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Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean the family fun has to slow down! Honestly, I think fall in East Texas might be my favorite.
Cooler weather, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and all the cozy things.
If you’re looking for the best fall activities in East Texas or just want some fun things to do with your kids this fall, I’ve got you covered. This list is packed with my favorite family-friendly East Texas fall activities to keep the good times rolling and the kids happy all season long.
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Quick List: Fall Activities for Families
Bake seasonal treats
Go on a hayride at a local fall festival
Take a nature walk at a nearby park
Jump in a pile of leaves
Make s’mores by the fire
Stargaze
Attend a high school football game
Take a scenic fall drive
Visit a U-pick pumpkin patch
Explore a corn maze
Host a fall-themed movie night
Shop at a local farmers market
Ride a train in East Texas
Go camping or glamping
Attend the State Fair
Visit a sunflower field
Try a caramel apple bar
Have a picnic in the park
Host a chili night with friends
Shop First Monday Trade Days
Keep Scrolling for more details for each activity
Have Fun at a Fall Festival
My Family Fall Festival Guide rounds up 20+ of the best events across East Texas, each one packed with food trucks, artisan crafts, carnival-style games, and toe-tapping music.
Some festivals are all about family fun, with pumpkin painting, petting zoos, and hayrides, while others highlight local flavors and handmade goods perfect for early holiday shopping. From big community celebrations to small-town charm, each one offers its own way to celebrate the season and make lasting memories.
Bake Seasonal Fall Treats
I love baking in the kitchen with my boys, and fall brings a whole new world of flavors and a ton of delicious treats.
We make:
pumpkin cookies,
apple tarts,
pumpkin trifle,
spiced caramel apples,
fall-spiced cinnamon rolls,
apple pie,
and my personal favorite: pumpkin pie.
If you’re craving something classic but want to skip the full pie prep, try a galette: a free-form pie that’s just as tasty but takes half the time. Swap in pumpkin or apple filling, and let the cozy smell of fall baking fill your home while you make memories together.
Mom Tip: Double your batch and freeze half. Fall treats like muffins, cookies, and cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully, so you can pull out a little taste of autumn any day with no extra mess in the kitchen.
Make S’mores by the Fire
Cool nights call for gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate, but you don’t have to stick to the classic.
Swap the chocolate for peanut butter cups or Ghiradelli caramel/raspberry squares for a sweet upgrade.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try savory s’mores: layer a piece of melty brie or mozzarella cheese on your toasted graham cracker, add a slice of salami, and finish with a dollop of fig jam. It’s the perfect sweet-and-savory bite for fall evenings.
If you don’t have the gear, my Fall Must-Haves list has everything you need: from a smokeless firepit to the perfect marshmallow roasters.
Go on a Hayride
- Pantation Pines
- E5 Family Farm (closed for the 2025 season)
- Breedlove Nursery Fall Festival
- Dodson Family Farm
Are some of the many fall festivals in East Texas during September and October. Check out my full list of fall festivals here to plan your ride.
Take a Nature Walk
Bring a bike or scooter, pack some snacks and head to one of these beautiful fall spots:
Legacy Trail – Tyler, TX
Rose Rudman Trail – Tyler, TX
Tyler State Park – Tyler, TX
Faulkner Park – Lindale, TX
Synergy Business Park – Kilgore, TX
Davey Dogwood Park – Palestine, TX
- Nichols Green Park – Jacksonville, TX
- Rusk Foot Bridge – Rusk, TX
- Loves Lookout – Palestine, TX
- Turn Basin Trail – Jefferson, TX
MOM TIP: Have the kids go on a nature scavenger hunt while you walk.
Where do you like to go to walk through the fall colors?
Jump in a Pile of Leaves
Simple, free, and pure joy. The kids will love it, shoot, I still love doing this.
just make sure the pile is stick-free before jumping in!
Walk on Crunchy Leaves
Nothing says fall like crunching through a pile of leaves. Let the kids run, toss them in the air, or dive right in; it’s simple, free fun.
Take a stroll at Tyler State Park, the Legacy Trail, or even the Caldwell Zoo for a bigger adventure surrounded by fall colors.
Cheer at a High School Football Game
Friday night lights are a Texas tradition. Grab some seat and cheer for the home team.
Here are some of the local teams:
Beckville Bearcats
Bullard Panthers
Carthage Bulldogs
Chapel Hill Bulldogs
Daingerfield Tigers
Gilmer Buckeyes
Kilgore Bulldogs
Lindale Eagles
Longview Lobos
Marshall Mavericks
Palestine Wildcats
Rusk Eagles
Sulphur Springs Wildcats
Tyler High Lions
Tyler Legacy Red Raiders
Van Vandals
Whitehouse Wildcats
Winnsboro Raiders
Visit a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says fall like choosing your own pumpkin. Here’s my pumpkin patch guide with all the best spots around Tyler.
There’s something magical about wandering through a pumpkin patch, searching for the one, and cutting it right off the vine.
Luckily, here in East Texas, we’ve got plenty of local farms that let you do just that—making it easy to turn pumpkin picking into a full family outing.
And if heading to the farm isn’t in the plans, you can still grab a beautiful pumpkin while supporting a great cause. Many local churches host annual pumpkin sales as fundraisers for their missions and community programs.
From the field to the church lawn, each pumpkin you bring home helps strengthen our community and keeps these beloved fall traditions alive.
Explore a Corn Maze
Challenge your family to see who can get out the fastest.
📍 E5 Family Farm – Henderson, TX (Closed for the 2025 season)
📍 Great Harvest Farm – Montalba, TX
📍 YesterLand – Canton, TX
Are some of the many fall festivals in East Texas during September and October. Check out my full list of fall festivals here to plan your course.
Visit a State Park
Spend a day hiking, picnicking, or fishing. Fall is the perfect time to be outside and exploring the beautiful 903 area:
Tyler State Park – Tyler, TX
Dangerfield State Park – Dangerfield, TX
Caddo Lake State Park – Karnack, TX
Host a Movie Night
There are many ways to access all the different movies:
Visit your local library – Did you know most libraries have a DVD section? You can check out movies for free! It’s the perfect way to revisit family favorites or discover something new without spending a dime.
MOM TIP: Check the DVD before borrowing to make sure it isn’t scratched.
Stream something at home – With all the streaming services out there, chances are you already have one that works for your family. Netflix, Prime, Disney+, Peacock… pick your favorite, pop some popcorn, and you’re ready for a cozy night in.
Mom-hack: Use Google Opinion Rewards – This one’s my favorite! Google pays you for answering quick surveys, and that money can be used to rent or buy movies. Since 2021, I’ve earned over $400 just by answering a few questions about my shopping trips and places I’ve visited.
Download Google Opinion Rewards: [link]
Use my code for a bonus: HBWVH8PH
Need movie ideas?
The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown,
Free Birds,
Hocus Pocus 1 & 2,
Coco,
The Addams Family,
The Nightmare Before Christmas,
Hotel Transylvania,
Harry Potter,
or Goosebumps.
Pair it with a pumpkin-spiced caramel popcorn or your favorite fall treats, and you’ve got the perfect family night.
Go on a Train Ride
Hop aboard for a train adventure the whole family will love! The Texas State Railroad offers a scenic ride through the Piney Woods, complete with beautiful views, comfortable seating, and even themed excursions during certain seasons (think Polar Express at Christmas or fall foliage rides). It’s a fun way to slow down, relax, and enjoy the journey.
If you’re looking for something shorter and completely free, check out the Iron Horse Square in Mineola. This charming little park celebrates the town’s rich railroad history and features a miniature train ride that kids absolutely adore. On select Saturdays, volunteers run the small-scale train around the track.
Go Camping or Glamping
Pitch a tent, rent a cabin, or even set up camp in your own backyard; Fall weather in East Texas is perfect for sleeping under the stars.
I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of tent camping, but my boys absolutely love it. So, I make it work by getting a group of families together. The kids run wild, play flashlight tag, and roast marshmallows, while the grown-ups enjoy the crisp evening air and good conversation.
One of the best parts about camping in East Texas is that you don’t have to drive far from the city to find a great spot. That means if breakfast over the campfire is a total flop, someone can make a quick donut-and-kolache run. However you camp, in a tent, a cabin, or your own backyard, the laughter and stories shared around the fire will stick with you long after the tents come down.
Attend the State Fair
Fall in East Texas means fair season, and you’ve got options!
East Texas State Fair – Tyler
This one’s close to home, full of hometown charm, and it’s growing fast! Though this is only the fair’s second year at its new location, things are already expanding and upgrading. If you’re curious about what to expect, check out my 2024 blog post: East Texas State Fair with Kids for candid insights and cozy snapshots from last year.
And this year the fair is hosting a PRCA-sanctioned pro rodeo for the very first time! Catch heart-pounding action from September 19–21, including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and everyone’s favorite: Mutton Bustin’. Tickets even include fair admission!
Gregg County Fair – Longview
If you love a classic, small-town fair atmosphere, the Gregg County Fair is a must. It’s got all the nostalgic favorites—rides, games, livestock shows, and plenty of fair food that smells too good to resist. It’s perfect for families who want a night of fun without driving too far.
State Fair of Texas – Dallas
For a larger-than-life experience, head to Dallas for the legendary State Fair of Texas. From deep-fried everything to the iconic Big Tex, it’s a Texas-sized celebration you have to experience at least once.
Carve a Jack-o’-Lantern
Go spooky or silly. Either way, save the seeds for roasting.
Visit a Sunflower Field
📍 E5 Farms – Henderson, TX (closed for the 2025 season)
📍 Yesterland – Canton, TX
Great for some fall family photos.
Visit a Haunted Mansion
Not my thing (I’m all about happy-mom vibes), but if spooky fun is your jam, you’ll love it! Check out my Haunted Events Guide for all the haunted houses, trails, and ghostly happenings across East Texas.
