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 an guide to a few fall day-trip destinations that both locals and visitors can enjoy in 2024.

BUFFALO AREA

Our first pick of the patch is The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, just 30 minutes from the heart of Buffalo. With festival weekends running from Sept. 14 through Oct. 31, there's no shortage of autumn activities. Explore the five-acre corn maze, try out zombie paintball, enjoy the amusement rides, and don't miss the apple cannons or jumping pillows. New to the scene this year is the Pumpkin Palace, Panning for Gems, and exclusive carving lessons from Guinness World Record holder Eric Jones. On festival weekends, enjoy a magic show with Mike & Annie, petting zoo, cow train ride, Boo Barn, tractor-drawn hayrides, contests, crafts, and of course, a variety of carnival food. Open daily from 10am to 7pm, this farm is truly a fall must-see!

Looking for something a bit more low-key but just as charming? Head to Becker Farms in Gasport, a year-round destination that truly shines in the fall. From apple picking to pumpkin patches, hayrides to live music, there’s plenty to enjoy on weekends in September and October. And don't forget to stop by their winery and brewery for some adult refreshments while the kids enjoy the petting zoo, playground, and corn maze.

If you're in the mood for a scenic fall road trip, Pumpkinville in Great Valley is a great option. This year, the farm has introduced two new attractions: the corn barn, where kids can dig, scoop, and play in a giant corn pit, and the interactive crank tractor, where visitors can try their hand at starting a tractor just like the farmers of the early 1900s. Alongside pumpkin picking, food, shopping, a beer garden, and farm animals, Pumpkinville offers hayrides, train rides, apple blasters, and a corn maze. It's the perfect blend of old-fashioned fun and modern fall festivities.

ROCHESTER AREA

Looking for a family-friendly adventure near Rochester? Stokoe Farms in Scottsville is hosting its annual Harvest Fest, with over 40 activities for the whole family. From hayrides to the area's largest petting zoo, there's no shortage of fun. Witness the return of the Canine Spectacular Dog Show, performing every weekend in September and October. With a candy cannon, playgrounds, pony rides, Roos Ranch, and more, it's easy to see why this farm has been a fall favorite for over 20 years.

On the east side of Rochester, Wickham Farms in Penfield offers even more variety. Enjoy mini-golf, hayrides, corn mazes, apple picking, and pumpkin patches, as well as plenty of farm animals to meet and greet. It’s the perfect spot for a full day of fall fun.

For many, fall isn’t complete without apple picking and cider doughnuts. Just a few miles away from Wickham Farms, Schutt’s Apple Mill in Webster offers both in abundance. Take a tour, pick your own apples and pumpkins, and be sure to grab some fresh-pressed cider and homemade baked goods for the road.

SYRACUSE AREA

For families in the Syracuse area, Pumpkin Hollow is a classic fall destination. Whether you’re here to pick pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, or feed the farm animals, you’ll find plenty to love. Be sure to grab a fresh apple fritter and a cup of cider while you're there—nothing says fall like sweet treats and quality time with family and friends.

A bit further northeast, Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville offers everything from a huge corn maze and apple orchard to apple cider doughnuts and hard cider on tap. The farm offers pony rides and wagon rides every weekend during Fall Fest (weather permitting), along with a variety of vendors setting up shop for the perfect fall shopping experience. Adults can enjoy cider slushies and craft hard cider in the café, and the the kids can find fun on the playground and corn maze. It's a win-win for everyone!

Just outside of Syracuse in Lafayette, Beak & Skiff Orchards offers more than just apple picking. Their new kids treehouse is the perfect spot for little ones to jump, slide, climb, and play. Adults will enjoy tasting the orchard's hard ciders and spirits at the 1911 Tasting Room and Tavern. 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.

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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