Top 10 Fall Family Activities in Sacramento
Fall is here so let’s plan your family’s next fun adventure in Sacramento
By Professional Organizer, Kim Salisbury
Being the capital city of California, and my home for many, many years, Sacramento has a so many family-friendly activities that are especially enjoyable during the fall season. From apple orchards, to pumpkin farms, and farmers markets, this city has it all!
Here are my top 10 family activities in Sacramento, CA during the Fall season (not in any specific order of preference.)
1. Apple Hill
Located just an hour outside Sacramento, Apple Hill is a collection of over 50 apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and tree farms. It’s a great place for families to pick apples, taste fresh cider, and indulge in baked treats like apple donuts and pies. With the vibrant fall foliage, it makes for a scenic outing. And now in October, enjoy their haunted woods! A 450-yard loop trail thats spookified with various Halloween ghosts, goblins, and ghouls!
2. Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival
The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival returns October 4–5, 2025 (10am–5pm) at Elk Grove Park—free admission, $20 parking (cash), and free bike valet. Expect big fall energy: the giant pumpkin & produce weigh-off on Saturday, the famous Pumpkin Regatta on Sunday at noon, and the splashy Pumpkin Drop after the races. You’ll also find carnival rides, live music on multiple stages (plus BMX demos), an Art Walk and kids’ crafts, a photogenic Pumpkin Village, contests, and a pumpkin patch/gift shop
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3. Effie Yeaw Nature Center
A great spot for nature lovers, this center offers family-friendly hiking trails where you can spot wildlife and experience the changing fall colors. The interpretive center also provides educational displays about the local flora and fauna.
4. Boo at the Zoo
Sacramento Zoo transforms into a spooky, family-friendly haven during October. With themed decorations, trick-or-treat stations, and animal encounters, it’s a festive way to experience the zoo with a Halloween twist.
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5. Sacramento Harvest Festival
Holiday shopping, showcasing hundreds of vendors, exciting entertainment, unique food inspiration for Thanksgiving, and more. The show also features demonstrating artists, live on-stage performance acts, great musical bands, strolling entertainers, as well as a KidZone area with arts, crafts, and activities for the little ones throughout the event!
6. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm
Located in Wheatland, a short drive from Sacramento, Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm offers a classic fall experience. From pumpkin patches and hayrides to petting zoos and a mini railroad, it’s a day-long adventure for families.
7. Midtown’s Farmers Market
The fall harvest brings a plethora of seasonal goodies. The Midtown Farmers Market is a great spot for families to explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and enjoy live entertainment. Kids can learn about local agriculture and the importance of supporting local farmers.
8. Pumpkins and Planes: Halloween in the Air Park
The historic charm of Old Sacramento becomes even more inviting in the fall. Families can stroll along the cobbled streets, enjoy riverboat rides, visit museums, and dine in historic eateries. Special events, like the “Theatre of Lights”, start in late fall, providing added entertainment.
9. Yolo Explorer Pumpkin Train
Why just visit a pumpkin patch when you can ride with one? On select Saturdays—October 5, 12, and 26, 2025—the River Fox Train runs the Yolo Explorer Pumpkin Train, a 1.5–2-hour countryside ride with an on-board pumpkin patch, family-friendly activities, and snacks/drinks available for purchase. It’s a sweet, low-stress fall outing for littles and grandparents alike.
10. Trick or Treat at Sacramento Children’s Museum
Calling all boos and ghouls, join in for a fun day of trick-or-treating featuring multiple candy stations, outside play, art activities and more! SCM is hosting Trick or Treat on Halloween.
