Fall is finally here—and with it come pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween decorations, and a season full of family fun. Across Southwest Florida, autumn brings festive events, cozy traditions, and unforgettable memories. From pumpkin patches and fall festivals to haunted houses and harvest treats, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with loved ones. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking for something new in your own backyard, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall destinations to enjoy throughout the season.
Smugglers Cove: A Fall Favorite for Family Fun
Fall and Halloween are all about making memories—and Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is the perfect place to do just that. Each course transforms for the season with pumpkins, pirate skeletons, and autumn décor that make every round feel like an adventure. Cascading waterfalls, skeletons, and live alligators add a little extra thrill, creating unforgettable moments for guests of all ages. Smugglers Cove welcomes costumed visitors and even hands out treats on Halloween, bringing the magic of the season to life. With five great locations in Bradenton, Sarasota, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, and Fort Myers Beach, it’s a can't-miss stop for fall family fun!
Bradenton Area
Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Bradenton blends small-town warmth with big seasonal energy. Known for its scenic riverwalk, vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly farms, it’s a perfect fall destination.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
Get ready for the 35th annual Pumpkin Festival at Hunsaders! The festival dates are: October 10th-11th, 17th-18th, and the 24th-25th. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy some family fun with hayrides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, homemade ice cream, and tons more! Admission is only $15 for 10 years +, $5 for children 5-9, and children under 5 are free. There is a $5 charge to park, but many of the activities at the festival are free. Admission to the festival and parking are cash only. There are ATMs available, but we suggest bringing cash to avoid fees.
Pumpkin Patch Express – Florida Railroad Museum
All aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express for a nostalgic fall adventure! Departing from the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, this seasonal train ride whisks families to a pumpkin patch filled with hayrides, games, and autumn treats.
Lots of activities are included with your ticket! Hay rides, arts and crafts, Lincoln log building, and games will be available. Children are invited to pick a pumpkin from the patch to take home.
Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the train and while at the Pumpkin Patch.
Running weekends in October, it’s a magical experience for kids and a charming way to celebrate the season near Bradenton. The duration is 2.5 hours and is for all ages. Tickets start at $31. Suggest you book your train ride early as seats sell out fast.
Ananda Farm Fall Festival
If you're looking for a fall festival experience that feels less crowded and a lot more
serene, Ananda Farm in Palmetto is your answer. Nestled quietly just outside the Bradenton
area, this gem offers a genuinely peaceful farm setting that's as beautiful to behold as it is fun to explore.
With row upon glorious row of golden sunflower blooms that make for jaw-dropping photos and an almost meditative stroll through nature.
Pair that with a pumpkin patch, u-pick produce, charming farm animals, and a variety of fall-
themed activities, and you have the recipe for a wonderful fall outing.
Sarasota
From pumpkin festivals to circus history, Sarasota offers a rich blend of seasonal fun and cultural depth—whether you're strolling through The Ringling or savoring local flavors at a weekend market.
Fall is the perfect time for spooky and family-friendly activities. Check out these fall activities for the family in Sarasota, Florida:
The Ringling Museum
If you're looking to take a trip back in time or simply enjoy a fun all-day event, check out the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Here, visitors can learn about circus history and watch circus acts like acrobats and jugglers performing on stages throughout the museum. There is also an exhibit featuring original circus memorabilia from circuses that once operated in Florida, including P.T. Barnum's circus that toured Florida during the 1800s.
Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival
Fruitville Grove is ready for its 38th Annual Pumpkin Festival! The festival runs every weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Halloween.
Admission is $5, and children 6 and under are free. Parking is free as well!
There’s so much to enjoy that you can easily make a full afternoon of fun. With hayrides, mini train rides, live music, delicious food, and more, you can’t go wrong at this beloved fall festival.
This year brings several new activities, all included with admission — the Mermaid Encounter, Kountry K9 Dog Show, Bunny Village, Mini Donkey Mingle, the Bubble Booth, and more! And don’t forget Hollowgraves Haunted Manor — a walk‑through haunted house with live actors, recommended for ages 8+.
Some individual rides and activities are additional and range from $1 to $10.
There’s also a costume contest every Saturday at 2 p.m. in front of the animal barn, and it’s free to participate. Some vendors accept credit cards, but many are cash‑only, so plan ahead. ATMs will be available on-site.
ROCKtoberfest – JD Hamel Park, Sarasota
Get ready to rock the season at ROCKtoberfest Sarasota, happening October 10th, 2026, at JD Hamel Park, 5 PM - 11 PM. This lively downtown festival features amazing food, refreshing drinks, and live rock music. Bring your family, friends, and even your furry companions – the event is dog-friendly and family-friendly. With free admission and a shopping area full of local vendors, it’s a great way to kick off your fall festivities in Sarasota.
Fort Myers
In Fort Myers, fall means pumpkins, festivals, and plenty of sunshine. From petting zoos and tractor rides to spooky train adventures at Lakes Park, there’s something for every age and interest.
There are plenty of activities to get you in the Halloween spirit in Fort Myers, Florida, and some that don't involve scary costumes. Here are a few fun fall activities for the family to enjoy near Fort Myers.
Southern Fresh Farms Fall Festival
Starting October 3rd, come out and enjoy the Southern Fresh Farm’s annual festival every weekend through October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the $5 for parking. There will be pumpkins for sale, tractor rides, hayrides, lots of food trucks, local vendors, face painting, live music, and opportunities to pet and feed farm animals.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Fall Festival
If you want to learn more about the history of Fort Myers, take a visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, good friends Henry Ford and Thomas Edison would come down to their estates for the winter. The site is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and there are also guided tours available.
This year they are hosting a Fall Festival on October 31st – 9am – 4 pm. The Edison and Ford Fall Festival features craft vendor booths, live music, food and drink, and even a chance to climb the historic Banyan Tree. Families can pick out pumpkins, enjoy seasonal activities, and soak in the riverside charm. The event is free; there is a fee for some activities and a separate ticket is required for entry to the museum.
Lakes Park Fall Festival & Halloween Express
For an exciting family-friendly fall excursion, head to Lake Park’s 2026 Scarecrows in the Park Fall Festival. The event is held from October 9th - 31st and admission is free. There is a fee for various activities available throughout the Park. The Festival Features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, inflatables and scarecrows. While you’re there don’t miss the Halloween Express!! Head over to the Railroad Museum of South Florida’s Train Village located in the park. Each seven-car miniature train takes passengers of all ages through a dazzling route of lights, decorations, and synchronized to music. Get your tickets before Halloween is over: Tickets are just $6 for ages 6+ and $2 for kids 1-5 years old.
St. Pete and Tampa Area:
The Tampa–St. Pete area blends vibrant city life with breezy Gulf Coast charm, making it a perfect place to celebrate the season. From waterfront festivals and spooky street parties to pumpkin patches and pirate-themed adventures, fall here is anything but ordinary.
John’s Pass Seafood Festival – Madeira Beach
The historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk will once again transform into a waterfront celebration of fresh Gulf seafood, live entertainment, local arts, and family-friendly fun during the John’s Pass Seafood Festival. Held October 23–25, 2026, in the heart of John’s Pass Village. This beloved waterfront event features fresh seafood, live music, arts and crafts vendors, Friday night trick-or-treating for kids, Saturday night costume contest, and family-friendly entertainment. With its scenic boardwalk and pirate flair, it’s a perfect fall outing for locals and visitors alike.
Raprager Family Farm Fall Festival
The Raprager Family Farm Fall Festival offers a full autumn experience for all ages. Open select dates September through November, this sprawling farm features a pumpkin patch, haunted barn, corn maze, petting zoo, and seasonal treats like cider and kettle corn. Enjoy fun activities like axe throwing, pumpkin painting, a massive 900-foot inflatable maze, and even a petting zoo!
The farm is kid-friendly all day, but it does get scarier after 6:00 p.m. With live entertainment, bounce houses, and cozy photo ops, it’s a perfect way to spend a fall day with family or friends.
HarvestMoon Fun Farm
Fall season activities at HarvestMoon Fun Farm begin September 26th. There are plenty of activities for the family like visiting the pumpkin patch, riding the cow trains, a petting farm, and more! Admission is $16.95 weekends and $13.95 weekdays. For the more daring, check out their Haunted Fright Nights on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission for Fright Nights is $24.95. There is something for everyone at the HarvestMoon festival, so come on out for a great time!
Fall in Southwest Florida may come with 80‑degree sunshine, but it’s definitely not short on autumn spirit. Pumpkin patches, festivals, and family traditions pop up all across the region — and Smugglers Cove is part of the fun. Whether you’re exploring local farms festivals or planning which pumpkin patch to visit first, don’t forget to stop by for a round of pirate‑themed putt‑putt and a little autumn magic. 🍂
