Harvest season is upon us, which means it’s time for your favorite fall festivities. One of the greatest perks of living in New York State is the abundance of farms harvesting fresh products—and many of these local farms also offer fun activities for all ages. Whether you're picking apples, navigating a corn maze, or enjoying carnival rides, fall in our part of New York is something special.

From the Erie Canal to the Finger Lakes and beyond, there is something for everyone. Here's a guide to fall day-trip destinations that both locals and visitors can enjoy in 2025.

BUFFALO AREA

The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence is a quintessential fall destination that delivers a full season of festive fun. Running from September 13 through October 31, the farm offers an impressive lineup of autumn activities that make it a favorite for families and thrill-seekers alike. The farm features a five-acre corn maze, zombie paintball train, apple cannons, and jumping pillows. New this year are pedal kart rides, an indoor playground, and a pumpkin hill slide. Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., it's a full celebration of autumn activities for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Becker Farms in Gasport offers a cozy blend of seasonal traditions and family fun on weekends throughout September and October. Enjoy apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and live music, plus an on-site winery and brewery for adults. Starting October 17, the farm adds spooky attractions including a Haunted Hayride, the Phylotech bioengineering lab experience, haunted corn maze, and a mega slide in complete darkness.

Pumpkinville in Great Valley combines nostalgic charm with seasonal celebration. New this year is Jack & Jennie Junction, an interactive donkey exhibit where visitors can feed and learn about the animals. Kids enjoy the Rat Maze, corn barn, and interactive crank tractor, while everyone can pick pumpkins, sample farm-fresh food, and relax in the beer garden with friendly farm animals.

ROCHESTER AREA

Stokoe Farms in Scottsville hosts its Harvest Fest (September 20-October 26), featuring over 40 activities including scenic hayrides, the region's largest petting zoo, and the popular Canine Spectacular Dog Show every weekend. Unique attractions include the candy cannon, Bee Zip Lines, Low Ropes Course, and multiple corn mazes—delivering classic fall charm that's made it a cherished destination for over two decades.

Wickham Farms on the east side of Rochester, offers mini-golf, hayrides, hillside slide, apple picking, and plenty of farm animals to meet. It's perfect for a full day of fall fun.

Schutt’s Apple Mill in Webster delivers fun fall experiences just miles from Wickham Farms, with apple picking tours, fresh-pressed cider, and homemade baked goods including their famous cider doughnuts.

SYRACUSE AREA

Pumpkin Hollow is a fall must for families in the Syracuse area, offering U-pick pumpkins, hayrides, feeding farm animals, and a corn maze. Be sure to grab a fresh apple fritter and a cup of cider or hot chocolate while you're there—nothing says fall like sweet treats and quality time with family and friends.

Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville is hosting Fall Fest every weekend through November 2nd this year. Visitors can wander through a huge corn maze, pick apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, pony rides and browse seasonal vendors. Adults can enjoy cider slushies and craft hard cider in the café, and the kids can enjoy the farmyard fun zone. It's a win-win for everyone!

Beak & Skiff Orchards just outside of Syracuse in LaFayette continues to deliver more than apple‑picking. Families with little ones can enjoy the kids' treehouse area, while grownups may want to visit the 1911 Tasting Room & Tavern, which serves hard cider, spirits, and wine. Don't forget to stop by the Apple Hill General Store for a sweet treat like homemade fudge or apple bread to enjoy on the ride home!

Tim's Pumpkin Patch in the opposite direction, just 30 minutes southwest of downtown Syracuse, is a fall favorite that offers something for the whole family. Located in Marietta, Tim's features a sprawling 40-acre U-Pick pumpkin patch, as well as a convenient selection of pumpkins right at the entrance. Kiddos will love the haybale maze, fossil dig, apple cannons, corn maze, "spooky" hayride, and animal barn with goats, piglets, rabbits, ducks, miniature horses and more. There are plenty of great photo opportunities, as well as a gift shop and bakery barn where you may find yourself overwhelmed with all the delicious options! Coming next year, the brand-new Tim's Brew Barn will be up and running in spring 2026. So grab your flannel, pack up the car, and make a day of it—fall fun is waiting just down the road!

WATERTOWN AREA

Old McDonald's Farm in Sackets Harbor, NY, is your go-to destination for fall fun! Since 1986, families have been making memories here with pumpkin picking, hayrides, and endless autumn activities. Wander through a 10-acre bee-themed corn maze, snap photos at the festive fall displays, savor homemade cider donuts, and pick the perfect pumpkin straight from the patch. With over 200 friendly farm animals, a scenic storybook hayride, kids’ activities, and treats like pumpkin cheesecake ice cream, there’s something for everyone. Open mid-September through Halloween, Old McDonald’s Farm is the place to celebrate the season!

Taking the drive to one of these locations for some fall fun? Make sure that your AAA Membership level will cover you for every mile. Upgrade today for more covered tow miles and perks like a complimentary rental car.

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