This post was last updated on September 15, 2023.

With fall well and truly underway, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily life. Between work, school, family, and friends, how much time do you really have to sit back and relax? If your family is starting to feel a little burned out and needs some serious quality time, a fall family vacation might be just what the doctor ordered!

While it may be better to visit some spots during the summer months, there are certain destinations that are best enjoyed once fall comes around. We’ve got the rundown on the best fall family trip ideas that the whole gang will be sure to appreciate! The question is, where will you go first?

Savannah, Georgia

For a truly Instagram-worthy fall family vacation, book a trip to gorgeous Savannah, Georgia. The cooler temperatures make it ideal weather for walking along the cobblestone streets or exploring the city via trolley. The kids will go wild over a fun boat trip on the regal Savannah River Queen. It features a truly distinctive view of Savannah and the surrounding areas.

Families visiting Savannah might also enjoy Forsyth Park, known for its vibrant foliage and playgrounds. Take a historic trolley tour to learn about the city’s rich history. Visit the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens for beautiful fall blooms, and don’t miss the Savannah Children’s Museum for interactive exhibits. Stroll through the charming streets of the Historic District, savoring the seasonal cuisine at local restaurants. Tybee Island, a short drive away, offers beachcombing, dolphin tours, and the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Autumn in Savannah promises a mix of history, nature, and family-friendly fun.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a travel favorite all year long. But skip the crowded summer months in favor of a more relaxing and enjoyable fall family vacation. Autumn brings out the true colors of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. Enjoy the whirlwind of vibrant shades as the trees change colors and drop their leaves. Kids will love hiking through the trails, which have no shortage of fun spots to explore.

Without the massive crowds that usually clog Niagara Falls, you and your family will be able to take your time to enjoy some of the most popular attractions. These include the famous Maid of the Mist boat ride along the water; just make sure to bundle up against the chill! Next, go apple-picking at the nearby family-run farms. Warm up after an exciting day with a steaming mug of fresh apple cider. You’ll quickly see why Niagara Falls is a fantastic choice for your next fall family vacation.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is great addition for your list of fall family trip ideas. The biggest draw of visiting the park in the autumn months is the incredible color palette of changing leaves. Color season reaches its height in the area during September. But you can also see mesmerizing foliage in late August and early October. Aspens, the park’s predominant tree species, make for an especially vivid set of colors. The white bark frames against leaves that turn from gold to red. Stunning!

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While the leaves are the main attraction, you’ll have much more to look forward to in the wilderness of the Centennial State. If you have a love for hiking and biking, you’ll be treated to great trails that afford great views of local wildlife, like elk and bighorn sheep. Emerald Lake is a particularly popular hiking location at Rocky Mountain. At only 3.5 miles round trip, the Emerald Lake hike is very doable for most families. You’ll also be rewarded with great vistas of the lake, as well as important landmarks like Hallett Peak.

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San Antonio, New Mexico

If your family loves exploring nature together, grab flight deals to San Antonio, New Mexico for an unforgettable fall experience. San Antonio is a great city to visit any time of the year, with an assortment of wonderful restaurants. Green chili cheeseburgers are a must-try item. There are lots of other hot spots to explore as well, but nature lovers are particularly keen to visit come fall.

Fall in San Antonio is an ideal time to witness the birds that migrate south in search of warmer climates. There are tens of thousands of birds of all sizes and species that will be sure to fascinate the little ones. Plus, they can learn even more at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The whole family will be able to go on picturesque nature walks as the leaves change. Last but not least, you’ll learn fascinating facts about the wildlife of the area, and maybe even see a few friendly species up close.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont is a village that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. A cozy New England community nestled at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Stowe boasts one of the longest foliage seasons in all of North America. Leaves turn vibrant shades of crimson and hues of honey-gold from early September until the middle of October. In fact, weather conditions sometimes extend foliage season for a few weeks.

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While you’re in Stowe, consider visiting the Von Trapp family’s iconic Trapp Family Lodge, which brings the beloved movie “The Sound of Music” to life. Guests can explore the stunning Alpine-style estate, hike the picturesque trails, savor Austrian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and revel in the charm of Vermont’s mountainside, all while immersed in the musical’s history.

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Also, you’ll come to adore Cold Hollow Cider Mill, one of the most famous cider mills in New England. Tours of the facility showcase Cold Hollow’s commitment to tradition, both in its cider-pressing method and in baking the award-winning Apple Cider Donut. After the tour, you’re welcome to enjoy a sandwich from the mill’s on-site restaurant and take in the beauty of the Vermont wilderness from the deck patio.
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Boone, North Carolina

Boone, North Carolina provides you and your family with a variety of choices for the perfect fall getaway. Grandfather Mountain State Park, a beautiful preserve in the heart of the Tar Heel State, tops the list of woodland retreats for many visitors. One of the most interesting fall events at the park is the annual Hawk Watch. Held throughout September, you’ll get to observe the park’s birds of prey as they prepare to migrate south for the winter. These birds include hawks, eagles, and owls. Naturalists at the park also host color tours that put an emphasis on the park’s foliage and explain the science behind color change.

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You won’t want to miss Tweetsie Railroad, the town’s Wild West-themed amusement park. The family will adore the great variety of rides at Tweetsie Railroad, as well as the theater and dance performances. On Friday and Saturday nights in October, you’ll see the park turned into a family-friendly Halloween celebration with Tweetsie’s Ghost Train. While older kids will enjoy exploring the haunted grounds of the amusement park, younger kids will enjoy a fun night of trick or treating.

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You may also enjoy: Which City Should Your Family Travel to This Fall?
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Branson, Missouri

Midwestern charm and autumnal fun await visitors to Branson, Missouri, the Show Me State’s top-tier family destination. Dubbed the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, Branson brings its natural showmanship to a plethora of family-friendly destinations. Topping the list of most visitors is Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City. The staff at the amusement park turn Silver Dollar City into a fall wonderland with rides, crafts, and, of course, lots and lots of pumpkins.

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One of the Harvest Festival’s biggest draws is Pumpkins in the City. This festival boasts an illuminated display of thousands of pumpkins and other mainstays of the fall season, notably scarecrows and black cats. Next, check out the Garden of Giants, the Harvest Festival’s patch of massive, goliath-sized pumpkins. Or head to Pumpkin Fest at Shepherd of the Hills. You’ll enjoy a delightful day of hayrides, pumpkin painting, and even building your very own scarecrow. Fall-themed treats and a petting zoo round out Shepherd of the Hills’ attractions.

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The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee-North Carolina

When you visit The Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature and diverse foliage. Learn about the fascinating science of how elevation affects leaf color. While trees in the park’s higher elevations reach their peak in early October, those in lower and middle elevations will not begin reaching their peak until several weeks later. This makes for an amazing color palette — a feast for the eyes.

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The Great Smoky Mountains region is also home to Dollywood, an amusement park that dials up the glamour for its annual Harvest Festival. Your kids will particularly enjoy Great Pumpkin LumiNights, a section of the park decked out with illuminated pumpkins and sunflowers. Alternatively, Hoot Owl Hollow boasts a display of 150 white pumpkins centered around a 14-foot owl statue.

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Which fall trips have you and your family enjoyed together? Tell us in the comments section below!