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.
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.
Get ready for the 34th annual Pumpkin Festival at Hunsaders! The festival dates are: October 11th-12th, 18th-19th, and the 25th-26th. 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.
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. 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 $25. Suggest you book your train ride early as seats sell out fast.
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:
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 is ready for its 37th Annual Pumpkin Festival! The festival is every weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Halloween and admission is free! You only have to pay $5 for parking to enjoy everything they have to offer. With fun activities like hayrides, mini train rides, live music, and delicious foods, you can’t go wrong at this festival. There is even a new festival activity this year – Hollowgraves Haunted Manor! A walk-through haunted house with live actors! Recommended for ages 8+.
There’s also a costume contest every Saturday at 2 p.m.! Some vendors accept credit cards, but many are cash only, so you may want to be prepared. ATMs will be available.
Get ready to rock the season at ROCKtoberfest Sarasota, happening October 17–19, 2025, at JD Hamel Park. This lively downtown festival features German fare, beer gardens, and live rock music all weekend long. Free to attend and full of energy, it’s a great way to kick off your fall festivities in Sarasota.
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.
Starting October 4th, 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.
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 18th, 2025 – 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; a separate ticket is required for entry to the museum.
For an exciting family-friendly fall excursion, head to Lake Park’s 2025 Fall Festival. Featuring 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 $5 for ages 6+ and kids under 5 can ride for free when they share a seat with an adult!
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.
Celebrate coastal flavors and community spirit at the John’s Pass Seafood Festival, held October 24–27, 2025, in the heart of John’s Pass Village. This beloved waterfront event features fresh seafood, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. With its scenic boardwalk and pirate flair, it’s a perfect fall outing for locals and visitors alike.
The Raprager Family Farm Fall Festival offers a full autumn experience for all ages. Open weekends throughout October, 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 baby cow!
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.
Fall season activities at HarvestMoon Fun Farm begin September 27th. There are plenty of activities for the family like visiting the pumpkin patch, riding the cow trains, a petting farm, and more! For the more daring, check out their Haunted Fright Nights. There is something for everyone at the HarvestMoon festival, so come on out for a great time!
Fall and Halloween are all about making memories—and Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is the perfect place to do just that. With five pirate-themed locations across Southwest Florida, it’s more than mini golf—it’s a swashbuckling seasonal escape. With cascading waterfalls, spooky skeletons, pirates, and live alligators adding a thrill to every round. Voted Florida’s best mini golf five years running, Smugglers Cove welcomes costumed guests and even hands out treats on Halloween. Whether you're looking for adventure or just soaking up the autumn vibes, it’s a can't-miss stop for fall family fun!