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Planning an autumn break trip with young kids

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Galya_G
Joined:
24.04.2021
Posts: 1079
Topic Starter
04.01.2025 16:41
We are trying to figure out where to take our two kids, aged 5 and 8, for the upcoming autumn break. We live in the city and really want to get them out into nature, but we're struggling to find a destination that isn't too cold or too far to travel. Ideally, we are looking for somewhere with some light hiking trails, maybe a petting zoo or a farm stay, and kid-friendly dining options nearby. Does anyone have any favorite spots that are perfect for a long weekend trip in October? We are open to driving about 4 to 5 hours from the metro area.
14 replies in this topic
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radek_sofia
Joined:
17.07.2022
Posts: 945
25.03.2025 22:36
Have you considered the Blue Ridge Mountains? It's right around that 4-hour mark and the fall foliage in October is absolutely stunning for the kids.
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Maistor_Ivan
Joined:
29.02.2024
Posts: 1017
27.03.2025 21:27
In reply to a previous post
I second the Blue Ridge suggestion! We stayed at a farm stay near Asheville last year and the kids loved feeding the goats every morning.
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robert_d
Joined:
28.04.2020
Posts: 309
27.04.2025 16:36
Honestly, just check out some state parks within a 3-hour radius. You don't need to go far to get that nature fix.
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Denis_P
Joined:
16.12.2021
Posts: 1488
13.05.2025 11:12
In reply to a previous post
Do you have any specific farm stays you'd recommend? We're in the same boat with a 5 and 7-year-old.
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Lori_N
Joined:
30.01.2024
Posts: 2046
25.05.2025 22:02
We usually head to the coast in October. It's too cold to swim, but the beaches are empty, the weather is crisp, and the kids love hunting for shells.
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SivaMishka
Joined:
25.08.2022
Posts: 2114
06.07.2025 18:02
In reply to a previous post
Great idea about the coast! I never thought about that for October, but it sounds much less stressful than the mountains.
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Selekcioner
Joined:
24.05.2022
Posts: 790
09.07.2025 03:18
Look into the Finger Lakes region if you're anywhere near the Northeast. Plenty of family-friendly hiking and apple picking spots.
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Sofiya_G
Joined:
15.12.2024
Posts: 1291
06.09.2025 20:14
In reply to a previous post
Apple picking is a must for that age range! Just make sure to check if the farms are open on weekdays or if it's weekends only.
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SamoPitam
Joined:
12.06.2022
Posts: 878
06.09.2025 21:42
Whatever you do, just avoid the big tourist traps. We went to a 'fall festival' last year and it was way too crowded and expensive for what it was.
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monika_p
Joined:
06.08.2021
Posts: 53
01.12.2025 03:23
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the previous poster. We prefer finding a quiet cabin on Airbnb that has a fire pit for s'mores.
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vesko_55
Joined:
02.11.2024
Posts: 1952
02.12.2025 21:27
Check out the local state park websites. They often have 'discovery backpacks' you can borrow for kids which makes hiking way more engaging for them.
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damian_varna
Joined:
11.01.2022
Posts: 1134
12.01.2026 08:52
In reply to a previous post
That's a pro tip! I had no idea state parks offered those. Thanks for the heads up!
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Znaesht
Joined:
25.06.2025
Posts: 234
29.01.2026 03:18
If you go to the mountains, pack layers. It can be 60 degrees in the afternoon and drop to 35 at night.
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vesko_55
Joined:
27.11.2025
Posts: 2404
13.04.2026 15:42
We usually just rent a camper van for the weekend. The kids think it's a huge adventure and it's super easy to move locations if the weather turns.

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