Things to Do in Connecticut This October: Family-Friendly Halloween & Fall Activities

There’s something about October in Connecticut that makes even an ordinary weekend feel a little more special. The leaves are changing, cider and pumpkin donuts are back on the menu, and kids are planning their Halloween costumes for upcoming festivities.

Quassy maybe closed during this time of year, but we’re still thinking of our Quassy family and all the fun still left to have this year. Some families love a good corn maze, or maybe yours prefers pumpkin picking over haunted houses. There’s no shortage of excuses to spend a crisp fall afternoon outdoors, so be sure to round up your list of things to do in Connecticut this October.

We put some of our favorite family-friendly Halloween activities and fall destinations across Connecticut together just for you, including options for younger children, adventurous older kids and families looking for affordable seasonal fun.

And the best part? You don't have to spend a fortune.

Where to Find Family-Friendly Fall Fun in Connecticut

From the rolling hills of Litchfield County to the farms and orchards of central Connecticut, these destinations offer a little something for every kind of fall-loving family.

1. Meet the Pumpkin People at Pumpkintown USA

Location: East Hampton, CT
Best for: Toddlers, younger children and not-so-scary Halloween fun
Admission: Village admission varies by age and day; hayride tickets are additional.
Website: Pumpkintown USA

Not every Halloween adventure needs ghosts and goblins. Sometimes, a town full of pumpkin-headed characters is all the entertainment you need.

Pumpkintown USA is a whimsical fall destination where pumpkin people take center stage. Families can explore the themed village, discover imaginative seasonal displays and enjoy plenty of opportunities for memorable Halloween photos.

For a little more adventure, the attraction's seasonal hayride takes visitors through additional pumpkin-themed scenes. Unlike traditional haunted attractions, Pumpkintown focuses on playful Halloween fun rather than jump scares, making it an appealing choice for families with younger children.

Family tip: If your little ones aren't quite ready for spooky decorations, this is a great way to introduce them to Halloween traditions without the scares. Check the official website for current admission packages and hayride availability before visiting.

2. Get Lost in the Corn Maze at Lyman Orchards

Location: Middlefield, CT
Best for: Families with school-age children, apple picking and classic fall traditions
2026 admission: Corn maze tickets are $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4–12, and free for ages 3 and under.
Website: Lyman Orchards Corn Maze

What's fall in Connecticut without getting a little lost in a corn maze?

At Lyman Orchards, families can navigate approximately four acres of winding pathways while answering themed trivia questions along the way. The maze changes its theme each year, giving returning visitors a new challenge to tackle.

Most families can expect to spend around 30 to 40 minutes finding their way through the maze, although that might depend on who's in charge of directions!

Beyond the corn maze, Lyman Orchards is also known for seasonal apple and pumpkin picking, its farm market and freshly made treats. Depending on what's available during your visit, you can turn a quick maze adventure into a full afternoon of fall activities.

Family tip: Let the kids take turns navigating the maze, then reward everyone's teamwork with a cider donut. Apple and pumpkin picking are priced separately, and availability changes throughout the season.

3. Explore Corn Mazes and Hayrides at Foster Family Farm

Location: South Windsor, CT
Best for: Families who love outdoor activities, farm animals and corn mazes
2026 admission: $16 for ages 13 and older, $11 for ages 3–12, and free for ages 2 and under. Night maze admission is $22 for ages 4 and older.
Website: Foster Family Farm

If your family's idea of a perfect fall day includes hayrides, farm animals and a little friendly competition, Foster Family Farm belongs on your October list.

This South Windsor farm features three corn mazes with different levels of difficulty, including a smaller maze designed for younger explorers. Families can also enjoy a hayride, visit the farm animals and browse seasonal pumpkins and decorations.

For older children who want to make the adventure a little more challenging, Foster Family Farm also offers nighttime corn maze experiences on select evenings.

The night mazes aren't traditional haunted houses, but navigating winding pathways after sunset adds a different kind of excitement.

Family tip: Plan a daytime visit if you're bringing toddlers or younger children. Families with older kids may enjoy bringing flashlights and tackling the maze after dark. Night maze tickets must be purchased online.

4. Enjoy a Little Halloween Magic at Flamig Farm

Location: West Simsbury, CT
Best for: Younger children, animal lovers and families looking for mild Halloween scares
2026 admission: Regular farm admission is $8.50 per person, with children under 2 and adults over 80 admitted free. The Halloween walk-through is $16 per person ages 3 and older.
Website: Flamig Farm Halloween Walk-Through

For families who want just a little spooky excitement, Flamig Farm offers a fun alternative to more intense Halloween attractions.

Known for its farm animals, family activities and famous backwards EGGS sign, Flamig Farm brings a Halloween twist to its traditional farm experience with a seasonal haunted walk-through.

The attraction features two different levels of scares. The earlier portion of the evening is designed to be more kid-friendly, while the later experience becomes noticeably scarier.

That flexibility makes it a good option for families with children who are curious about Halloween thrills but aren't quite ready for a full haunted house.

Family tip: For 2026, the kid-friendly walk-through runs from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a scarier experience from 7 to 8 p.m. on select October evenings. Advance tickets are recommended, and strollers are not permitted during the walk-through.

5. Pick Pumpkins and Visit the Animals at March Farm

Location: Bethlehem, CT
Best for: Younger children, pumpkin picking and budget-conscious families
Admission: Free to visit the farm, animal yard and Hayloft Playscape. Corn maze, hayrides and pick-your-own produce cost extra.
Website: March Farm

Sometimes the simplest fall outings turn into the best family memories.

At March Farm in Bethlehem, families can spend time outdoors, visit the Pond Side Animal Yard and let the kids explore the Hayloft Playscape without paying a general admission fee.

During the fall, the farm also offers seasonal pumpkin and apple picking, hayrides and a hilltop corn maze.

It's an especially appealing option for parents who want to enjoy a fall outing without committing to an expensive all-day attraction. You can keep things simple with a visit to the play area and farm store or add a few seasonal activities depending on your family's interests and budget.

Family tip: Pumpkin and apple picking depend on seasonal availability, so check the farm's website before heading out. The farm store and bakery are also worth a stop for a fall treat.

6. Take a Fall Foliage Adventure at Kettletown State Park

Location: Southbury, CT
Best for: Budget-friendly family outings, nature walks and fall foliage
Admission: Free parking for Connecticut-registered vehicles. Out-of-state parking is listed at $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays.
Website: Kettletown State Park

Not every great October outing needs a ticket, a costume or a carefully planned itinerary.

Sometimes all you need is a beautiful fall afternoon and a place to explore.

Located in Southbury near Lake Zoar, Kettletown State Park offers wooded trails, picnic areas and opportunities to enjoy Connecticut's changing foliage.

For families with younger children, a simple nature walk can become a fall scavenger hunt. Look for colorful leaves, acorns, interesting rocks and signs of wildlife along the way.

Bring a picnic, pack a few snacks and enjoy a slower-paced afternoon together.

Connecticut's Passport to the Parks program makes this an especially affordable option for residents, with free parking at state parks for vehicles registered in Connecticut.

Family tip: Choose a trail that fits your children's ages and abilities, wear comfortable shoes and bring an extra layer. October weather can change quickly, especially near the water.

How to Choose the Best Fall Activity for Your Family

With so many things to do in Connecticut during October, choosing the right outing often comes down to your children's ages, interests and tolerance for spooky surprises. Whatever you choose, be sure to check the attraction's website for current hours, admission prices, age recommendations and weather-related updates before heading out.

Fall Adventures to Summer Memories: Plan Ahead for Quassy in 2027

As the leaves change and another Connecticut summer becomes a memory, we're already looking ahead to the next season of family fun at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark.

Located on the shores of Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury, Quassy has been part of Connecticut family traditions since 1908. For generations, families have returned for classic amusement rides, waterpark adventures and the simple joy of spending a day together.

While the park is closed for the off-season, the excitement doesn't stop behind the scenes. Preparations are already underway for 2027, and season passes are now available for families who want to get a head start on next summer's adventures.

After all, the best family traditions aren't limited to one season.

Enjoy everything Connecticut has to offer this fall, and we'll see you back at Quassy in 2027!

Explore Quassy Amusement & Waterpark and plan your next season of family memories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Activities in Connecticut

What are the best family-friendly Halloween activities in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers plenty of Halloween activities for families with children, including Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton, the seasonal Halloween walk-through at Flamig Farm in West Simsbury, and corn maze adventures at Foster Family Farm in South Windsor. For younger children, daytime pumpkin patches and farm experiences are often a better fit than traditional haunted houses.

Where can families find affordable fall activities in Connecticut?

March Farm in Bethlehem offers free access to its animal yard and play area, with additional seasonal activities available for a fee. Connecticut state parks are another affordable option, with free parking for Connecticut-registered vehicles. Families can also explore local pumpkin patches and farm markets without necessarily purchasing an attraction ticket.