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.
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).
With all these amazing fall activities to try, I’m glad autumn is finally here!
*feature image is of Bethke Farms in Grand Haven.
West MI Fall Activities Roundup
Featured Fall Activities
Thank you to our fall activity sponsors!
Fall Fun in Holland
Downtown Holland Fall Fest
Fall Hot Spot #1 - Downtown Holland Fall Fest - Holland
150 West 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
1 Lincoln Ave, MI, 49423
Don't miss Downtown Holland's annual Fall Fest on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5! It's the only fall festival in West Michigan where you'll see the nation's best professional pumpkin carvers (including Food Network alumni) live in action, carving the biggest pumpkins you've ever seen!
This two-day fall festival has something fun for everyone in the family, including professional pumpkin carving, street performers, games and prizes, and pumpkin painting!
Fall Fest also features community tulip planting, an artisan market with hayrides, and a concert with folk band Michigan-IO. Visit www.hollandfallfest.com for all the details!
"It's absolutely amazing to watch the professional pumpkin carvers transform 1,000 pound pumpkins into incredible works of art during Fall Fest!"
This two-day fall festival has something fun for everyone in the family, including professional pumpkin carving, street performers, games and prizes, and pumpkin painting!
Fall Fest also features community tulip planting, an artisan market with hayrides, and a concert with folk band Michigan-IO. Visit www.hollandfallfest.com for all the details!
Fall Fun in North of Grand Rapids
Abandoned Acres Farm Haunted Attraction
Fall Hot Spot #2 - Abandoned Acres Farm Haunted Attraction - North of Grand Rapids
7737 FRUIT RIDGE AVE NW, SPARTA, MI 49345
Come see what new horrors await you this year with many new scenes, sets, and scares for 2024!
Both Haunted Attractions are over a quarter of a mile long each and are a highbred combination of outdoor haunted corn mazes and indoor haunted experiences making it a unique, immersive experience. Be prepared to be scared!
The Bloody Butcher: A farm-themed attraction full of Mutant Pumpkins, Witches, Hillbillies, Wandering Corpses, Scarecrows, and insane farm animals.
Big Top Terror Vision: A carnival-themed attraction full of crazed clowns, misfits, and deranged circus animals in a 3D environment (3D Glasses included).
The Scare Factor: 2023 Highest rated Haunt 10/10
Travel Michigan: 2023 Scariest Haunted Houses Grand Rapids Region
Michigan Haunted Houses: 2021 Haunt of the Year Winner
Both Haunted Attractions are over a quarter of a mile long each and are a highbred combination of outdoor haunted corn mazes and indoor haunted experiences making it a unique, immersive experience. Be prepared to be scared!
The Bloody Butcher: A farm-themed attraction full of Mutant Pumpkins, Witches, Hillbillies, Wandering Corpses, Scarecrows, and insane farm animals.
Big Top Terror Vision: A carnival-themed attraction full of crazed clowns, misfits, and deranged circus animals in a 3D environment (3D Glasses included).
Travel Michigan: 2023 Scariest Haunted Houses Grand Rapids Region
Michigan Haunted Houses: 2021 Haunt of the Year Winner
Fall Fun in Caledonia
Deep Roots Produce
Fall Hot Spot #3 - Deep Roots Produce - Caledonia
8410 Whitneyville Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302
We have a market barn filled with homegrown produce and local goods, as well as ice cream, cider and hot donuts! We have pumpkins of all colors and sizes, a large corn maze, flower fields and a free petting zoo!
Fall events include glow nights in the maze, a trunk or treat and more!
"I visited this establishment for the first time last week. The shop is warm and inviting. The fall colors are beautiful. The corn maze was fun and there were people in all ages groups. I will be returning next year. Keep up the good work."
Fall events include glow nights in the maze, a trunk or treat and more!
Fall Fun in Grand Rapids - NW
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm
Fall Hot Spot #4 - Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm - Grand Rapids - NW
3025 6 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
U-apples, pumpkins, farm animals, yard games, Lil' Farmer's Pasture, wagon rides, corn maze, restaurant, beverages, gift shoppe, fresh produce, bakery, live music, trivia, festival weekends.
Fall Fun in Sparta
Fruit Ridge Hayrides
Fall Hot Spot #5 - Fruit Ridge Hayrides - Sparta
11966 Fruit Ridge Ave, Kent City, MI 49330
Join us for Fall fun down on the farm.
We offer horse drawn hayrides through the woods and orchard, pony rides, petting zoo, interactive 'Big Top Circus' corn maze, and children's activities.
Plus come out for u-pick apples and pumpkins, homemade donuts and award winning cider.
"Fruit Ridge Hayrides has an amazing variety of apples, 10 acres of u-pick pumpkins of every size and shape and the best donuts around."
We offer horse drawn hayrides through the woods and orchard, pony rides, petting zoo, interactive 'Big Top Circus' corn maze, and children's activities.
Plus come out for u-pick apples and pumpkins, homemade donuts and award winning cider.
Fall Fun in Lowell
The Orchards at Red Barn
Fall Hot Spot #6 - The Orchards at Red Barn - Lowell
3550 Alden Nash Ave NE, Lowell, MI 49331
A day on the farm is a day well spent!
Getting lost in the corn maze, picking apples, eating fall treats, and drinking cider is just some of what we offer. We also have a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, Painted Turtle Hard Cider and so much more!
Getting lost in the corn maze, picking apples, eating fall treats, and drinking cider is just some of what we offer. We also have a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, Painted Turtle Hard Cider and so much more!
Fall Fun in West Michigan
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
Fall Hot Spot #7 - Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo - West Michigan
4180 W M-20, New Era, MI 49446
Fall Festival is amazing at Lewis Farms. Enjoy live entertainment, our corn maze, animal encounters, 50+ attractions, and the cleanest petting zoo around. Perfect for all ages!
Fall Fun in Grand Rapids - NE
Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery
Fall Hot Spot #8 - Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery - Grand Rapids - NE
3142 4 Mile Rd NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525
Make lasting memories with fall fun: jump on the pillow, explore the corn maze, ride horse-drawn wagons, and savor fresh-pressed cider and donuts!
Apple Orchard Activities
Apple picking in Michigan orchards can’t be beat. Take a cool fall walk into the orchard or ride a wagon to your favorite variety.
Many farms have fall activities to pair with apple picking, making orchards the perfect fall adventure.
Here are a few apple orchard activities we think are fun:
Shoot Apple Cannons
1185 9 Mile Rd NW, Sparta, MI 49345
Home of the straw mountain and apple cannons, Schwallier’s Country Basket also has a corn maze, an outdoor play area, and of course, some of the spunkiest goats around.
Pick Your Apples, then Get Lost in the Sunflower Maze
17647 40th Ave, Conklin, MI 49403
A beautiful 100-year-old barn welcomes you at Rasch Cherry & Apple Market in Conklin, just 20 minutes from Grand Rapids.
After picking Honey Crisp, Gala, or Golden Supreme apples, stop into the market for baked goods.
Don’t leave without exploring the unique sunflower maze.
Get the Hard Cider Flight
3550 Alden Nash Ave NE, Lowell, MI 49331
Include a stop at Red Barn Market on your fall bucket list simply for the Hard Cider tasting room and delicious sandwiches.
Also enjoy homemade donuts, pumpkins, ice cream, farm animals & the sunflower maze.
Fall Farm Activities
Family farms are where the magic of fall activities happens.
All in one spot you can pick pumpkins, grab fresh cider, take on a corn maze, bounce on a jumping pillow, pet farm animals, and much more.
Add in hayrides, sunflower fields for photo ops, delicious market food, and inflatables, and your kids will beg to try a new fall farm every day. Here are a few things to try –
Visit the Mother of All Petting Zoos
2985 N Sheridan Rd, Stanton, MI 48888
Take your time visiting with the many animals in the petting zoo at Anderson & Girls, then grab some lunch from the Sweet Shop.
Next, find the perfect pumpkin for your jack-o’-lantern in the pumpkin patch and top it off with a few runs down the giant slides.
Watch the Pigs Run
8544 Gull Rd, Richland, MI 49083
No matter what kind of fall activities experience you’re looking for, you can likely find it at Gull Meadow Farms.
- Corn Maze
- Hayrides
- Pumpkin Patch
- Apple Picking
- Homemade Donuts
- Zip Line
- Carnival Games
- Photo Ops
- Farm Animals
- Farmers Market
- Sunflowers
- Multiple Slides
Donuts & Cider
Does it get any better than fresh-baked donuts and farm-pressed cider?
Probably not!
We won’t judge if you spend the next two months cider mill hopping.
Just save some for us!
Watch the Cider Being Pressed
3025 6 Mile Rd, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
The Apple Cider at Heritage Farms Market is 100% natural and you can watch it being pressed.
Take home a gallon or enjoy an apple cider slushie. Don’t forget a freshly-made Old Fashion Spiced Donuts with cinnamon sugar!
Mini golf, wagon rides, corn maze, jumping pillow & animals, too!
Pick Up a Gallon of Klein’s Amazing Cider
2151 10 Mile Rd, Sparta, MI 49345
The cider at Klein Cider Mill is made from of a combination of apples depending on what is in season.
What does that mean? That the taste of the cider changes with each press. But don’t worry – it’s still gonna be delicious!
Their fresh, unpasteurized Apple Cider comes in half-gallon, gallon, and bulk quantities. Freeze it to make your fall fun last even longer!
Try all of the Bakery Treats & Save!
5348 N State Rd, Orleans, MI 48865
This adorable farm market at Pierson Orchard features a from-scratch bakery with some of the tastiest – and biggest – donuts and pastries we’ve ever tasted.
Plus, their prices are some of the best in West Michigan!
The on-site cider mill utilizes homegrown fruits. Just don’t get the cider without some of the donuts and pies (made fresh daily.)
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
We can’t believe all the corn mazes in West Michigan!
Thanks to technology, corn mazes have amazing themed designs, specific trail lengths and even GPS tracking to help you with your bearings.
These mazes are huge, and incredibly fun and some even offer haunted maze nights.
Some notable mazes include the following, but you can also check this list of all the corn mazes in West Michigan.
Go for the Glow Corn Maze
8570 84th St SE, Alto, MI 49302
Flashlight Nights, Glow Nights, and Haunted Weekend are just some of the choices you can make for your corn maze experience at Deep Roots Produce.
Have a great time in the daylight or in the dark finding your way through the 10-acre corn maze
Grab home-grown produce and play a few games of cornhole on the lawn before you go home.
Get Scared Out of Your Mind
4516 24th St, Dorr, MI 49323
New Salem Corn Maze is one of the iconic haunted attractions in West Michigan.
This nighttime adventure that takes you on a wild ride of dead ends, twists & turns, confusion, and mayhem.
Put it on Little Kid Mode
11999 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery in Lowell 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.
There is also a free Twine Maze for the smaller kids to play in.
Get Those Pics
Instagram hot spots?
Snap a Pic at the Pumpkin House
4180 M-20, New Era, MI 49446
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo is full of fall fun — complete with awesome photo ops.
Pick a pumpkin from their patch, then grab a pic at the pumpkin house or on the big rocking chair.
Pose with the Pretty Pink Pickup
3025 6 Mile Rd, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Does it even get more adorable than a pink pickup truck?
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm’s pink pickup is the cutest place for a pic after you’ve gone apple or pumpkin picking.
And you have to check out their market & diner.
They make their own hard cider and beer, for starters. They also have a delicious food menu and a market loaded with lots of locally made products.
Take Your Family Photos
12570 Grand River Dr SE, Lowell, MI 49331
Riverfront Park’s wooden bridge in Lowell is the perfect fall backdrop for family photos.
Don’t just take our word for it, go check it out yourself!
Want more options? We’ve rounded put the best Fall photo hot spots.
Head to the Pumpkin Patch
Find a jack-o’-lantern or just get some amazing fall decor for your porch at area pumpkin patches.
Kids love hunting for the perfect pumpkin in the festive fields around West Michigan. They also love the other activities you can find at these farms including corn mazes and even… a pumpkin chucker?
Wander Among Thousands of Pumpkins
12124 136th Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Bethke Farms in Grand Haven has thousands of pumpkins to choose from! Spread over several fields, you’ll have a blast finding the perfect one.
Also offered: fall activities like hayrides, fall decor, and a corn maze.
Go on a Hayride
Want a tractor or horse-drawn hayride?
We’ve got both in West Michigan and these farms are running them all fall.
Admire the Iconic Belgian Draft Horses
11966 Fruit Ridge Ave, Kent City, MI 49330
Covering 10 acres, Fruit Ridge Hayrides is where you go for that old-fashioned horse-drawn hayride experience.
All of the hayrides are approximately 40 minutes long, wheelchair accessible, and start out at the barn.
Stick around for fall activities like apple picking, donuts, and the corn maze, too.
Meet the Clydesdales at Olin Farm
10991 Vergennes St SE, Lowell, MI 49331
Sit on the lap of a giant Raggedy Andy made from straw bales, greet the magnificent Clydesdale horses in their pasture and take a relaxing 35-minute tractor-driven hayride at Olin Farm in Lowell.
Take a Hayride to the Pumpkin Patch
5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Hop onto a tractor-driven hayride that’ll take you through Post Family Farm and by the corn maze.
Jump off to select some pumpkins, then explore the giant tube slides and eat donuts back at the main building. Or find your way through the corn maze.
Jump into Fall Colors
There’s something magical about driving in the crisp air peeping all fall colors in and around West Michigan.
Not sure what to do during peak fall colors or where to see them? Don’t worry, we’ve got it planned for you! Follow our fall color tour route for some of our fall time favs.
Covered Bridges Fall Color Route
Alto – Lowell
Don’t sleep on our covered bridges fall route during peak season! The views (and highlighted stops) are picture perfect.
This route packs a punch with all the things for busy families; donuts, cider & hayrides – oh my!
Cheese, Hard Cider & Donuts Fall Color Route
Ottawa County
Hop in the car and follow the fall colors through our easy route in Ottawa County along the Grand River. Stop at pin pointed treasures along to way for donuts, cider & more.
The best news? It’s only an hour of driving!
Fall Festivals
These aren’t your run of the (cider) mill happenings!
Michigan fall festivals keep autumn rolling, with everything from lumberjack events, to apple parades, pumpkin festivals, and more.
Here are a few of our favorite west Michigan fall festivals:
Slingshot Apples at AppleFest
Downtown Sparta, MI 49345
Sept 15-16, 2024. For apple-themed fall activities, make your way to the annual AppleFest in Sparta, MI.
Shop artisan booths, order from a food truck, make a craft, shoot an apple slingshot, and more.
Celebrate All Things Pumpkin
Downtown Zeeland, MI
This 2-day festival (October 3-5, 2024) is has been celebrating fall for over 40 years.
Zeeland’s Pumpkinfest pulls out all the fall stops with food, music, kids activities, a parade, and more.
Admire Giant Professionally Carved Pumpkins
150 West 8th St, Holland, MI 49424
October 4-5, 2024. Downtown Holland’s Fall Fest is the only fall festival in West Michigan where you’ll find the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers carving the biggest pumpkins you’ve ever seen!
Fall Activities Bucket List
Still looking for something to do on these beautiful, crisp autumn days?
This bucket list of local fall activities might help!
Take a Hike – Enjoy the fall colors while hiking a favorite trail.
Visit the Giant Pumpkins at FMG – Scale the giant pumpkins in the Michigan Farm Garden at Meijer Gardens.
Try Pumpkin Bowling – In your driveway, set up empty soda bottles as pins and bowl them down with small pumpkins.
Take the Donut Challenge – Head out and see how many donut spots you can visit in one day.
Get Crafty – Make your own scarecrow, bake apple or pumpkin pies, or build an outdoor bird feeder from old bagels or pine cones.
Food & Friends: Cook up some chili and tailgate with friends, or host a bonfire and make hobo dinners.
ArtPrize
ArtPrize 2024 is in full effect from September 13 – September 28, 2024. (ArtPrize is a city-wide interactive art festival for all ages and is great for families.)
Wander through Art City
Downtown Grand Rapids
Families love this city-wide event that encourages curiosity and imagination.
ArtPrize has a different feel between daytime and nighttime. It warrants a trip during both if you’d like to experience all ArtPrize has to offer.
The light-up installations really come to life after the sun sets.
Halloween
In many households, the most anticipated of the fall activities is Halloween.
Getting to play dress-up all day AND get candy? It doesn’t get much better.
Dress up for John Ball Zoo Goes Boo
1300 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Dates: October 11 – 13, 18 – 20 & 25 – 27, 2024
My family’s favorite Halloween tradition is going to John Ball Zoo Goes Boo.
Each year the zoo transforms into the ultimate Halloween destination with decorations, costumes, candy, and, of course, the Zoo’s amazing animals.
Spooky treat stations ready for trick-or-treating are located throughout the Zoo.
Find the Best Decorated Halloween Houses
Decorating houses isn’t just for Christmas anymore.
Load up the warm cider and donuts and find the spookiest houses near you.
Find Trunk or Treats Near You
Fill those treat bags with another opportunity to put on costumes at these trunk or treat events around West Michigan.
This is a popular option for younger kids who may tire quickly on Halloween evening.
And indoor trunk or treats are even better if the weather is cold or rainy!
Jump into a Halloween Parade or Race
Stop by another Halloween-themed event like a race, parade or costume tour.
pictured: Alger Heights Halloween Kids Run
Find Your Neighborhood’s Trick or Treat Times
Go trick-or-treating!
Find your town’s time on our big list of trick-or-treat times.
Fall Bucket List
Keep track of fun fall activities with this bucket list!
Click on it to access a copy on Canva with clickable links to our articles – farms, ArtPrize, Halloween and more – to help guide your adventures!
You can get a copy with clickable links here.
What Did We Miss?
Are there fall activities we missed?
We’d love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below!
More West Michigan Fall Fun
Tap the graphic below to learn more about West Michigan’s best fall farms for families.
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!!