Hello, Metro Denver families! We’re excited to share some wonderful family-friendly activities happening in our vibrant city this autumn. Doing things together as a family is a wonderful way to support your child’s health and wellness, and as integrative pediatricians, we’re all about that! With the leaves changing and the air turning crisp, there’s no shortage of opportunities to bond and explore together, whether you have newborns, teens or anything in between!
So whether you live in Wash Park, Cherry Creek, Englewood, Littleton, or anywhere else around Metro Denver, here’s your guide to fun fall activities around Denver in 2024!
1. Pumpkin Patches Galore
Anderson Farms
Dates: Open daily from September 30 to October 31
Website: Anderson Farms
Anderson Farms features a corn maze, hayrides, and a petting zoo, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. Don’t forget to pick your pumpkins!
Rock Creek Farm
Dates: Open daily from September 30 to October 31
Website: Rock Creek Farm
Enjoy a classic pumpkin patch experience with hayrides, corn mazes, and a beautiful backdrop of autumn leaves.
The Patch
Dates: Open daily from September 21 to October 27
Website: The Patch
This pumpkin patch in Kiowa comes personally recommended by Dr. Meg and her family!
Lone Creek Farms
Dates: Open every Friday-Sunday from September 20 to October 27
Website: Lone Creek Farms
This pumpkin patch in Franktown comes personally recommended by Dr. Meg and her family!
2. Denver Botanic Gardens’ Fall Festival
Dates: October 12-13 & 19-20, 2024
Website: Denver Botanic Gardens
Join the fun at the Botanic Gardens with live music, seasonal crafts, and food. It’s a great way for kids to explore nature and enjoy the fall festivities!
3. Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens
Dates: Weekends from October 5 to October 27, 2024
Website: Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens transforms into a festive fall wonderland with kid-friendly rides, a pumpkin patch, and costume contests. Perfect for a day of thrills!
4. Hiking in the Foothills
Explore local trails like the Flatirons or Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Autumn is a beautiful time for family hikes, with cooler temperatures and stunning views of changing leaves. So hop in the car and check out Boulder, Littleton, Parker, or anywhere else with an awesome trail!
5. Lakewood Cider Days Festival
Dates: October 5-6, 2024
Location: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
Website: Cider Days Festival
Celebrate the harvest with local cider tastings, live music, and fun activities for the kids. A great way to support local businesses!
6. Arts and Crafts at the Denver Art Museum
Dates: Check for specific workshops in October
Website: Denver Art Museum
Engage your kids’ creativity with hands-on art-making sessions inspired by current exhibitions. A fantastic way to enjoy art as a family!
7. Boo at the Zoo
Dates: October 19-20 & 26-27, 2024
Website: Denver Zoo
Dress up and enjoy a spooky experience at the zoo with trick-or-treating stations, themed activities, and a chance to see the animals.
8. Apple Picking Adventures
Happy Apple Farm (Penrose)
Dates: Open daily from September through October
Website: Happy Apple Farm
YA YA Farm and Orchard (Longmont)
Dates: Open weekends in September and October
Website: YA YA Farm and Orchard
Enjoy a family outing picking apples, and don’t miss out on the delicious apple cider and pie available on-site!
9. Storytime in the Park + More
Check local libraries for outdoor storytime sessions, typically happening throughout October.
Website: Denver Public Library
Grab a blanket and enjoy some storytelling while soaking up the fall sunshine in one of Denver’s lovely parks.
10. Family Game Night at Home
As the evenings grow cooler, cozy nights in can be special too. Organize a family game night with seasonal snacks, like popcorn and apple slices. Create a fall-themed trivia or scavenger hunt for some extra fun!
11. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Dates: Open year-round
Website: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Explore the wonders of science and nature with interactive exhibits that captivate all ages. Don’t miss the IMAX theater for a fun family film!
12. Scarecrow Festival at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Dates: October 12-13, 2024
Website: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Enjoy a weekend of family fun with scarecrow-building contests, hayrides, and fall-themed activities. It’s a great way to celebrate the harvest season!
13. 13th Floor Haunted House
Visit The 13th Floor Haunted House, which often features family-friendly hours on select days. Note that this may be too scary for younger children!
Website: 13th Floor
14. Fall Color Tours
Take a scenic drive to see the stunning fall foliage in the mountains. Peak to Peak Highway is a fantastic route for viewing vibrant autumn colors. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beauty of nature together!
15. Broadway Halloween Parade
Date: October 19, 2024
Website: Broadway Halloween Parade
Join in the festive spirit with a parade featuring costumes, floats, and plenty of family-friendly fun! It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween with the Baker community.
16. Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns
Date: Now through November 2, 2024
Website: Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns
The Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns delights all ages on a glowing trail of thousands of magnificent, hand-carved pumpkins. A nautical sea-scape, a pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons, and much more, all softly aglow throughout the event. You’ll find magic around every corner! This is another personal recommendation from Dr. Meg!
Final Thoughts On Denver Autumn 2024
Autumn in Denver is bursting with activities that allow families to connect, explore, and enjoy the season together. From pumpkin patches to arts and crafts, these experiences will enrich your family’s well-being and create lasting memories.
As always, Partners In Pediatrics is here for you as your medical home to answer any questions or discuss anything with you – whether you’re an expectant family or have older kids. We believe in holistic wellness – and that means paying attention to mental health as well as physical health. We’re sure these fun activities for you and your kids can help bring a smile to your faces!
Happy autumn adventures, Denver families! Let’s make the most of this beautiful season together!
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