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Get Ready for Fall with These 10 Outdoor Activities to Do With the Kids

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors with your little ones. Fall in Hampton Roads offers plenty of activities that will not only keep the kids entertained but also let you enjoy the beauty of the season. Plus, many of these activities can be super fun and active. So, grab those sweaters, pack some snacks, and let’s dive into 10 fantastic fall activities you can do with the kids! 

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  1. Visit the Pumpkin Patches. No fall is complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch! In Hampton Roads, you’ve got plenty of options. Check out places like Cullipher Farm in Virginia Beach or Greenbrier Farms in Chesapeake. Let the kids pick out their own pumpkins to carve or paint later at home. Bonus points if you carpool with friends to maximize carpool benefits—because fewer cars mean a happier planet earth!  
  2. Explore the Local Festivals. Hampton Roads is buzzing with festivals. From the Suffolk Peanut Festival to the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, there’s something for everyone. These festivals often include parades, games, live music, and plenty of local food. Walk or bike to these events to incorporate some exercise and make it an active transportation kind of day! 
  3. Take a Hike. With cooler temperatures, fall is the ideal season to hit the trails. Explore the beautiful hiking spots in the region, like First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach or Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield. These areas offer trails that are kid-friendly, and the changing foliage makes for some stunning views. 

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  1. Bike the Elizabeth River Trail. The Elizabeth River Trail in Norfolk offers a scenic bike ride that’s perfect for families. The trail runs along the waterfront and through several parks, offering plenty of opportunities for pit stops and playtime. Consider organizing a group ride with other families to enjoy the benefits of carpooling and make it even more exciting. 
  2. Attend a Fall Harvest Event. Many local farms host fall harvest events where families can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and apple picking. Check out events at Isle of Wight’s Darden’s Country Store or New Earth Farm in Pungo. These activities are great for teaching kids about where their food comes from while having some good old-fashioned fun. And remember, carpooling to these events means more bonding time and fewer parking headaches.
  3. Enjoy a Day at Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg transforms into a Halloween wonderland during fall, with kid-friendly attractions during the day and scarier haunts at night. It’s a perfect spot for families looking for a mix of thrills and seasonal fun. If you’re heading there with friends or extended family, ride together to take advantage of the commuter rewards and make the trip even more enjoyable. 
  4. Take a Ferry Ride. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry offers a unique way to experience the James River. Kids will love the adventure of riding a ferry, and it’s a great way to incorporate some history into your fall activities. The Elizabeth River Ferry between Portsmouth and Norfolk is also a great fall activity the kids will love! You could even take the kiddos to Portsmouth Based Children’s Museum of Virginia for an afternoon of fun.

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  1. Visit the Chesapeake Arboretum. The Chesapeake Arboretum is a hidden gem that offers beautiful walking trails, gardens, and a historic farmhouse. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, and the fall colors make it even more picturesque. This is a great location for a family day out that’s low-key but still full of opportunities for learning and exploration. 
  2. Attend a Football Game. Football season is in full swing during the fall, and attending a local high school or college game can be a fun family outing. Schools like Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University in Norfolk offer a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for kids to experience the excitement of a live game. Encourage fellow parents to carpool to games to make parking a breeze and add to the fun. 
  3. Take a Nature Walk at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Located in Hampton, Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers miles of walking trails, a lake, and even a nature center where kids can learn about local wildlife. Fall is a fantastic time to visit, as the cooler weather makes for comfortable walks, and the changing leaves provide a colorful backdrop. It’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some quality time together. 

Fall is a magical time to be in Hampton Roads, and with so many outdoor activities to choose from, you’re sure to find something that your family will love. Whether you’re picking pumpkins, hiking through the woods, or cheering on the local football team, these activities offer not only fun but also the chance to enjoy the beauty of the season. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the kids, plan your outings, and make this fall one to remember!