22 Fall Weekend Getaways near NYC for Families

Take in the splendor of the season with a fall getaway to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Photo courtesy of Mononk Mountain House

Fall in the Northeast is a lovely time of year to enjoy one of these weekend getaways near NYC. The crisp air, fall colors, and outdoor activities are hard to resist for most kids (and grown-ups). While you can surely experience some seasonal magic close to home, there's nothing like a weekend away to recharge fully. If you skipped the summer travel season, these fall weekend getaways near NYC are the perfect antidote to the back-to-school blues. So, go ahead and get planning. Before long, you'll immerse your family in seasonal fun.

We've rounded up 22 fall weekend getaways near NYC, whether you're looking for a quick car-free getaway or you've got a long weekend and want to travel a bit further. If you've only got a day to escape, consider one of these 30 fall day trips from NYC, and find more ideas for fall travel in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Corn Mazes Near DC for Kids and Families

Get lost in a fun corn maze this fall. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Corn Maze

Corn mazes are a popular fall activity for many families. Navigating twisty paths cut through giant stalks of corn—often while solving clues and finding hidden surprises—is a great way to bond while enjoying the crisp autumn air. The best corn mazes near DC have fun themes, multiple challenge levels, or even flashlight nights, when visitors can tackle the mazes in the dark with only flashlights to guide them.

Here are 16 of the most ah-maize-ing (sorry, couldn't resist) corn mazes near DC for kids and families, including three haunted corn maze options for only the bravest teens. Many of these corn mazes in Maryland and Northern Virginia are part of larger harvest and pumpkin festivals that offer fun activities like hayrides, giant slides, petting zoos, and more.

Looking for even more fun things to do with kids this fall? Be sure to visit our Fall Fun Guide for DC Families and our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids in DC.

Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando

Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake

There are more than 700 natural springs in Florida, including several swim-worthy freshwater springs just a short distance from Orlando. Florida natural springs make the perfect place to unwind during humid summers and mild winters.

These spring-fed swimming holes are crystal clear and remain 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making them extremely popular for both residents and tourists alike. Many natural springs are surrounded by park land, offering hiking, fishing, and more pre-swim family activities. Others include water slides and mini water parks.

Check out our 10 favorite natural springs in Florida, centrally located near Orlando, great for kids and families. Find more fun places to visit in Florida with our Family Travel Guide, including the Best Beaches near Orlando and Paddleboard and Kayak Tours.

19 Hayrides and Corn Mazes Near Atlanta Perfect for Fall

Discover fields of sunflowers, explore the corn maze, and see giant pumpkins at the Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens fall event. Photo by author

Enjoy corn mazes and hayrides near Atlanta at farms this fall! Atlanta hayrides and corn mazes are fun seasonal activities, just like apple picking and pumpkin patches. Bring your camera for perfect fall photo ops! In addition to outdoor physical activity, corn mazes encourage the use of problem-solving skills and team building —the ultimate escape "rooms!" And many of these Atlanta farms offer additional outdoor activities, including slides, jumping pillows, and petting zoos.

For more fall activities, check out our Fall Fun Guide for Atlanta Kids!

Theme Park Haunts and Amusement Park Halloween Fun for Kids Near Philly: Sesame Place Halloween, Six Flags Fright Fest, and More

Celebrate Silly, Not-Too-Spooky Fun At The Count's Halloween Spooktacular At Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Summertime visits to an amusement park often mean dealing with long lines and sweating through your sunscreen. Fortunately, many parks around the Philadelphia area extend their seasons into the cooler fall months with Halloween-themed attractions. This can be a fantastic off-peak day trip for thrill-seeking families looking to enjoy a Halloween experience beyond the local parades and festivals. If your family is seeking some over-the-top Halloween fun ranging anywhere from silly to downright scary, check our list of amusement parks sure to provide excitement.  

Looking for more Halloween fun? Don't forget to check out our Halloween Guide and our Top Free Halloween Events round-up for Halloween fun that won't break the bank.

San Gennaro Fest and More Great Food Festivals in NYC for Families

The Queens International Night Market is a large, family-friendly, open-air night market in Queens, featuring vendors selling merchandise, art, and food! Photo by Sharon Medina for the Queens Night Market

New York City is one of the world's great foodie destinations and boasts some great food festivals. No matter the season, there's always something good cooking up in the melting pot that is NYC.

We're rounding up some of our favorite annual food festivals in NYC, including autumn's Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, the summertime Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas on the Lower East Side, and Smorgasburg in Brooklyn, which covers three long seasons of eats!

So, pack an appetite and read on for our top picks for food festivals in NYC.

A Day Tripper's Guide to Visiting Mohonk Mountain House with Kids

Explore the stunning grounds and gardens during a day trip to Mohonk Mountain House.

Mohonk Mountain House offers a unique and enchanting day trip from New York City and the surrounding areas. Nestled in the picturesque Shawangunk Mountains of the Hudson Valley, a day at Mohonk Mountain House combines relaxation, adventure, and luxury, making it a perfect getaway for families looking to escape the daily grind.

Read on for our favorite things to do during a daycation to this legendary Hudson Valley resort and find more day trips and getaways in our local travel guide, which includes a roundup of our favorite Hudson Valley resorts for families.

Pages