The first hint of autumn in Florida doesn’t come in the air — it comes in the coffee flavors, candied apples, popup pumpkin patches, and colorful mums for sale (that may last a week on my front porch, but I still try every year!). If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that fall in Orlando looks different than up north. It’s still warm, but the magic is in the subtle change: a little breeze, seasonal festivals, hayrides, and cozy vibes you may not expect in the Sunshine State.
As a mom of 3 and an Orlando family photographer, I have always loved discovering seasonal spots that spark traditions and create memories. Whether you want a quick weekday outing or a full festival day, here are some of the very best fall family activities around Orlando in 2025.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
There’s something timeless about wandering through pumpkins with your kids. These local spots in the Orlando area each offer something unique — rides, games, photo vignettes, and more:
- Painted Oaks Academy Pumpkin Patch (Orlando) — 15100 Lake Pickett Rd. Running daily Oct. 11–31. Corn maze, pony rides, photo vignettes, bounce houses, face painting.
- Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival (Clermont) — Their fall festival features corn mazes, sunflower & pumpkin patches, kids’ zone, food, and more.
- Great Scott Farms Fall Festival (Mount Dora) — Kicks off late September. Offers a 7-acre corn maze, zip lines, tree maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides, and play spaces.
- Sunsational Farms (Umatilla) — They events like haunted trails, a fall festival and a fall farmer’s market.
- Hagerty Farms (Oviedo) — A pet friendly pumpkin patch! This smaller-scale experience has pumpkins, seasonal games, and charming photo vignettes.
Explore Orlando’s Trails & Gardens
Fall is one of the loveliest times to take advantage of Orlando’s outdoor gems. Cooler weather makes walks more comfortable, and there’s beauty to be found in the subtler changes of the season.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens (Orlando) — A beautiful, “in-town” garden escape. (Also the site for seasonal Halloween events — see the next section.)
- Wekiwa Springs State Park — Shaded trails, picnic spots, nature, and often fewer crowds in fall.
- Lake Eola Park / Downtown Orlando Walks — A gentle, family-accessible loop with views, benches, and city + nature balance.
Bring water, sunscreen, light snacks, and maybe a fun scavenger hunt to keep the kids exploring.
Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
Fall festivals are the heartbeat of seasonal fun: live music, local foods, crafts, games, dance, and community celebration.
Top Local Events / Festivals to Watch (2025)
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: August 28 – November 22, 2025, at Walt Disney World — food booths, entertainment, and the Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunt.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Magic Kingdom): Runs Aug 15 – Oct 31, 2025. Trick-or-treat trails, parades, fireworks.
- Fall at Grande Lakes (Orlando): October 11–12, 2025 — crafts, hayrides, pumpkin carving, petting zoo, DJ, and more on the Da Vinci Lawn.
- Cows ‘n Cabs, Fusion Fest, Central Florida Veg Fest & more: local cultural & food festivals.
- Orlando Fall Festivals & Fairs – MyCentralFloridaFamily: a local roundup of events to watch.
- The St. Margaret Mary Catholic School Fall Festival – Bounce houses, live music (indoors), carnival games and beer/wine. It’s our school’s big fundraiser so we go every year and it’s a lot of fun.
Festival Guide / Survival Tips
- Arrive early (before peak crowds)
- Bring cash, snacks, refillable water
- Dress in layers (evenings can cool)
- Plan meet-up spots in case someone wanders off
- Bring a lightweight foldable blanket or low chairs
- Map out bathrooms, shaded rest areas
- Be selective — prioritize parts of the festival that suit your family (kids’ zone, crafts, food)
Halloween & Seasonal Events
🎃 Leu Gardens – Happy Frights & Haunting Nights
Each October, Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms into a Halloween wonderland:
- Happy Frights is family-friendly with trick-or-treat stations, immersive installations, and themed worlds.
- Haunting Nights (ages 13+) offers a more atmospheric, artful experience after dark.
📍 Note for 2025: This event is currently on pause. Keep checking their site — it may return.
Learn more here
I’m keeping a place holder for this one even if on hold because we have gone the last two years and it was really fun for both parents and kids, especially if you go with a group!
🦁 Zoo Boo Bash at Central Florida Zoo
One of the best “not-too-spooky” options for families!
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens hosts Zoo Boo Bash across three weekends in October 2025 (Oct 11–12, 18–19, 25–26). Guests in costume can trick-or-treat throughout the zoo and enjoy festive decor and wildlife enrichment.
More info → Zoo Boo Bash
What to Wear & Pack
Fall in Florida means layering is key (warm midday, breezy evening). Here are tips:
- Pumpkin patches / farms: Closed-toe shoes, socks you don’t mind getting dusty
- Trails / gardens: Lightweight, breathable fabrics; hats; insect repellent
- Festivals / events: Comfortable walking shoes + light sweater
- Photo tip: Neutral tones with small pops of fall color (mustard, olive, rust) photograph beautifully
- Must-haves: Refillable water bottles, snacks, wipes, sunscreen, extra socks, mini umbrella
Fall in Orlando may look different than in other parts of the country, but it’s full of charm, tradition, and opportunities to create lasting memories with your family. From pumpkin patches to garden nights and festive zoo adventures, this list offers a little something for everyone.
Which one will you try first? Let me know — I’d love to hear your favorite discoveries!
Have you booked your fall family session yet?
As an Orlando family photographer, I’ve learned that fall is the perfect time to capture your family’s love and connection before the busy holiday season begins. 🍂 If it’s been a while since your last session, I’d love to help you create timeless portraits you’ll treasure for years to come — reach out to reserve your fall family session. Discover how my full-service, luxury photography experience makes capturing your family’s story effortless and meaningful.
If you want something quick and fun, I am offering Holiday Portrait Sessions at the Christmas tree farm this year!
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