Family Fall Destinations in Northern Michigan
If you want to make a whole day of fall family fun, these destinations offer a lot more than just apple picking and pumpkins. Think corn mazes, live music, pumpkin bowling, mega pillows, zip lines, farm animals, playgrounds, and more. Some are close to Traverse City, while others are worth the drive. These are the spots I’d recommend when you want to spend a full day exploring, playing, and making some fall memories with the family.
Apple picking, corn maze, pumpkins, cider and donuts, live music, full food & drink menu, and a kid zone with plenty of space to play. You could come here for dinner and drinks or spend a whole afternoon exploring everything the farm has to offer.
A little farm-market gem in Williamsburg with a playground, vintage tractors, farm animals, and seasonal fall activities like a corn maze, pumpkins, and wagon rides. They also have a brand-new baby Highland cow named Dolly!
A family orchard with apple and pumpkin u-pick, plus a farm market, bakery, cider garden, and a great play area for kids. It’s worth the drive from Traverse City if you want to make a trip of it.
A great fall day trip with indoor and outdoor playgrounds, the Adventure Barn & Silo, Mega Pillow, Mega Slide, zip line, farm market, bakery, and café. They also host Fall Festivals every Saturday through October 24, with wagon rides, face painting, inflatables, and more.
Pond Hill Farm is a great day-trip option from Traverse City, especially if you’re heading up M-119 for the Tunnel of Trees. It’s right along the route and has enough going on to make it a destination of its own.
During their Fall Fest weekends, you’ll find live music, a corn maze, hayrides, a playground, farm animals, a gnome hunt, pumpkin bowling and smashing, apple cannons, trails to explore, and more. There’s also a full café menu with pizza and other options, plus cider and donuts. Adults can enjoy wine tasting, too, making it a great option for everyone.
