Explore the Season: 5 Fall Activities For Kids In & Near Clifton Park, NY
Autumn in the Capital Region is a time for exploration. This guide to the 5 best fall activities for kids in & near Clifton Park, NY will help you plan your next memorable day trip, from local farms to apple orchards and more.
Pick, Play & Indulge at DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchards
In Halfmoon, just minutes from Clifton Park, DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchards has been welcoming visitors for nearly a century. The farm carries a sense of history that blends seamlessly with the excitement of fall apple picking.
Rows of trees invite families to gather fruit straight from the branches, a hands-on activity that delights kids year after year. After time in the orchard, Rainbow Delights—DeVoe’s on-site ice cream shop—provides a sweet stop that pairs surprisingly well with autumn air.
The country store adds one more layer to the visit, with local produce and baked goods that bring the harvest season home.
Spend a Fall-Filled Day at Ellms Family Farm
Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa is just minutes from Clifton Park and offers families the chance to dive into the season in dozens of different ways. With more than 40 attractions scattered across the property, there’s no shortage of things to do (including multiple corn mazes!).
Families often start with high-energy fun—kids racing each other down the giant slides, bouncing on the Jumbo Jumping Pillow, or testing their balance on the Low Ropes course. Pint-sized tractors and the zipline add to the mix, ensuring something for every age group.
Later in the day, the trolley ride to the pumpkin patch creates the perfect photo opportunity and a calmer moment to enjoy together. Many families end by gathering pumpkins to take home, a tradition that makes each visit feel special.
Nonstop Fall Fun at Liberty Ridge Farm
A short trip north of Clifton Park brings families to Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke, where fall fun unfolds on a grand scale. Spread across more than 100 acres, the farm features over 50 attractions, mixing big adventures with familiar seasonal traditions.
Start with the hayride out to the pumpkin fields or line up for the pumpkin shooters that send gourds flying across the sky. In Brad’s Barnyard, kids will find slides, pedal karts, and giant jumping pillows, while the River Bend Frontier provides plenty of space to roam.
The farm’s most famous attraction, the corn maze, gets a new design every season. For 2025, it’s Sesame Street-themed! By the end of the day, families leave with tired feet, full hearts, and a little extra appreciation for the season.
Bowman Orchards: Where Apples Meet Adventure
Bowman Orchards in Rexford has become a go-to spot for Clifton Park families looking to mix apple picking with playtime. Beyond the orchard rows, the farm offers attractions that keep kids laughing and moving.
The apple cannon, dump truck slide, and pony rides are perennial favorites, while the wooden school bus and playhouse encourage imaginative fun. Families can also hop on the Bowman Orchard Express train for a ride through the property or tackle the 5-acre maze together.
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy, too. Cider donuts are a staple, but shelves also hold kettle corn, chocolates, and local produce. Instead of being a quick stop, Bowman feels like a place where families can spend an afternoon balancing play, fresh air, and fall flavors.
Celebrate the Season at Riverview Orchards
For parents who want to keep things simple, Riverview Orchards in Rexford delivers a relaxed, approachable take on fall fun. This family-run farm combines the essentials—apple picking, hayrides, and farm animals—with unique touches that kids love.
Inside, visitors can watch donuts being made fresh or peek into the observational beehive. On weekends, free hayrides give families a chance to enjoy the orchard from a new perspective.
Between gathering apples, sampling treats, and exploring the farmyard, Riverview creates an outing that feels easygoing and genuine.
Can't-Miss Local Fall Events
The Clifton Park area also offers several unique fall events that are perfect for families.
Halfmoon Harvest Festival
The annual Harvest Festival in Halfmoon is a beloved community event that brings the entire family together. Held at Halfmoon Town Park, the festival features live music, vendors, food, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
Clifton Park Farm Fest
Get ready for a full weekend of fun at the Town of Clifton Park's Farm Fest!
This popular two-day celebration brings together hayrides, apple picking, country food, and more, all showcasing local farms and businesses. Admission is free, and families can enjoy a self-guided tour throughout town.
Double M Haunted Hayrides: Little Monsters Day
For a fun, not-so-spooky Halloween experience, check out Double M Haunted Hayrides: Little Monsters Day. The scares are toned down and the fun is turned up for an afternoon of Halloween excitement.
Kids can enjoy a friendly hayride, bounce houses, face painting, carnival games, and chances to meet costumed characters. It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday in a safe, fun, and festive environment.
Wrap Up Your Clifton Park Fall Adventure
Fall in Clifton Park isn’t just about the changing leaves—it’s about creating memories. From farms packed with activities to orchards full of flavor, these local spots make it easy for families to return year after year and enjoy the season in new ways.
