Vermont Fall Activities for Families to Enjoy

Last Updated on August 10, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Vermont fall activities include foliage drives, hiking, and going apple picking. Find out about the best places to visit in Vermont in fall.

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I just love the beautiful colors of the leaves as the seasons change. I’ve written before about local Vermont attractions.

Wilson Castle in southern VT is a perfect example of a mid-19th-century castle. The castle has examples of English brick and marble with nineteen open proscenium arches, a turret, parapet, and balcony.

I just recently learned that there are several haunted places in Castleton VT.  Learn more about haunted houses in Vermont to visit.

Vermont Fall Activities 

We still have a few more weeks before the peak of leaf-peeping season arrives here in the state. There are lots of fun foliage tours and activities that take place during the time when the leaves are at their brightest.

What is the best time to see foliage in Vermont?

There is no one perfect time to visit. Leaf change varies based on how far north or south you are.

Leaves begin changing in mid-September and continue on through the third week in October. Check out these Vermont foliage drives.

Vermont foliage tours

You can choose your own route and simply head toward the mountains, or you can sign up for one of the bus trips that take you through some of the quaint small towns. The planned tours make sure to take you through the areas that offer the most vibrant colors.

You’ll find a travel guide is an absolute must.

Hayrides

As the weather cools down, you may want to enjoy a hayride through the countryside at one of the small farms in the area. Depending on the farm, you may be able to pet the ponies, enjoy hot chocolate and cider donuts or go for an evening ride through a haunted hayfield.  

I understand that the Shaftsbury Fire Department puts on an amazing haunted hayride each year. Check with them for their schedule.

Pick a pumpkin

Visiting a pumpkin patch can be loads of fun. Selecting your own pumpkin with the kids makes it so much more special than buying one at the grocery store. We have many small farms in the area that offer fall activities.

Calling the chamber of commerce for the town you hope to visit is the best way to find out what’s available.

Farm stands in Vermont

Our local farm stand is one of my favorite places to visit in the fall. They sell products from their farm, honey, maple products, candy, locally made Vermont products, and the most delicious cider donuts ever.

Look for Brown’s Farm Stand on Route 30 South if you’re in the area.

Hiking, biking, and climbing

There are many trails in the state that allow you to hike, bike, and climb. The foliage is just gorgeous this time of year so I highly recommend you pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the walk.

For an easy family hike, I recommend hiking on the D&H Rail Trail. Or, for something more challenging, the Taconic Mountain Ramble is Hubbardton is a hike that older children and adults will enjoy.

Corn mazes in VT

Have you ever been to a corn maze? Every fall, some farmers let their cornfields dry up and cut out mazes through them.

You can start at the beginning of the maze, and by following the clues try to find your way out. I have visited Hathaway Farm Corn Maze several times and always had a wonderful time.

Burlington, Vermont

If you’re looking for fall festivals or shopping centers, you will want to visit Burlington which is the largest city in the state.

Church Street Marketplace has many different vendors and small shops. The entire marketplace is an open-air market on cobblestones during the warmer months.

You can also walk through the Shelburne Museum while you’re in the area. It is a museum of art and Americana containing over 150,000 works displayed in 39 buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the museum grounds. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Vermont in the fall, stop by the Hilton in Burlington. They are right on the waterfront and in the middle of the city for easy access.

Summary of Vermont fall activities

If you’re going to visit in the fall, here are a few things that you should do.

• Foliage drives
• Hayrides
• Farm stands
• Hiking, biking, and climbing
• Corn maze
• Burlington, Vermont
• Shelburne Museum
• Wilson Castle
• Danforth Pewter