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.
⭐ Partner Spotlight: Spend a Fall-Filled Day at Ellms Family Farm
For a close-to-home spot filled with fall activities, plan a trip to Ellms Family Farm in nearby Ballston Spa. The farm's energy shows itself right away, with kids racing down the giant slides, bouncing on the Jumbo Jumping Pillow, and testing their balance on the Low Ropes course. Pint-sized tractors and the zipline round out the early stretch of the visit, giving every age group its own way to burn off energy.
Once the initial rush settles, the farm opens up into quieter corners worth exploring. The Band Stage brings live music into the mix throughout the season, while the Sports Center gives competitive families a place to test their skills against each other. Don't miss out on the giant corn maze and interactive puzzle!
Kids drawn to water and motion can race rubber ducks at the Duck Races or wobble their way across the Tube Gliders, and the pedal carts and coaster carts offer a slower-paced ride for anyone ready to sit down for a bit. A stop at Pete's Pirate Ship adds a dose of imaginative play well outside the usual fall lineup.
Later in the day, the trolley ride to the pumpkin patch creates a calmer moment and a built-in photo opportunity. Many families end the visit by gathering pumpkins to take home, capping off a day that mixes hands-on adventure with a few easygoing breaks along the way.
Ellms Family Farm Highlights
- Close to Home: Located near Clifton Park in Ballston Spa, making it an easy pick for an afternoon or a full day.
- High-Energy Attractions: Giant slides, the Jumbo Jumping Pillow, and the Low Ropes course keep kids moving from the moment they arrive.
- Slower-Paced Fun: Pedal carts, coaster carts, and the Band Stage give families a chance to sit back between bursts of activity.
- Beyond the Basics: Duck Races, Tube Gliders, the Sports Center, and Pete's Pirate Ship round out a lineup that goes well past the usual corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Why It's a Local Favorite
"We had a great time visiting this beautiful local farm! The scenery is gorgeous — rolling fields, colorful pumpkins, and plenty of space to explore. There’s so much for kids of all ages to enjoy, from the play areas and train and tractor rides to animal visits and seasonal activities." - Kristen C. (Google Review)
FAQs About Ellms Family Farm
How far is Ellms Family Farm from Clifton Park?
Ellms Family Farm is in Ballston Spa, just 25 minutes from Clifton Park, making it one of the closest fall attractions for kids in the area.
What can families do at Ellms Family Farm besides the corn maze and pumpkin patch?
The farm offers dozens of additional attractions, including the Sports Center, Duck Races, Tube Gliders, and pedal and coaster carts, along with live music at the Band Stage throughout the season.
Is there anything at Ellms Family Farm for kids who don't want high-energy rides?
Yes. Pete's Pirate Ship offers imaginative, low-key play, and the pedal carts and coaster carts give visitors a slower-paced ride between the more active attractions like the Low Ropes course and zipline.
How long should Clifton Park families plan to spend at Ellms Family Farm?
Most families spend several hours or a full day without running out of things to do at Ellms.
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.
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 signature corn maze gets a new design every season, giving families a fresh challenge to explore each fall. By the end of the day, families can head home after a full day of seasonal activities and time spent outdoors.
Note: Liberty Ridge Farm has confirmed its 2026 Fall Festival will run September 12 through November 1, but the farm has not announced its 2026 corn maze design yet.
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
2026 Date: Saturday, September 19
The Halfmoon Celebrations Association currently lists the 2026 Harvest Festival for Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Halfmoon Town Park.
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
2026 Dates: September 19 - 20
The CliftonPark.com events calendar currently lists the 2026 Farm Fest for Saturday, September 19 through Sunday, September 20.
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
2026 Date: Saturday, October 3 & Saturday, October 10 (rain dates October 4 & 11 respectively)
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.
