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Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
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The Polar Express Train Ride Station - various times Pick
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20 Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers in the Boston Area
So many fall traditions in Boston and Massachusetts seem tailor-made for preschoolers: Who better to upend a freshly raked leaf pile or run around a pumpkin patch long enough to find that perfect Jack-O-Lantern? From events like the Topsfield Fair and Frog Pond Pumpkin Float to annual favorites like apple picking and corn mazes, we've rounded up twenty of the best ways to have some big fall adventures with little companions this fall. And if you have even tinier tykes, check out our fall fun guide—toddler edition!
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1. It's festival season! Spend the day exploring a fall festival, from music and entertainment to delicious food, the whole family will have fun.
2. Break out the princess and knight costumes! Let your royal littles step back in time with a visit to King Richard's Faire.
Apple are ripe for the picking all September and October. Photo courtesy of Davis Farmland
3. Apples are prime for picking in September and October. Along with these juicy fruit treats, your kids can also enjoy animal encounters, cider doughnuts, and corn crib play areas at many of our favorite local apple picking spots, including Davis Farmland (above).
4. Visit the Boston Children's Museum's special pop-up Play Spaces designed for kiddos 3 and under.
5. If you've got a four-legged dog lover on your hands, spend the day at the Barktober Fest for games, food, and furry companionship.
6. All aboard for the Thomas the Train exhibit, opening at the Museum of Science at the end of September.
7. Enjoy the fall colors on a short hike that even little sneakers can handle.
8. Visit the Topsfield Fair to see farm animals and go on kiddie rides.
Visit the EcoTarium for free on September 21. Photo courtesy of the EcoTarium
9. Bring your toddlers to one of Boston's museums free of charge during Museum Day—you won't feel bad if you have to cut the trip short!
10. Busy on Museum Day? Check out this full list of local museums little ones can visit for free any day.
11. Get lost in a corn maze! While your preschooler may not be ready for a giant corn maze, lots of farms offer pint-sized versions.
12. It's not too hot and not too cold, making it the perfect time to visit a playground. These sports- and castle-themed playgrounds and tot lots are especially great for younger kiddos.
13. Head to a pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect Jack-O-Lantern!
14. Try out your costume and sneak some treats while visiting animals. Franklin Park Zoo has Zoo Howl, Stone Zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo, and the Southwick Zoo offers Zoo Boo Days.
15. Make pumpkin crafts and luminary bags before setting your own little Jack-O-Lantern adrft at the Frog Pond Pumpkin Float.
16. From storytimes to indoor play areas, a visit to your local library is a great way to spend the day. Make sure to check the calendar for fun toddler events.
17. Think your little ones are too young to get into STEM? Think again! Sign 'em up for a preschool science class or tackle a STEM experiment together.
Kids can get close to some farm animals after picking apples or running around the playground at Lookout Farm. Photo courtesy of Lookout Farm
18. Visit, pet, and feed animals at a petting zoo or farm, like Lookout Farm in Natick (above).
19. Baby shark doo, doo, doo, doo.... see it LIVE this November!
20. Outdoor pools may be closed, but indoor water parks and splash pads are open! Visit during school hours for some toddler splash time.
