Fall break is one of the best times of year to travel as a family. Crowds thin out, temperatures cool down, and national parks, cities, and small towns take on a completely different feel. Whether you want a quick weekend getaway or a full week of adventure, these fifty destinations offer memorable experiences for kids of all ages.

I’ve grouped them by region to help families plan more easily. Each destination includes firsthand insights, seasonal tips, and the reasons it works well for fall travel.

Western United States

1. Zion National Park, Utah

Fall is one of the best seasons in Zion. Cooler temperatures make hikes like Riverside Walk and Canyon Overlook more enjoyable for kids. Check out these best hikes for kids in Zion National Park. Parking fills early, so arrive before 9 a.m.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

The hoodoos glow in fall light. The Rim Trail is perfect for families, and the park is less crowded than summer. Here are my favorite trails in Bryce Canyon National Park for kids.

3. Arches National Park, Utah

Morning visits to Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock help avoid midday heat. Fall colors along the Colorado River add a nice bonus. Find the best trails for hiking with young kids at Arches National Park.

4. Moab, Utah

Beyond the parks (Arches and Canyonlands National Park), families can enjoy river rafting, off‑road tours, and the Moab Giants dinosaur museum.

BONUS: Check out the best things to do in Utah

5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Wildlife is active and temperatures are crisp. Some services begin closing in October, so check ahead. Here are the five best hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park.

6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Fall foliage around Oxbow Bend is stunning. Short hikes like Taggart Lake work well for families. Check out these tips for planning your visit to Grand Teton National Park.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

Late September is ideal. Many facilities close early, but the Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road is unforgettable.

8. Seattle, Washington

Cool weather, Pike Place Market, ferries, and the Museum of Flight make this a great urban fall break. Check out some of the best things to do in Seattle.

9. Portland, Oregon

Family‑friendly gardens, food carts, and easy access to the Oregon Coast.

10. Oregon Coast

Tidepools, lighthouses, and scenic overlooks. Cannon Beach and Cape Perpetua are especially good in fall. Check out some of the best locations Oregon has to offer for families.

11. San Diego, California

Warm beaches, the zoo, and Balboa Park. Fall is quieter than summer. There are so many things to do in Southern California. Here are some family activities in San Diego.

12. Disneyland, California

Halloween decorations and seasonal treats make this a fun fall break option. Planning a trip to Disneyland can be stressful. Check out these tips to help you plan an amazing Disneyland family vacation, and find some great deals through Get Away Today.

13. Lake Tahoe, California

Hiking, biking, and crisp mountain air. Crowds drop significantly after Labor Day.

14. Phoenix, Arizona

Fall brings cooler mornings and evenings. Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo are great for kids. Don’t miss the Arizona Science Center, either. Check out these family friendly activities in Phoenix.

15. Sedona, Arizona

Red rock hikes like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are more comfortable in fall.

Midwest

16. Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Park, museums, and lakefront walks. Fall colors in Lincoln Park are beautiful. The variety of activities available throughout Chicago will keep you coming back for more. Here are several ideas for some of the most popular museums and experiences in Chicago.

17. Door County, Wisconsin

Small towns, orchards, and scenic drives. Great for a quiet family getaway.

18. Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Mall of America, parks, and fall festivals provide lost of options for families. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Minneapolis.

19. Branson, Missouri

Shows, Silver Dollar City, and family attractions.

20. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Car‑free charm, bike rides, and fall foliage.

21. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Unique landscapes and easy roadside viewpoints. And the fall is a perfect time to explore the hiking trails. Check out the best hikes of Badlands National Park.

22. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Cooler weather makes exploring the area more enjoyable. Families love to explore the iconic Black Hills of South Dakota. Check out these tips to planning your visit to Mount Rushmore.

23. Omaha, Nebraska

The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the best in the country.

24. Kansas City, Missouri

Barbecue, museums, and family‑friendly neighborhoods. Here’s a list of the best things to do in and around Kansas City, Missouri.

25. St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch, City Museum, and Forest Park.

Southern United States

26. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

One of the best fall foliage destinations in the country. Cades Cove is perfect for families.

27. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium, and mountain views.

28. Nashville, Tennessee

Music attractions, parks, and great food. You could spend days exploring everything in Music City, U.S.A. Check out the best things to do in Nashville for families.

29. Asheville, North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway drives and kid‑friendly hikes.

30. Charleston, South Carolina

Historic streets, Fort Sumter, and waterfront parks.

31. Savannah, Georgia

Walkable squares, ghost tours, and riverfront views.

32. Orlando, Florida

Theme parks with lighter crowds than summer. You can explore the many parks of Disney World, or venture to Universal Studios Orlando, Sea World Orlando, Kennedy Space Center, or some of the other experiences in and around Orlando.

33. Tampa, Florida

Beaches, aquariums, and fall festivals.

34. New Orleans, Louisiana

Family‑friendly tours, parks, and riverfront walks. Louisiana is one of my favorite places to visit, and my kids have been able to enjoy some of what the city has to offer. Here’s a rundown on the best things to do in New Orleans.

35. San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo, River Walk, and fall weather. There’s a lot of history to explore and fun to be had. Check out some of the best family activities in San Antonio.

36. Austin, Texas

Outdoor activities, Barton Springs, and great food.

37. Houston, Texas

Space Center Houston and museums.

38. Galveston, Texas

Warm beaches and historic sites.

Eastern United States

39. Washington, D.C.

Museums, monuments, and fall colors around the Tidal Basin. There are an endless number of activities for families in the nation’s capital. Here are the best family-friendly activities in Washington, D.C.

40. Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial history and nearby theme parks.

41. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Skyline Drive is incredible in fall.

42. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

History, museums, and walkable neighborhoods. Learn about the founding of America in a variety of museums, and some great places to eat, too. Check out the best things to do in Philadelphia.

43. New York City, New York

Central Park in fall is unforgettable. While you’re there, catch a Broadway show, go whale watching, enjoy some amazing foods, visit the museums, or experience what New York City has to offer.

44. Boston, Massachusetts

Freedom Trail, museums, and fall foliage. We’ve visited Boston a couple of times with our kids and each time we discover something new. Here’s a rundown on the best things to do in Boston with kids.

45. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Quiet beaches and small towns. It’s a great place to relax. You can also enjoy some leaf peeping if you time your visit just right. Here are the best things to do at Cape Cod.

46. Acadia National Park, Maine

One of the best fall foliage destinations in the U.S.

47. Burlington, Vermont

Lake Champlain views and fall colors.

48. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Scenic drives and kid‑friendly hikes.

49. Hershey, Pennsylvania

Chocolate World and Hersheypark.

50. Niagara Falls, New York

Cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Plan Your Fall Break

Fall break is one of the easiest school holidays to travel around, but a little planning helps you make the most of it. Here are a few tips to help families choose the right destination and prepare for the season.

Best Weeks to Travel

Most schools take fall break between late September and mid‑October. The first two weeks of October offer:

• peak fall foliage in many regions
• cooler temperatures in national parks
• lighter crowds at theme parks
• better airfare and hotel rates

Weather Expectations

Fall weather can shift quickly. Plan for:

• cool mornings and warm afternoons
• occasional rain in coastal regions
• early snow at higher elevations
• shorter daylight hours

Layers are your best friend.

Packing Tips for Families

• lightweight jackets
• comfortable walking shoes
• rain gear for coastal or mountain trips
• refillable water bottles
• small daypacks for hikes
• portable chargers for phones and cameras

Budget Expectations

Fall break is more affordable than summer travel. You’ll often find:

• lower hotel rates
• cheaper flights
• fewer resort fees
• easier last‑minute bookings

Theme parks and national parks may still require reservations.

How Far in Advance to Book

• Flights: 4–6 weeks ahead, at the latest
• Hotels: 2–4 weeks ahead, at the latest
• National park timed entry: check each park’s website
• Theme parks: book tickets early for the best availability (Get Away Today has amazing deals)

Choosing the Right Destination

Pick based on your family’s travel style:

• Adventure: national parks, mountain towns
• Relaxation: beaches, lakes, quiet coastal towns
• City fun: museums, zoos, historic districts
• Theme parks: Disneyland, Disney World, Dollywood

Fall Break FAQ

What are the best fall break destinations for families in the West?

Zion, Bryce Canyon, Moab, the Oregon Coast, Seattle, and San Diego are top choices thanks to cooler weather and fewer crowds.

What national parks are best in fall?

Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, Shenandoah, Acadia, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton offer incredible foliage and comfortable temperatures.

Is fall break a good time for theme parks?

Yes. Crowds are lighter than summer, weather is cooler, and Halloween events make parks especially fun for kids.

Where should families go for a budget‑friendly fall break?

Consider Door County, St. Louis, Kansas City, San Antonio, or national parks with free scenic drives.

Is fall break a good time for beach trips?

Absolutely. San Diego, Tampa, Galveston, and Cape Cod offer warm weather without summer crowds.

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