father and daughter in pumpkin patch at Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee in Red Arrow Park, downtown Milwaukee Wisconsin

Oct

Family Fall Activities in Milwaukee: Your Ultimate Guide (2024)

Fall is a magical time for families in Milwaukee, and there are endless activities to help you make the most of this season.

Whether you’re looking for pumpkin patches, hayrides, apple picking, or even some spooky Halloween fun, Milwaukee has it all.

Over the years, my kids and I—along with the MKE With Kids team—have explored many of these places firsthand. Plus, we’ve taken into account reader recommendations to curate the best spots for family fall activities in Milwaukee.

Here’s your guide to the top family-friendly fall adventures this year!

1. Pumpkin Patches for the Perfect Pick

Aerial view of Creekside Valley Farm in Mequon, featuring red barns, pumpkin displays, and surrounding green fields, offering a scenic fall farm experience.

No fall is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. We’ve found the best spots around Milwaukee where your family can pick the perfect pumpkin while enjoying hayrides, corn mazes, and more.
→ Explore the Best Pumpkin Patches Near Milwaukee

2. Apple Picking: A Delicious Day Out

Visitors enjoying outdoor seating in front of the white barn at Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Company in Colgate, with families gathered for apple picking and farm activities.

Apple orchards are a classic fall destination, and Milwaukee has some great options for a fun family day. From picking juicy apples to enjoying fresh apple cider, you’ll love these apple picking spots.
→ Best Apple Orchards for Families Near Milwaukee

3. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Aerial view of the corn maze at Creekside Valley Farm in Mequon, surrounded by fields and trees, with the farm buildings in the background.

Corn mazes are always a fall favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re navigating trivia challenges or flashlight mazes, these spots offer some of the best corn mazes near Milwaukee.
→ Top Corn Mazes Near Milwaukee

4. Take a Scenic Hayride

Three children sitting on straw in a hayride wagon, pulled by a tractor through a cornfield, enjoying a scenic fall day.

For a relaxing, family-friendly activity, hop on a hayride and enjoy the beautiful fall landscapes of Wisconsin. Here are the best places for a memorable hayride near Milwaukee.
→ Best Places for Hayrides Near Milwaukee

5. Explore Gorgeous Fall Hikes

A scenic view of the Seven Bridges Trail in Milwaukee, covered with bright red and orange fall leaves, featuring a wooden bridge surrounded by colorful autumn trees.

Milwaukee’s fall foliage is stunning, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a fall hike. Take in the crisp air and colorful leaves with these kid-friendly hiking trails.
→ Gorgeous Fall Hikes for Families Near Milwaukee

6. Enjoy Breathtaking Fall Views

Aerial view of Holy Hill Basilica in Wisconsin, surrounded by a vibrant forest of red, orange, and yellow fall foliage, with the church's twin spires rising above the colorful landscape.

Looking for the best spots to catch fall colors? These scenic locations offer the most gorgeous fall views near Milwaukee, perfect for family photo ops or a peaceful afternoon.
→ Best Places for Fall Views Near Milwaukee

7. Halloween Fun for Kids

Two children with animal face paint smiling and enjoying the festivities at Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee in Red Arrow Park, Milwaukee, with a crowd of families and fall activities in the background.

Halloween Events

Milwaukee has plenty of Halloween events designed especially for kids! From costume parades to not-so-spooky trick-or-treat trails, there’s no shortage of family-friendly Halloween fun.
→ Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Milwaukee

Halloween Displays

Milwaukee neighborhoods love to go all-out for Halloween with Halloween displays that will wow your kids. Drive around to see spooky decorations and creative setups in the best-decorated neighborhoods.
→ Best Halloween Displays Around Milwaukee

Haunted Houses

If your family loves a good scare, check out Milwaukee’s best haunted houses. We’ve found options for both younger kids and older thrill-seekers.
→ Haunted Houses for Younger Kids
→ Haunted Houses for Older Kids

Local Trick-or-Treat Times
Planning your trick-or-treat route? We’ve gathered the latest information on local trick-or-treat times so you can plan your Halloween night with ease.
→ See Trick-or-Treat Times in Milwaukee

8. Day of the Dead Events in Milwaukee

Families and visitors participating in Day of the Dead celebrations at the Milwaukee Art Museum, with a colorful altar as the focal point and activity tables in the background.

Milwaukee’s Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations offer a beautiful and vibrant way to honor loved ones who have passed. These events often feature traditional altars, music, dance, and crafts, providing a unique cultural experience for families.

From community parades to altar displays, these events are a meaningful and educational way to immerse your family in this beautiful tradition.

→ Learn More About Day of the Dead Events in Milwaukee

9. Meet Farm Animals at Petting Zoos

Llamas and goats standing together at Bear Den Zoo, with a red barn and fencing in the background on a sunny day.

For younger kids, visiting a petting zoo is always a hit. From baby bunnies to llamas, these farms let your family get up close and personal with animals.
→ Best Petting Zoos and Farm Animal Experiences Near Milwaukee

10. Visit a Sunflower Maze

Young girl in a red shirt strolling through the sunflower maze at Old Homestead Orchard with forest in the background.

Though sunflowers bloom earlier in the season, some farms extend their sunflower mazes into fall. These are perfect for family photos and fall fun.
→ Find the Best Sunflower Mazes Near Milwaukee

11. Fun at Home: Backyard Haunted Houses & Family Movies

If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, why not set up your own backyard haunted house? It’s a creative way to entertain the kids and celebrate Halloween. Plus, we’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly movies to watch in October for cozy fall nights in.
→ Backyard Haunted House Ideas
→ Best Family Movies to Watch in October
→ 50 Easy Dia de los Muertos Kids Activities

Bonus: Explore Our Interactive Fall Fun Map!

Promotional banner for the Fall Fun Map featuring a barn with a smiley face, and the text 'Fall Fun Map' with a 'Let’s Go!' button for exploring fall activities.

Want to discover more activities by location or category? Check out our Interactive Fall Fun Map for a full list of Milwaukee’s best fall destinations, including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses, and more. You can easily search by location and find the perfect spot for your family adventure.

Plan Your Perfect Fall Day!

No matter how you want to spend your fall in Milwaukee, we’ve got you covered with the best family-friendly activities. From pumpkin patches to hayrides and haunted houses, there’s something for every family to enjoy.

Calie Herbst

Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.

Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.

Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.

Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.