years, the attraction has been providing people with memorable jump-scares thanks to their creative monsters and multiple haunted houses. Come face-to-face with the Mothman on their dark tram ride, or challenge your friends in a cornfield laser maze. When you’re not busy running in fright, you can enjoy some monstrous adult beverages or dance along with an in-house DJ. In recent years, the venue has become cashless, so make sure you come prepared! You can find the attraction at 1615 Kersey Valley Road in Archdale.
Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park
Pumpkin Flotilla is a fall activity that lets Raleigh get creative and show off your pumpkin carving skills. Before the annual pumpkin lighting, you’re able to decorate an 8-pound pumpkin however you’d like and drop it off at Bond Park. From there, the sponsors will light the pumpkins and float them around the lake. Over the next several nights, the pumpkins will be relit, so you don’t have to miss this one-of-a-kind show. Before the lighting of the pumpkins, you can rent boats, listen to live music, or enjoy some food trucks. Visit the ghastly display at 801 High House Road in Cary.
Millstone Creek Orchards
Of course, no fall is complete without pumpkin picking! At Millstone Creek Orchards, you can pick out a pumpkin while getting to enjoy endless activities around the farm. The orchards plant over 20,000 seeds along 3 different patches, giving you plenty of opportunities to find that perfect pumpkin. The weekend leading up to the pumpkin pickings lets you cuddle with the world’s fluffiest cows or hop on a hayride. If you miss these events, you’ll still get to check out their weekly live music and food vendors. And when the pumpkins are gone, you can come back for their fresh pecans! Millstone Creek Orchards is located at 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd. in Ramseur.
Raleigh Fall Activities
Now that the temps are cooling, it’s time to explore once again! With these fall activities around Raleigh, you can have your best autumn yet!
If you’re looking for additional ways to make memories, I’d love to chat! I’m a Raleigh-based photographer, and I love providing personalized photo sessions that let you shine! From nature-filled maternity pics to dreamy newborn portraits, I love working with parents so they can have gorgeous images of this precious time. If you’ve been considering booking a session to celebrate your little one, I’d love to chat and tell you more about my unique photo experience. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
