Fall Activities in Edmonton
As the leaves begin to change, little ones head back to school and the air gets crisper, it’s the perfect time to spend your weekends adventuring with fun fall activities in Edmonton. Whether you’re local and looking for new experiences, or visiting and eager to make the most of the season, this article will guide you through a delightful array of activities that capture the essence of autumn in our charming city.
Fall Activities in Edmonton: Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Farm
Perhaps the most classic fall activity is a visit to a local pumpkin patch or farm. Edmonton boasts a variety of farms and orchards where you can pick your own pumpkins or purchase home grown ones to bring home. Kids will love exploring the fields and selecting the perfect pumpkin for carving, painting and decorating. Many of these locations also offer hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos for added family fun.
Our favourites to recommend for fall activities in Edmonton are:
Prairie Gardens
The fall season begins with the Fall-o-ween Pumpkin Harvest Fest. Running each weekend throughout the month of September, this festival features hayrides, corn and sunflower mazes, scarecrow making, and so much more. Prairie gardens has a variety of farm animals and fall activities for little ones of all ages!
The Haunted Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm runs every weekend in October. This festival includes a spooky visit to the pumpkin patch, along with a variety of Halloween-themed activities to get you in the spooky spirit! Fun activities include:
- Pumpkin patch to stroll and pick the perfect pumpkin
- Pumpkin Corny-val with races, bowling, juggling and ghost stories
- Haunted farm house (kid friendly!)
- Pumpkin cannon
- Ghost walks through the Elm Street Cemetery
- Train rides through the farm
Somerset Pumpkins
Located in Parkland County, Somerset Farms is a family-owned u-pick pumpkin farm (they also have strawberries, raspberries and elderberries in the summer months!) With over 50 varieties of pumpkins to choose from in all colours and sizes, it’s a great spot to visit with the whole family to pick your perfect pumpkin for carving, decorating and baking this fall!
Families can also book a private fire pit for a picnic and campfire. Visits to the farm are by appointment only, and be sure to go early in the season, as they generally close upon the first frost!
Birchwood Meadows
A stunning flower farm near Morinville, this beautiful family-owned spot is a must see! Birchwood Meadows is perfect for taking a stroll through the gardens to preview the beautiful fall foliage, explore the boutique shop and pick from a variety of specialty pumpkins in all colours, shapes and sizes to get your home ready for the harvest season. There’s even a diy “dress to impress” pumpkin station to dress up your pumpkin!
Fall Activities in Edmonton: Stroll the Fall Foliage
Take advantage of the picturesque fall foliage by going on scenic hikes or leisurely walks in our city’s parks and nature reserves. The North Edmonton River Valley has over 150 km of trails that are perfect for biking, running, and strolling while you take in the picturesque city views and fall colours. Some beautiful spots include:
- Emily Murphy Park
- MacKinnon Ravine
- Kinnaird Ravine
- Larch Sanctuary
- Mill Creek Ravine
These, and many others, offer breathtaking views, with stunning leaves providing the perfect backdrop for memorable family moments. Check out this article for more popular hikes and strolls in the Edmonton area.
Our family’s personal favourite spot to explore during fall is Elk Island National Park, just outside the city. Peek at some bison, hike through the trees, make a meal over the fire and even kayak on the lake! The park also has a variety of kid-friendly programs to explore.
Fall Activities in Edmonton: Family-Friendly Activities
Get ready for a spooktacular time as Halloween approaches. There are a variety of fall activities in Edmonton specific to families.
Check out the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, where little ones can dress up and trick-or-treat while visiting the animals.
The Parkland Pioneer Museum will be hosting its Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The day includes plenty of fun for all ages, including old time games, a tractor parade, mini train rides, live music, a quilt show, and delicious treats at the Mercantile gift shop.
The Edmonton Corn Maze is a big hit each year, with a giant maze to get lost in, a farm market to shop at, animals to feed and plenty of pumpkins to bring home.
Pumpkins After Dark is hosted at Borden Park in Edmonton, and features over 6000 hand-carved pumpkins! This family-friendly event offers a walk-through display of pumpkin sculptures and displays, with everything from movie and pop culture icons to dinosaurs and classic Halloween characters! You can watch live pumpkin carving while enjoying delicious fall treats. This event runs from September 22 until October 31, 2023.
Fall Activities in Edmonton: Date Night
Need a fun date idea this fall? Visit Fort Edmonton Park for some scary Dark fun (be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart!) Or if spooky isn’t your thing, stroll a beautiful market, coffee in hand. Hello Pretty Market is a personal favourite in the city, with a variety of small business makers and their goodies, yummy coffee and treats and beautiful gifts to get a head start on your holiday shopping! The September 30 and October 1 market is a Bridgerton-themed event, which is sure to bring it’s own kind of magic!
Capture Your Family with Fall Photos
Last but not least, one of the most popular family fall activities in Edmonton is booking a family photo session. While summer is a personal favourite for my own family portraits, most families opt for the beautiful golden tones of autumn. And for good reason – the images you see above were all captured during this beautiful season right here in our very own city of Edmonton. Fall is always very popular (and busy!), so if you’re hoping to capture your family, we always recommend reaching out to your favourite family photographer no later than July!
Did we miss any important fall events and traditions in the Edmonton area? Be sure to let us know, and have a wonderful fall season with the family! We just know that this comprehensive article of fall activities in Edmonton is sure to help you make the most of this beautiful season.
