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25 Best Events this Fall for Philly Preschoolers and Toddlers

Photo of Boo at the Zoo by Stolzman courtesy of Elmwood Park Zoo
Photo of Boo at the Zoo by Stolzman courtesy of Elmwood Park Zoo
9/8/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

Cooler air, changing leaves, and houses adorned with pumpkins and mums are strong indicators that the season of fall has begun in the Delaware Valley. Philly preschoolers can look forward to lots of autumn excitement found in our events calendar. From fall festivals and apple picking to corn mazes and Halloween fun, little ones are sure to embrace this time of year. Our list includes activities such as picking the perfect pumpkin, taking a scenic train ride, enjoying nature, or splurging with a trip to an amusement park. Keep reading for our favorite fall-themed fun specifically with toddlers and preschoolers in mind.

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Fall Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Magic Mornings

Wednesdays through Fridays through December 20, 2019 Abington, PA
Toddlers enjoy stories, crafts, walks, and more with their favorite caregiver at Briar Bush Nature Center. Each week, a new topic is offered. Sessions fill up quickly so advance registration is a must. Registration can be completed online. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch in Franklin Square

Saturday, October 19, 2019 Philadelphia, PA
Wander through the pumpkin patch and pick the perfect one at Franklin Square. Afterward, decorate your pumpkin with spooky and scary designs. READ MORE

Scarecrow Walk & Design Contest

Repeating every day through October 31, 2019 Philadelphia, PA
The scarecrows on display at Morris Arboretum are eager to meet new guests, who are encouraged to vote for their favorite.  READ MORE

Elmwood Park Zoo's Boo at the Zoo

Saturday, October 13, 2018 Norristown, PA
Collect candy while admiring the animals throughout the Elmwood Park Zoo. A costume parade, treats, animal meet-and-greets, and much more are in store for trick-or-treaters. As an added perk, various drink specials are on tap for the grown ups. READ MORE

Fall Into Fun Festival

Thursdays through Sundays, October 3, 2019 - October 24, 2019 Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Families visiting Storybook Land can climb aboard the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin. Then, decorate your pumpkin just in time for Halloween. In addition, guests can find their way through Elmer’s Hay-Mazin’ Maze, and ride the attractions. READ MORE

Straw Maze at Woodmere

Saturdays and Sundays through October 27, 2019 Philadelphia, PA
Experience some fall fun by wandering through the straw maze at Woodmere Art Museum. Entrance to the Museum is free to parents and guardians of those children who have tickets to the straw maze. READ MORE

Little Explorers Toddler Program

October 2 and November 6, 2019 Philadelphia, PA
Encourage your little one’s curiosity about the natural world through the Little Explorers Program designed especially for toddlers ages 2-4. These virtual lessons vary by month.  READ MORE

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place

Saturdays and Sundays through October 27, 2019 Langhorne, PA
Enjoy silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume and enjoy Halloween shows, a themed maze, three Count von Count-themed mechanical rides, and a Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Fest

Saturdays and Sundays through November 3, 2019 Allentown, PA
Dorney Park hosts the ultimate fall festival - The Great Pumpkin Fest! Families and kids can expect scare-free Halloween activities presented by the PEANUTS™ characters, pumpkin painting, mask making, live shows, and a Petting Zoo. READ MORE

Fall Foliage Express

Sundays, September 29 through October 20, 2019 (also on November 2-3, November 9-10) West Chester, PA
All Aboard the West Chester Railroad for a ride through the picturesque Chester Creek Valley to view the beautiful foliage on a heated train. This 90-minute journey takes visitors back in time to the village of Glen Mills, then returns back to the station. READ MORE

Hallo-Fun

Fridays through Sundays, October 11 - October 27, 2019 Elysburg, PA
Experience tasty seasonal treats, thrilling games, spooktacular attractions and a selection of Knoebels' hallo-riffic rides! It's a Halloween event for all ages with frights that come in all shapes and sizes!  READ MORE

October Hayrides at Hagley

Saturdays and Sundays, October 12 - October 27, 2019 Wilmington, DE
During select October weekends, visit the Hagley Museum for a fun-filled hayride along the Brandywine River. Take in the beauty of the changing fall leaves, make fall-themed crafts and see the mill in action.  READ MORE

Pumpkin Pawlooza

Saturday, October 5 - Sunday, October 6, 2019 Cherry Hill, NJ
Garden State Discovery Museum teams up with friends from Paws Discovery Farm and Kit Fit for the annual Pumpkin PAWlooza! Activities at Paws Discovery Farm include pony rides, pumpkin patch, hayride, an obstacle course, and a petting zoo. READ MORE

Pumpkin Playground at Longwood

Repeating every days October 3 - October 31, 2019 Kennett Square, PA
Longwood's Pumpkin Playground is back this year! Children can see and touch the pumpkins, while grown-ups can take plenty of fall photos in the pumpkin patch. This experience is free with admission and is located in the Children's Corner of the Idea Garden. READ MORE

Philadelphia Zoo's Boo at the Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays, October 12 - October 27, 2019 Philadelphia, PA
Trick-or-treat your way through the animal exhibits, where you'll see creepy creatures munching on pumpkins. Don't forget to dress up in your favorite costume and bring a bag for treats along the way. Best of all, Boo at the Zoo is included in your general admission ticket. Don't miss out on this frightfully fun experience! READ MORE

Witches of Narberth Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, October 26, 2019 Narberth, PA
Dress in your Halloween costume (or not) and wander through downtown Narberth on a hunt for thirteen hidden witches. Families go from shop to shop searching for witches and gathering treats along the way. READ MORE

Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards

Repeating every day through November 10, 2019 Media, PA
 Visitors to Linvilla Orchards can purchase the perfect pumpkin, pick apples, run through the corn maze or straw bale maze, try an apple sling shot, play pumpkin toss, see the barnyard animals, and take a hayride. READ MORE

Toddler Time at the Barnes

Repeating every month on the third Thursdays through December 19, 2019 Philadelphia, PA
The Barnes Foundation's Toddler Time is back with a welcoming program for the littlest art lovers. Enjoy a winter-themed storytime, art activities, and a gallery adventure. READ MORE

Diggerfest Fall Festival

Saturdays and Sundays through October 27, 2019 West Berlin, NJ
Full-day admission to this annual seasonal celebration grants you access to all of the rides and attractions at Diggerland USA, plus additional fall festival and Halloween fun. READ MORE

Faerie Fest

Sunday, September 15, 2019 Wilmington, DE
Put on your fairy wings and fly to Rockwood Park & Museum for games, bubble making, stories, enchanted crafts, faerie and gnome parades, children's museum tours, and a faerie house and gnome home contest. Some details are still being confirmed for 2019. READ MORE

Scarecrows in the Village

Saturday, September 14, 2019 Lahaska, PA
Peddler's Village hosts its annual Scarecrow Season, where the life-size creations are up for your vote across several categories. Over 100 scarecrows line the brick pathways of Peddler's Village. Some are inspired by famous characters, some are humorous, some are scary – but all of them are carefully handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations. READ MORE

Fall Harvest Apple Fun

Saturdays and Sundays through September 22, 2019 Doylestown, PA
Guests can look forward to fall fun at The Market at DelVal. Families can expect pick-your-own apples, wagon rides, inflatable attractions, and pedal go-carts. READ MORE

Tall Trees Playdate

Friday, October 11, 2019 Philadelphia, PA
Explore the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education at its Tall Trees Playscape event. This all-natural playground allows children to dig in the sand, explore the mud kitchen, play on the music wall and more. Meet new friends and discover the wonders of the outdoors. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education