Fall is finally here—and in the Triad, that means golden leaves, pumpkin‑spiced everything, and plenty of family‑friendly adventures. Whether you’re searching for “fall activities near me,” looking for “kid‑friendly fall fun,” or just want to soak up the cozy vibes, this bucket list has  something for everyone in Greensboro, Winston‑Salem, High Point, and the surround.
Pack a warm sweater, your camera, and maybe a thermos of cider—let’s dive into the best fall experiences around the Triad.

Fall Bucket List Ideas

Details on each activity can be found by clicking on its name. We noted the location for each so that you can easily tell if this will be a quick stop, day trip, or weekend excursion. Please check hours and dates that each business is open before making the trip. You can also use our Community Event Calendar and Directories page to find additional events, playgrounds, parks, day trips, summer camps and more!

Fall Activities Near the Triad

Pumpkin Patches & Hayrides

No fall bucket list is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. You can pick the perfect pumpkin, take a hayride, and get lost in a corn maze. These local spots are ideal for photo ops, so make sure to bring your camera for those Insta-worthy moments. For more details of dates of operation and what each offers visit our Pumpkin Patch Directory.

Here are several local spots:

Alpha & Omega – 1129 Cheek Road, Hamptonville, NC
Armstrong Artisan Farm – 1499 Brook Cove Rd, Walnut Cove
Red Hound Farms – 3239 Frye Bridge Rd, Clemmons
Fryes Creek Family Farm – 9970 N. NC Highway 150, Clemmons, NC 27012
Hawks Pumpkin Patch – 2558 West Clemmonsville Road, Winston Salem
Jones Strawberry Farm – 5480 Seward Rd, Pfafftown, NC 27040
Maple Springs United Methodist Church – 2569 Reynolda Rd, Winston Salem
Reynolda Gardens – 100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC. Check out Reynolda Gardens & Grounds: A Complete Guide to One of Winston-Salem’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems to help plan your visit!
Tanglewood Park – 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC
McLaurin Farms – 5601 N. Church Street, Greensboro, NC
Mount Pisgah Methodist Church – 2600 Pisgah Church Road, Greensboro, NC
Piedmont Triad Farmers’ Market – 2914 Sandy Ridge Rd, Colfax, NC
Zane’s Clodbuster Farms – 5500 Leonard Farm Rd, Kernersville, NC
Jamestown United Methodist Church – 403 E Main St, Jamestown, NC
Kernersville Pumpkins and Christmas Trees – 841 Old Winston Rd, Kernersville, NC
Kersey Valley Maize Adventure – 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC
Quaker Lake – 1503 NC Highway 62 East, Climax, NC
Smith Hollow Farm – 5920 Smith Hollow Road, Kernersville, NC
Whitaker Farms – 2991 Providence Church Road, Climax, NC
Carrigan Farms – 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC
J.Razz & Tazz Farm – 466 Peeden Drive, Gibsonville, NC
Millstone Creek Orchards – 506 Parks Crossroad Church Road, Ramseur, NC
The Junction – 58 Greenhouse Drive, Buffalo Junction, VA
Patterson Farm – 10390 Caldwell Rd, Mount Ulla, NC
The Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds – Carowinds in Charlotte, NC
The Farm – 769 Bray Ford Road, Dobson, NC
Harvest Ridge Corntacular Adventure – 545 Service Road, Ruffin, NC

Farmer’s Markets & Fresh Fall Finds

Take a relaxed trip to a local farmer’s market. In the crisp fall air, pick up fresh apples, cider, seasonal produce and maybe even a handcrafted fall decor piece. For more information about dates and times they are open visit our Farmer’s Market Directory

Downtown Burlington Farmer’s Market
138 East Front Street, Burlington
Downtown Mebane Farmer’s Market
102 East Ruffin Street, Mebane
Elon Farmer’s Market
271 N Williamson Ave, Elon
Garden Valley
4204 N. Church St., Greensboro
Greensboro Farmers Curb Market
501 Yanceyville St., Greensboro
NW Guilford Farmers & Specialty Market
7200 Summerfield Rd., Summerfield
Piedmont Triad Farmer’s Market
2914 Sandy Ridge Road, Colfax, NC
Saxapahaw Farmer’s Market
1612 Jordan Dr., Saxapahaw
The Corner Farmers Market
2105 West Market Street, Greensboro
The Grove Market
1901 McConnell Road, Greensboro
The Market at Gibsonville
Gibsonville Community Center Parking Lot, 314 Tenth Street, Gibsonville
Archdale Farmers Market at Creekside Park
100 Park Drive, Archdale
High Point Farmers Market
High Point Public Library, 901 N Main St, High Point
Jamestown Community Farmers Market
First Baptist Church of Jamestown, 306 Guilford Rd, Jamestown
Kernersville Farmers Market
134 East Mountain Street, Kernersville
Thomasville Farmers Market
21 E Guilford St, Thomasville
Bermuda Run Farmer’s Market
190 NC Hwy 801 South, Advance
Clemmons Farmer’s Market
Jerry Long Family YMCA, 1150 S Peace Haven Rd, Clemmons
Cobblestone Farmers Market
1007 S. Marshall Street, Winston-Salem
Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 421 27th St NW, Winston-Salem
King Farmers’ Market at King Moravian Church
King Moravian Church, 228 W Dalton Road, King
King Farmers’ Market at Stokes Family YMCA
Stokes Family YMCA, 105 Moore Rd, King
Lewisville Country Market
6373 Shallowford Road, Lewisville
New Philly Farmer’s Market
New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem
Moravian Square Market
Rural Hall Moravian Church, 7939 Broad Street, Rural Hall
The Market by Dragonfly
117 Meadowbrook Drive, King
Dobson Market
903 East Atkins Street, Dobson
Downtown Elkin Market
226 North Bridge Street, Elkin
Lexington Farmer’s Market
129 Railroad Street, Lexington
Mt Airy Market
111 South Main Street, Mount Airy

Leaf‑Sledding

Here’s a unique twist for your fall bucket list: leaf‑sledding. Yes, you heard that right. Instead of sledding in snow, find a gentle slope blanketed in fallen leaves, grab a tarp or sled then slide—crunching leaves, cool breeze, big smiles. It’s simple, fun, free, and perfect for all ages. Where to go: Visit local parks or green‑spaces in the Triad with gentle hills and lots of colorful foliage—pack a picnic, bring gloves, and maybe plan to rake together first for maximum leaf‑sledding fun.

Fall Festivals & Seasonal Events

Don’t forget to attend one of the fall festivals in the area. Fall festivals are packed with live music, local vendors, crafts, pumpkin carving, face painting and more. They bring together the best of autumn in one place. Check directories for:

October Fall Festivals

September Fall Festivals

November Festivals

Halloween Events & Trunk or Treats

These are especially great for kids and families looking for an easy fun day out.

Scenic Fall Hikes & Outdoor Exploration

A Triad fall bucket list wouldn’t be complete without exploring the outdoors. As the leaves transition, get outside and witness nature’s autumn show. Head to places like Pilot Mountain State Park or Hanging Rock State Park for sweeping views, crisp air and picnic spots. Bring layers, water, and a sense of adventure. These parks are also ideal for picnics, so pack a lunch and enjoy the fresh air. For suggestions on trails check out our Hiking Trails Directory.

Apple Orchards & Cider Delights

Looking for something a little more hands-on? Visit one of the local farms for Pick‑your‑own apples, taste fresh cider donuts, and maybe take a farm tour. Visiting an orchard is a classic fall activity that never gets old. For more details about what each offers visit our Apple Orchard Directory.

Don’t forget about Halloween! Planning a spooky, yet family-friendly, adventure is always a highlight of fall. Consider a visit to one of the area’s haunted attractions. If you’re looking for something a little less frightening, many local farms and botanical gardens host not-so-scary Halloween events that are perfect for younger children. This time of year also invites a bit of spookiness—with a twist:

Not‑so‑scary Halloween Events & Trunk or Treats (for little ones)
At home? Try a cozy movie night with autumn‑themed classics, bake pumpkin bread, host a nature scavenger hunt or decorate with fall crafts. Simple, memorable, and perfect when it’s rainy out.
Trick‑or‑treating
Ghost Tours
Haunted Houses (for older kids)

Other must-do October bucket list items

For those rainy fall days, you can still check off plenty of fall bucket list ideas from the comfort of your own home. Create a cozy movie night with the family by streaming some autumn-themed classics. Bake seasonal treats like pumpkin bread or apple pie together, making it an activity everyone can enjoy. You can even download a fall bucket list printable to track all your activities and make sure nothing is missed!

As the season continues, there are plenty of autumn things to enjoy right in your backyard. Decorate your home with fall-themed crafts, host a bonfire with friends, or take the kids on a nature scavenger hunt to collect colorful leaves and acorns. These simple activities can turn everyday moments into lasting memories, ensuring that your family experiences the best the Triad has to offer during the fall season.

From pumpkin patches and scenic hikes to cozy nights at home, the Triad offers an abundance of fall activities for families to enjoy. As you check off items from your October bucket list, remember that the best part of the season is spending time together. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a laid-back day with the kids, the Triad has something for everyone to add to their fall bucket list ideas. Enjoy every crisp breeze, warm cup of cider, and glowing sunset this autumn!

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FAQs – Fall Activities in the Triad

Q: When is peak fall foliage in the Triad area?
A: Usually late October to early November, but it can vary—watch local weather and year‑to‑year leaf reports.
Q: Is leaf‑sledding safe for kids?
A: Yes—with supervision, a safe gentle hill, and dry leaves. Make sure the landing area is clear, no hidden rocks or roots.
Q: Do I need to book ahead for pumpkin patches?
A: For large farms or hayrides, yes—especially on weekends. Check the patch’s website or social media for hours and tickets.