October is one of the best months in Boston. The weather isn’t cold yet, the summer crowds have thinned, and the leaves are stunning. Check out CheapOair for some great cheap airfare rates, and head to the Hub for one of these popular fall family festivals in Boston. All take place over the weekends, so they are great options for long weekends away.

King Richard’s Faire
New England families have been flocking since 1982 to this popular fall renaissance festival that takes place in Carver, MA – 50 miles south of Boston. This year, it’s running through October 20, 2013 and is open on Columbus Day. Located on over 80-acres of land, the festival offers activities for kids including all-day entertainment, a festive environment, and fun renaissance food.

Halloween weekends in Salem
No one celebrates Halloween quite like the Boston suburb of Salem, MA, home of the Salem Witch Trials. Salem celebrates Halloween all October long with haunted weekend happenings each week. Activities include street festivals, haunted trolley rides, a haunted village, and much more. Take public transportation, drive from the city, or stay overnight at one of the local hotels offering special Halloween packages.

Nantucket Cranberry Festival
Although just two cranberry bogs remain on the island, cranberries have been grown on Nantucket since 1857. During the annual Cranberry Festival, families have the opportunity to learn more about the growing of cranberries (one of only three native fruits that are grown commercially in the US). In addition, the festival offers games, music, food, and more.

Head of the Charles Regatta
One of Boston’s most popular annual events, the Head of the Charles Regatta includes 9,000 participants and over 300,000 spectators, This classic Boston event will take place October 19th and 20th, 2013 right on the world-famous Charles River. Parking is limited at the event, so plan to take public transportation or one of the shuttles available.

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Photo credit: dmoisan