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Fall photo from across the pond.

Family-friendly Fall Getaways in New England

There’s something especially magical about fall in New England, and with kids in tow, the season feels even more special. Crisp afternoons invite your crew to wander through pumpkin patches and winding corn mazes, climb aboard a hayride or wagon ride, and get up close with friendly animals at a local petting zoo. Add in live music, face painting, apple cider, and plenty of small town charm, and you have everything you need for an unforgettable family getaway. From classic harvest traditions to festive fall events, these destinations top our list when it comes to planning a fall getaway in New England.

Plan a Fall Getaway

Harvest Festivals Around New England

HarvestFest in York, Maine

Head to York for HarvestFest, a true celebration of the season with something for everyone including live music, delicious local food, and plenty of fall fun. Their Kids Fest is a dedicated area filled with activities and entertainment designed just for your little ones. It’s a festive way to soak up the spirit of autumn while visiting a quintessential New England town. 

While you’re here, you’ll need a place to stay. Our recommendation? Head over to Union Bluff Hotel & Meeting House to experience old-world charm wonderfully situated on Short Sands Beach since 1868. If you’re in search of a more relaxed vibe, Ocean Sands is a place where your family can reconnect, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of Maine’s coast. Formerly known as the Sea Latch Inn, this longtime York Beach favorite continues its tradition of welcoming hospitality with a laid-back atmosphere. 

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island

For an unforgettable fall evening, head to Providence for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns transform the zoo into a dazzling autumn wonderland. With approximately 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins lighting the way, it’s a magical experience for both you and your kids.

If you are searching for downtown Providence luxury lodging for a unique family getaway, opt for The Beatrice. This hotel is perfectly situated under a ten minute walk to every downtown attraction, shopping, and so much more. Another one of our favorites was once the home to notable textile merchant Samuel Priest. The Edgewood Manor Inn is now honored with the title as the most elegant bed and breakfast in America, complete with stained glass windows, floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, and carved oak throughout the dining room and sitting areas. 

Brown’s Harvest Fall Festival in Connecticut 

Make the most of autumn at Brown’s Harvest Fall Festival in Connecticut. You and your family can enjoy classic harvest-season fun getting lost in a sprawling five-acre corn maze, hopping aboard a hayride, and soaking up the festive atmosphere surrounded by colorful fall scenery. It’s an easygoing destination for a day of family fun.

While in Hartford, we recommend booking your stay at The Goodwin. Once a landmark 19th-century residential building, this hotel uniquely fuses the history of Connecticut’s capital city with contemporary style right in the heart of downtown.

Newton Harvest Fair in Massachusetts

For classic fall fun just outside Boston, the Newton Harvest Fair in Massachusetts brings together rides, games, delicious food, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. While you’re in the area, explore Cambridge and the surrounding area for even more fall foliage, seasonal activities, and New England charm.

When it comes to booking a stay in the Boston area during your family getaway in New England, Harvard Square Hotel is always a hit. With a prime address next to Harvard University and the Charles River, this boutique hotel is surrounded by the local shops, cafés, and restaurants of Harvard Square. 

Looking for more family things to do in New England? The newly renovated Inn at Longwood Medical allows you to stay within walking distance of it all, including Fenway Park, Museum of Fine Arts, and Boston Duck Tours. Lastly, Cambridge Common House is a quiet retreat with a residential ambiance just steps from Harvard Square. Once the home of the influential Howe family, the building has long been a gathering place for students, artists, and intellectuals right in downtown Cambridge. 

About New England Inns and Resorts

New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 350 hotels, inns, and resorts located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location.

When do fall activities like harvest festivals usually open in New England?

Fall activities and harvest festivals in New England typically begin in September and continue through October. Many events peak during the first three weekends of October. Dates vary by destination, so check individual festival schedules before planning your trip.

Are harvest festivals good for young kids?

Absolutely! Harvest festivals are often ideal for young children, with family-friendly activities like hayrides, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, corn mazes, face painting, crafts, games, and live entertainment. Many festivals also offer dedicated kids’ areas designed specifically for little ones.

How long should we plan to stay for a fall getaway in New England?

For a fall getaway with kids, three to four days is a comfortable starting point. That gives your family time to explore seasonal attractions, enjoy scenic drives, and visit a few towns without feeling rushed.