Awesome Fall Activities List
Fall in West Michigan might just be my favorite season, and that is saying a lot after coming off of summer in the Mitten State.
But there is something magical about the cool air, changing colors, shorter days, and the oh-so-good food this time of year (fresh cider and homemade donuts, please).
If you are like me, having to pack away the flip-flops and shorts isn’t so bad, knowing that autumn is right around the corner. Below you will find some amazing fall activities for the whole family.
Featured Fall Activities Around Grand Rapids
This is a sponsored section.
#1: Play at Moelker Orchards
9265 Kenowa Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49534
What to Expect at Moelker Orchards this Fall
Moelker Orchards is a favorite destination in West Michigan for fresh fruit, fall fun, and delicious baked goods from our own Old Bell Bakery!
Our family-run farm has been in operation since 1907 and we offer u-pick apples, horse drawn wagon rides, u-pick pumpkins, and more!
Join us this fall to make some great memories!
"Such a cute, fun, family farm! Great for little ones!"
-- Lauren Joyce on Facebook
#2: Play at BattleGR
284 Dodge NE Suite 100 Comstock Park, MI 49321
What to Expect at BattleGR this Fall
BattleGR is a place for fun for all ages.
Come check out tactical laser tag, archery tag, arcade, and our sport courts for some family fun.
Check out our website for some fun new activities we are adding this fall as well as our fall themed events.
Every Friday night is Teen-ish night for 10 years old and older. Check online for our Parent’s Night Out Dates.
We reserved a laser tag room for my family (kids, parents, grandparents) and had a blast!! The games are so fun & we all couldn’t stop laughing and smiling!
#3: Play at Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center
6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002
What to Expect at Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center this Fall
The Air Zoo has immersive, hands-on learning experiences to ignite every imagination, more than 360 days a year!
Their 100+ air and spacecraft, world-renowned public restoration center, exciting educational programming, indoor amusement park-style rides, and out-of-this-world events mean there is always something new and exciting to discover at the Air Zoo.
From “cool” science-based, ice cream challenges to family-based STEAM days and birthday parties – there are countless ways to keep everyone engaged and inspired.
#4: Play at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
4180 W M20 New Era, MI 49446
What to Expect at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo this Fall
A full day of fun awaits at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo where we grow Fruit, Fun, & Memories on West Michigan’s lakeshore! Fall Festival Weekends kick off the harvest season with u-pick apples, pumpkin patch, and corn maze. Enjoy activities for all ages! Amuse yourself at the Pig Races, experience a thrilling Candy Cannon blast, and delite your tastebuds with a delicious apple cider slushie or fresh donut.
#5: Play at Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm
3025 6 Mile Road Grand Rapids, MI 49544
What to Expect at Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm this Fall
Welcome to our family farm run by the girls!
We offer u-pick apples & pumpkins, bakery w/donuts & cider. A full lunch menu, farm market, indoor & outdoor seating, live music, playground, farm animal friends, corn maze & wagon rides.
Pink Barrel Cellars now serving up our hand crafted beer, wine, hard cider & seltzers.
#6: Play at Gull Meadow Farms
8544 Gull Rd Richland, MI 49083
What to Expect at Gull Meadow Farms this Fall
Gull Meadow Farms is Southwest Michigan's Fall Destination for Family Fun!
Whether you are stopping by to pick apples in the orchard, pumpkins from the patch, visit our furry friends at the petting farm, or are just looking to enjoy a day in the farm-fresh air with your friends and family, we have the perfect location to create those lasting memories.
Stop by and enjoy our delicious donuts and award-winning cider. We can't wait to have you create lasting memories and traditions here at the farm.
#7: Play at Tarry Hall Roller Rink
3330 Fairlanes Ave SW Grandville, MI 49418
What to Expect at Tarry Hall Roller Rink this Fall
Come skate with us at any of our public sessions or rent out our venue for your own private event!
All ages welcome, we have Fisher Price skates and Skate-Mates for the littles.
We'd love to host your next birthday party, family reunion, Christmas party, you name it. Beginner skating lessons available as well.
Visit our website to see our hours & pricing, call or email for more details.
Harvest Activities – Orchards, Hayrides, Corn Mazes
A Grand Rapids fall wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the many apple orchards or pumpkin patches in our area.
If your family loves to go on hayrides and navigate corn mazes, or sit back and enjoy some donuts and cider, this list will get you to the best places to enjoy all of these iconic fall farm activities.
Schwallier’s Country Basket
Home of the straw mountain and apple cannons, Schwallier’s Country Basket also boasts a corn maze, an outdoor play area, and of course, some of the spunkiest goats around.
1185 9 Mile Rd NW, Sparta, MI 49345
Bowen’s Mills Cider Press Sundays
Every October, the site hosts Cider Sundays, a celebration of the fall harvest.
This even is known as Bowens Mills Cider Time.
55 N Briggs Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333
Robinette’s
Bounce around on “the pillow,” pose with the iconic giant apple, and do all your fall favorites at Robinette’s Apple Haus.
3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Red Barn Market
Adults stop at Red Barn Market for the Hard Cider tasting room and delicious sandwiches. Kids come for homemade donuts, pumpkins, ice cream, farm animals & more.
3550 Alden Nash Ave NE, Lowell, MI 49331
Crane Orchards
Pick some apples, and ride the cow train before attempting to navigate the 20-acre corn maze at Crane Orchards in Fennville.
6054 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
Deep Roots Produce
Adventure through the themed corn maze at Deep Roots Produce, and grab some home grown goodies while you’re there.
8570 84th St SE, Alto, MI 49302
Post Family Farm
Explore the giant tube slides, select some pumpkins, or find your way through the corn maze at Post Family Farm in Hudsonville.
5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Fruit Ridge Hayrides
Covering 10-acres, Fruit Ridge Hayrides invites you to strap on your boots and get ready for a covered-wagon adventure out west in their Wild West themed corn maze.
Don’t forget your phone for the MazeTracker game.
11966 Fruit Ridge Ave, Kent City, MI 49330
Ed Dunneback & Girls
Have a farm fresh lunch before taking on all the fun that Ed Dunneback & Girls hosts from u-pick or corn maze and more.
3025 6 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Olin Farm
Sit on the lap of a giant Raggedy Andy made from straw bales, greet the magnificent Clydesdale horses and take a relaxing 35-minute hayride at Olin Farm in Lowell.
10991 Vergennes St SE, Lowell, MI 49331
Lewis Farm
With a Pumpkin Chucker and fruit cannons, you’re sure to have a blast at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo.
4180 M-20, New Era, MI 49446
Heidi’s
Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery has two different corn mazes to navigate: a junior course designed to take 15-20 minutes as well as a longer one that takes 45-60 minutes to complete.
11999 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
Bethke Farms
In Grand Haven, check Bethke Farms for hayrides, pumpkin picking, and a corn maze.
12124 136th Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Moelker Orchards
Stop into the Moelker Orchards & Farm Market bakery and try all of the donuts, pie flavors and everything else they whip up in their kitchen. Saturdays in October are special – visit for their fall festival days.
9265 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Family Fall Festivals & Events
These aren’t your run of the (cider) mill happenings!
Here’s a list of events and activities that will need some time marked in your calendar.
From fairs and festivals, expos and conventions, and unique outings, autumn keeps rolling out exciting gatherings. A few are still canceled for the 2021 season, but most are up and running again this year. However, things change quickly so be sure to verify an event is still running before you head out.
There are dozens of Grand Rapids fall fairs and festivals. This is just a small sampling of some favorites.
Here’s a list to get you going but be sure to consult the Family Event Calendar for even more ideas to fuel your Grand Rapids fall frolics.
Get that Grub to Go
Eat to your heart’s (or stomach’s) content at the Kentwood Food Truck Festival.
Sat, Sept 11, 2021
4950 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Balloon Launches!
Stop by the Wayland Hot Air Balloon Fest to enjoy a 0.5K run, craft & vendor show, cornhole tournament, inflatables and balloon launches and glow!
Sat, Sept 11, 2021
Wayland Municipal Airport
Free fall family-friendly festival! Hot dogs, ice cream, an obstacle course, barrel train, bouncy house, yard games & more!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Carriage rides, barrel train rides, face painting, snacks, and much more. Enjoy the beautiful farm and make some memories!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Apple pie eating contests, live music, bounce houses, petting zoos, craft stations, and MUCH more!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
2-day outdoor festival with 100 fine art & craft artist booths, Children's craft area, live music, & more! FREE, $5 parking
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
FREE Sunflower picking! FREE Donuts & snacks! Live music & corn hole.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Hayrides, Classic Car Show, Chili Cook Off, Children's Entertainment, Beer Tents & More!
Multiple days.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
A fall celebration with free family-oriented activities for all ages to enjoy.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Experience first-hand the fall harvest techniques and activities from the early-to-mid 1900s. Ages 13+ $5, 12 and under are FREE
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Come celebrate fall and friendship at Fellinlove Farm through a farm tour, pedal boat/kayak/canoe ride, nature trail walk and much more!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
October 1 & 2. The 36th year of family friendly event and tradition featuring a plethora of fall activities, entertainment, large parade and more!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Paint pumpkins, build a hidden scarecrow, smile in the photo booth, and bring home some amazing Fall decor from a floral truck.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
October 2, 2021
Fall Fun for the whole family! Halloween costumes encouraged.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Every Sunday in October. Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Cider pressing demonstrations, animals, live music & more! $5/adult, $3/child
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Featuring some yummy German food and tapping our first Oktoberfest Brew! Live music, pumpkin pickin, apple pickin and good times!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
October 8 & 9. Lighted pumpkin trail, live music, food trucks, drawn wagon rides, scarecrow voting, kid’s pedal tractor pulls, petting farm, & more!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
October 8 & 9. Featuring some of the nation's best professional pumpkin carvers, hay rides, pumpkin painting and street performers.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk, Pancake Breakfast, Autumn Marketplace, Chili Cook-off and more!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Bring the whole family to enjoy a day exploring the magic of fall!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Featuring some of the nation's best professional pumpkin carvers, hay rides, pumpkin painting and street performers.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Bring the whole family to enjoy a day of crafts, games, candle dipping, and even make your own scarecrow to take home with you! Registration required.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
This weekend only, we welcome the pups to the farm. Fur friends are welcome to pick apples, navigate the corn maze or check out the pumpkin patch!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Games, prizes, corn maze, candy treat and craft bags for kids, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, plus visit the animal barn. $5 for kids to participate.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Two Bones BBQ food truck, family photos and A LOT of activities, games, arts, rides and more for all ages!
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Pumpkin carving, festive beers, food trucks, and live music.
Fall Activities - Harvest Time
Elephant Ears, Please
Strike a pose and snap a silly family picture with Rocky Rooster on your way into the Allegan County Fair.
Sept 10-18, 2021
150 Allegan Co. Fair Dr, Allegan MI 49010
Urban Hayday
Pumpkins will explode, pumpkins will be raced, and all will have fun at the Urban Hayday in Hudsonville, MI.
Comic Con
Whether the force be with you, aim to misbehave, solemnly swear you are up to no good, or generally just have fun storming the castle, get your geek on with the Grand Rapids Comic-Con.
November 12-14, 2021
DeVos Place
303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Bucket List Fall Activities
Looking for something to do on (almost) any run-of-the-mill autumn day?
Take a Hike
Take in the fall color on a hike at a favorite trail or park.
Get the Perfect Pic
Update your family photo album with a photo shoot at one these popular photo places.
Head to the Michigan Farm Garden
Scale the giant pumpkins at the Michigan Farm area of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Family Fun
-Try pumpkin bowling in your driveway (set up empty soda bottles as pins and bowl them down with small pumpkins).
-Play a back-yard game of football or soccer as a family.
Buckle Up
-Hit the road for a color tour.
-Drive out to the country and go star gazing.
-Head out and see how many donut spots you can visit in one day.
Practice Gratitude
Make a family “thankful for” list.
Get Crafty
-Make your own scarecrow.
-Bake and take cookies or pumpkin bread to your children’s teachers.
-Bake apple or pumpkin pies.
-Construct an outdoor bird feeder from old bagels or pine cones coated with peanut butter and covered with birdseed.
-Carve or paint pumpkins! Don’t forget to roast the seeds!
Friends & Food
-Tailgate with friends (with or without going to a game).
-Set up a chili cook-off with family and friends – winner hosts the party next year!
-Treat the family to hot apple cider and donuts
-Make caramel apples and let the kids decorate them with a variety of toppings.
-Host a bonfire and make hobo dinners.
Fall Activities: ArtPrize
ArtPrize 2021 is in full effect September 16 – October 3. A trip downtown in the fall is something my kids look forward to every year!
Fall Activities: Halloween
In our household, the most anticipated fall activity is Halloween. Getting to play dress up all day AND get candy? It doesn’t get much better.
We hope that we will have a more “normal” Halloween this year. But how cool were the candy chutes and other creative distribution methods in 2020?
John Ball Zoo Goes Boo
My family’s favorite Halloween tradition is going to John Ball Zoo Goes Boo. Nowadays, this is the only time other than Halloween Night that my entire family dresses up.
Trunk or Treats
Fill those treat bags – and collect your Mom Tax – early at one or more trunk or treat event.
Halloween Events
Stop by another Halloween-themed event like a race, parade or costume tour.
Trick or Treat Times
Go trick-or-treating! Find your town’s time on our big list of trick-or-treat times.
Staple Attractions Open this Fall
Walk the Zoo
Explore the Bricklive exhibit at John Ball Zoo, featuring life-size Lego depictions of zoo animals. The exhibit is in GR into the fall.
Go to a Whole New World
Step into an exhilarating world of blacklight and unbelievable journeys at Amped Virtual Reality.
Swim, Swim, Swim
Grab your suit and take swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School or Holland Aquatic Center.
GR Public Museum
Go for a scenic carousel ride at the Grand Rapids Public Museum after you check out the incredible POPnology exhibit.
Playgrounds and Parks
Soak up as much sunshine at a favorite playground while the weather is still warm.
Create!
Brush up some fun by painting pottery at Accidental Art in Rockford.
Giraffes and More
Get up close and even feed some of the exotic animals of Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park.
Paint Pottery
Get creative at The Mud Room by painting pottery pieces, wooden signs, fusing glass and more.
Zip Line and Rock Walls
Challenge yourself to endless feats of strength and agility at Allegan Event activity center.
Downtown GR
Grab lunch at the Downtown Market and some other fun Heartside Explorations.
Outdoor Adventure
Conquer the Junior Park or one of the seven courses offered at TreeRunner Adventure Park, an aerial park full of climbing thrills.
Appreciate Art
Feed your imagination as you explore the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
Relax with some coloring during open studio times at Carolyn Stich Studio.
Fall Activities: Sports, Consignment Sales, Classes and More
Get Groovy
Find a studio, music lessons, or similar outlet to nurture your creative kid’s interests with our Dance, Music, and the Arts Guide.
Library Perks
Check out attraction passes, download digital content and more when you explore the perks of your GRPL membership or KDL Card.
Sports, Sports & More Sports
Get involved with a sports team or clinic to keep your kid active all year round.
Gymnastics Guide
Tumblers, ninjas, and gold-medal hopefuls can use our Gymnastics Guide to find an option nearby.
Fall Shopping
Swap out out grown clothing and toys when you sell or shop at a fall consignment sale.
Fall Zoo Classes
Preschool kids love the Sprout Series at John Ball Zoo, and their autumn classes are filling up.
Are there fall activities we missed? We’d love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below!
Fall Fun Finder
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Hi. Thanks for sharing great idea for the activities.Orchard strikes my eyes and I’m interested in visiting orchard with my kid and family. It seems new generations take most of time with digital world. I think it’s really great idea to leave our children with nature and real world.I’m thinking to take my family visit strawberry orchard to see how to plant, reap, and take good care of strawberry. I bought a new travel camera from here http://www.pirt.org/best-travel-camera/. I want to keep all moment of my kids and my family. I hope it would be a happiness in this orchard trip. Thank you very much for your sharing.
Maria V. Zehner Amber Tatro Jason Tatro
Heather Buiter Cori Van Putten
RJ Reedy prepare for the chaos!!