10 Best Fall Vacation Destinations for Families (2025)
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Plan a worth‑it, doable fall break—with less heat, lighter crowds, and plenty of leaf‑peeping.
My thought: Fall is one of the easiest seasons to travel with kids across the U.S. and parts of Canada.
Temperatures are usually close to perfect, lines shorten, and many destinations have seasonal festivals and even deals (hello, San Diego’s Kids Free October!).
Below you’ll find 10 hand-picked family destinations, and for each one, I’ve included what parents need to know most: what to do, where to stay, insider tips, and the best free thing to do in each spot.
Now the only problem is finding a time to go. (School, work, and kids’ schedules make finding a time to get away challenging.)
- Ultimate Packing List Bundle — printable checklists for parents + kids. → Get it here
- Travel Itinerary Planner Bundle — day-by-day planner pages to organize each stop. → Get it here
1. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Why it’s great in fall: Lakeside mansions + blazing foliage = the most scenic family walk ever. Apple orchards and small‑town festivals round it out. It’s a picture-perfect family fall getaway!
Top things to do in Lake Geneva (fall)
- Walk the Geneva Lake Shore Path
- Take a Lake Geneva Cruise Line tour (Best of the Lake or Ice Cream Social).
- Zipline/ropes at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures.
- Shop/dine downtown.
Where to stay in Lake Geneva for families
While staying near downtown and on Geneva Lake would be ideal, the best family hotels/resorts are actually just a short drive away (less than 10 minutes). → See family‑friendly Lake Geneva resorts
Family tips for Lake Geneva
Wear supportive, closed‑toe walking shoes for the Shore Path, and skip strollers or anything with wheels as the surface is uneven and shifts between pavers, stones, dirt, and grass.
Best free thing to do in Lake Geneva
Walk the shore path and mansion‑gaze.
Find out more: Lake Geneva Weekend Getaway: What to Do, Where to Eat, and Where to Stay
2. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Why it’s great in fall: Peak‑season crowds taper off, yet most attractions are still open. Crisp air + illuminated falls at night are magical.
Top things to do in Niagara Falls, ON (my family’s shortlist)
- Niagara Parks Power Station & The Tunnel
- Whirlpool Aero Car
- Niagara City Cruises boat ride to Horseshoe Falls
- Clifton Hill
- Falls illumination & seasonal fireworks
Getting Around Niagara Falls
Use the WEGO buses and the Falls Incline Railway to save everyone’s legs and sanity! See Getting Around Niagara Falls for routes, fares, and tips.
Where to stay in Niagara Falls for Families
Best Hotel for Big Families in Niagara Falls: Embassy Suites Fallsview. Make sure to request a Falls view so you can watch illumination/fireworks from your room. → Check current rates at Embassy Suites Fallsview
Best free thing to do
Walk the Fallsview area and get an up‑close view at Table Rock Centre after dark.
Find out more: 25 Things to Do in Niagara Falls with Kids • Ultimate Guide to Planning a Niagara Falls Family Vacation
3. San Diego, California
Why it’s great in fall: Sunny skies without summer crowds, and Kids Free San Diego all October (huge savings!).
Our Family’s Top Things to do in San Diego
- Balboa Park and its museums
- San Diego Zoo
- Old Town Trolley tour
- USS Midway
- Coronado Beach
- SeaWorld
- See the sea lions in La Jolla
Where to stay in San Diego
We love the Liberty Station area for its walkable dining options and central access to so many attractions. Homewood Suites at Liberty Station is a great family base. → Check rates at Homewood Suites Liberty Station | See all San Diego family hotels
Best Free Thing To Do
Visit the amazing beaches (Coronado, La Jolla) and catch sunset from Ocean Beach Pier.
Find Out More: Top San Diego Museums for Families (Kids Free in October) • The Best Free and Cheap Things to do with Kids in San Diego • Our Favorite Liberty Station Hotel for Families • 4-Day San Diego Itinerary for Your Family
4. Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Why it’s great in fall: Peak color meets peak family fun—mountain views, coasters, and national‑park hikes.
Top things to do
- Anakeesta (don’t miss it—views + play areas).
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- SkyBridge
- The Island
- Day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (no entrance fee; see parking note).
Where We Stay
We like Residence Inn by Marriott Pigeon Forge (directly across from The Island) for suites, breakfast, and easy evenings at The Island. → Check rates at Residence Inn Pigeon Forge | See all Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge family hotels
Want space and views? The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area has so many vacation rentals with multi‑bedroom layouts and decks with stunning Smoky Mountain panoramas.
Insider Tip
Arrive downtown early for less traffic and easier parking or use the Gatlinburg trolley
Best Free Things to do
Scenic drive/hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (parking tag required to park >15 minutes) AND visit The Island in Pigeon Forge
Find Out More: Gatlinburg Family Vacation Guide • Why We Always Visit Anakeesta • Visiting Downtown Gatlinburg with Kids • Top 10 Free Things to do in Gatlinburg • Where to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge with Kids
5. St. Louis, Missouri
Why it’s Great in Fall: The heat breaks, but festivals and parks are in full swing.
Top things to do in St. Louis
- Gateway Arch National Park (grounds + museum are free; security screening for facility entry).
- City Museum
- St. Louis Zoo (free admission)
- Union Station (aquarium + wheel).
Where to stay near the Arch
We love Drury Plaza at the Arch for families. Complimentary breakfast, pool, Arch views, and an easy walk to the Arch. → Read my full review | Check rates at Drury Plaza at the Arch
Best Free Thing to do
Stroll the Arch grounds, pop into the free museum at the bottom of the Arch, and grab those iconic Arch selfies.
Find Out More: Gateway Arch National Park Tips • St. Louis Family Vacation Guide • St. Louis City Museum Family Guide
6. Branson, Missouri
Why it’s great in fall: Pumpkin‑glow nights at Silver Dollar City, plus blazing Ozark foliage on the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon trail, Dogwood Canyon, and Table Rock Lake overlooks.
Top things to do in Branson
- Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival (glowing pumpkins at night).
- Branson Landing (hourly fountain show).
- Titanic Museum
- Aquarium at the Boardwalk
- Mini‑golf & arcades.
- Top of the Rock Lost Canyon nature trail by electric cart (ride through a cave!).
Where to Stay in Branson
We’re picky about Branson hotels for bigger families. Peak seasons make larger rooms pricey and hard to find.
We usually book vacation rentals for the extra bedrooms and kitchen and they are usually more affordable too! → Browse family vacation rentals in Branson
If you prefer a hotel and find availability, we’ve had a good stay at Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge (suites + pools). → Check rates at Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge
Best Free Thing to do
Watch the Branson Landing fountain show on the hour.
Find Out More: Silver Dollar City Tips for Families
7. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Why it’s great in fall: Mountain views, riverfront walks, and unique attractions without summer heat.
Top things to do
- Rock City (allow 2–3 hours; leave strollers behind and use a carrier for littles).
- Ruby Falls
- Incline Railway
- Point Park.
- Walk the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge from Coolidge Park to downtown (ice cream at Clumpies!).
Best free thing to do
Cross the Walnut Street Bridge for skyline + river views.
Find Out More: Ultimate Guide to Rock City • 7 Incredible Things to do in Chattanooga with Kids
8. Arches National Park and Moab, Utah
Why it’s great in fall: Cooler (but still pleasant) hiking temps and golden light on red rock.
Know Before You Go
Timed‑entry reservations are required most fall dates during mid‑day; enter early/late if you don’t have one. Dress in layers for cool mornings.
Where to Stay in Moab
SpringHill Suites Moab—great for big families, even have family suites with a bunk bed; free breakfast and an amazing pool area, just minutes from Arches National Park. → Check rates at SpringHill Suites Moab | See all Moab family stays
More to do near Moab
- Side trip to Canyonlands National Park
- Raft the Colorado River
- Moab Giants
- Hike Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Bridge.
Best free thing to do
Hunt for dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs along Potash Road.
Find Out More: Arches National Park with Kids (Best Hikes) • How to Spend One Day in Arches National Park •Things to Do in Moab with Kids
9. Kansas City, Missouri
Why it’s great in fall: Gorgeous Midwest fall foliage, mild temperatures, tailgating vibes, delicious barbecue, and tons of budget‑friendly family fun.
Top Things to do in Kansas City
- Science City
- The Money Museum (free!)
- College Basketball Experience
- Union Station
- Crown Center
Where We Stay in Kansas City
We’ve enjoyed Drury Inn & Suites Overland Park (spacious suites, breakfast, evening snacks/drinks, and easy highway access). → Check rates at Drury Inn & Suites Overland Park
For shopping/dining by the speedway, Homewood Suites by Hilton at The Legends (suites with kitchens + breakfast) is another great choice for families. → Check rates at Homewood Suites near The Legends| See all Kansas City family hotels
Best free thing to do
Tour the Money Museum and snag a free bag of shredded cash.
Find Out More: 3‑Day Kansas City Itinerary for Families • 12 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in Kansas City • Discover the Money Museum: 5 Things You Need to Know • Ultimate Family Guide to the College Basketball Experience • Science City: What to Know Before You Go
10. Omaha, Nebraska
Why it’s great in fall: Fewer crowds at one of the best zoos in the country AND Omaha’s RiverFront and downtown parks are absolutely magical in fall, with gorgeous foliage and pleasant temps.
Top things to do
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (allow a full day).
- The Old Market
- Heartland of America, Lewis and Clark Landing, and Gene Leahy Mall parks
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
- Durham Museum
Where We Stay in Omaha
We love Embassy Suites Omaha – Old Market for families—spacious suites and a complimentary hot breakfast, plus you can walk to Old Market restaurants (and the candy shop!) and to Omaha’s beautiful downtown parks and RiverFront. → Check rates at Embassy Suites Omaha – Old Market | See all Omaha family hotels on the map
Best free thing to do
Spend a half or full day at Omaha’s downtown parks and playgrounds. You can easily walk between all of them.
Find Out More: Omaha’s 3-Day Itinerary for Your Family’s Weekend Getaway • Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Family Guide • Top 12 Things to do with Kids in Omaha • Omaha’s Heartland of America Park and Riverfront Guide
Bonus: Las Vegas, Nevada (Warm‑Weather Wild Card)
Why it’s great in fall: Pool weather often lingers into October, mid‑week prices dip, and awesome day trips (Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock) are much more pleasant without summer heat.
Top Things to Do
- Hoover Dam half-day trip → Hoover Dam with Kids
- Valley of Fire State Park (short, wow‑factor trails + scenic drive). → Valley of Fire with Kids
- Red Rock Canyon scenic loop + easy hikes.
- Discovery Children’s Museum (great for younger kids).
- Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains
- Roller coaster and arcade at New York-New York Hotel and Casino
Where to Stay
Where we stayed: a vacation rental a 10 or so miles from the Strip—quiet nights, extra bedrooms, extra space, our own pool, and easy parking. → Browse Las Vegas vacation rentals
Also consider (I’ve stayed here):
- Vdara (all‑suites, no casino) — I’ve stayed here (pre‑kids) and loved the smoke‑free, no‑casino vibe; kitchenettes + walkway to Bellagio/Aria. → Check rates at Vdara (affiliate)
Family Tips for Las Vegas with Kids
- Choose non‑gaming/smoke‑free properties for smoother kid vibes.
- Use Monorail when you can; Strip distances are deceiving. Break the Strip into chunks (one half‑day per area—e.g., New York‑New York/Aria, Bellagio/Caesars, LINQ/Flamingo) instead of trying to do it all at once.
- Shade is limited—even in the morning. Pack water, sun hats, and sunscreen, and use resort walkways/Monorail stations for quick A/C breaks.
- Walk the Strip in the morning (lighter crowds); hit parks/pools late afternoon/evening.
Best free thing to do
Watch the Bellagio Fountains and stroll the Bellagio Conservatory and see 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas for Families for more ideas.
Find Out More: 4-Day Las Vegas Itinerary for Families • Top 10 Must See Las Vegas Show with Kids • Las Vegas for Families: Guide to the Kid-Friendly Side of Las Vegas
Planning Tips for Fall Family Trips
- Book timed‑entry parks early. Popular parks use reservations during the day. When you can’t get one, plan to arrive before or after timed entry times.
- Layer up. Mornings can be chilly even in warm‑weather destinations.
- Plan around fall festivals. They’re fun, but can cause lodging prices to rise. Book early or aim mid‑week.
- Budget saver: Look for shoulder‑season hotel rates and fall promotions. Fall is a great time to find some good deals!
Frequently Asked Questions for Fall Family Travel
When is peak fall color?
It varies by across the United States and can even change depending on weather. In general, high mountains and northern states peak late Sept–early Oct; the Midwest and mid‑Atlantic often peak mid‑ to late‑October; lower elevations/coasts peak into early November. Always check local foliage trackers the week before your trip.
Do I need reservations for national parks in fall?
Some parks (including Arches) require timed entry during daytime hours in fall. If reservations are gone, plan for before 7am or after late‑afternoon entry when allowed. Make sure to check this BEFORE you leave for your trip so you can plan accordingly.
Is San Diego’s Kids Free October worth it?
It’s SO worth it! Nearly every museum I know, most major attractions, and many hotels and restaurants offer kids-free perks all October. It’s a huge value for families especially bigger ones like ours.
What should I pack for a fall trip with kids?
Depending on where you are traveling-layers (light puffer + fleece + rain shell), closed‑toe shoes, beanies/gloves for mountain mornings, daypacks, snacks, reusable water bottles, car chargers, and a small first‑aid kit. Always check the temperatures beofre. you pack and then a day or so before you leave. If you are going to different elevations, check those temperatures too.
Best Fall Vacation Destinations for Families
I hope this list of incredible fall vacation destinations for families gives you some ideas as to where you can venture to on your fall break or weekend getaway.
Fall is an amazing time of year to travel to many destinations.
These destinations are just some of my favorites to visit that are super family friendly, have phenomenal weather, and a variety of fun things to see and do!
Download my free travel planning itinerary to help plan your Fall getaway today!
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
