Fall has arrived in Central New York – and with it comes a variety of family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re looking for a scare – or something a little less terrifying – you’ll find something for all ages in our fall activities guide.
Please note: Visit each website for more information about current COVID-19 guidelines.
Haunted Attractions
CMC’s Haunted House – Run by families from the CMC Dance Company, this haunted attraction features a barn and an outdoor trail. A “no scare option” is available for all ages.
Best for: Children over the age of five.
Where: 6092 Route 31, Cicero.
When: Fridays and Saturdays during October (beginning Oct. 8).
More information: cmchaunts.com.
Demon Acres – Visitors can choose from a jail, haunted house, and haunted hayride – or visit all three with a combo ticket. Demon Acres’ grounds also feature two themed escape rooms.
Best for: Teens and adults.
Where: 341 County Route 36, Hannibal.
When: Fridays and Saturdays during October.
More information: demonacres.com.
Frightmare Farms – Located about 30 minutes away from Syracuse, Frightmare Farms was recently recognized by the Haunted Attraction Association. It is home to four haunted attractions: the Twisted Labyrinth, Haunted Estate, Condemned Mine Trail, and Frightmare Forest Haunted Hayride.
Best for: Children ages 9 and up.
Where: 4816 State Route 49, Palermo.
When: Fridays and Saturdays during October (as well as Sunday, Oct. 10).
More information: frightmarefarms.net.
Fright Nights – Housed in a factory, Fright Nights also includes several different attractions: Devil’s Dungeon, Jurassic Dark, Burgen Manor, Lady Lamson’s Cursed Voyage, and Penny’s Playhouse. Due to COVID-19, guests must purchase tickets for all five.
Best for: Children ages 9 and up.
Where: 1 LePage Place, Syracuse.
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during October.
More information: thefrightnights.com.
Wood Creek Hollow – Haunted hayrides are back at Wood Creek Hollow – along with the Crypt Keepers Courtyard, which features a concession stand, craft vendors and more. If you’re looking for something a little less scary, it will also host a Hocus Pocus Movie night on Oct. 10.
Best for: Teens and adults.
Where: 3851 Wood Creek Road. Rome.
When: 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30.
More information: facebook.com/woodcreekhollow.
13th Hour Rising Haunted Hayride – Start with the haunted hayride then walk through the indoor haunted house. A food court with cider, hot cocoa, pizza and more is also available.
Best for: Children ages 8 and up.
Where: 84 Merrit Road, Fulton.
When: Fridays and Saturdays during October.
More information: 13thhourrising.com.
Corn Mazes
Abbott Farms– Running every weekend in October, Abbott Farms’ annual Fall Fest features an apple cannon, pony rides, wagon rides, tube slides, arts and crafts, and, of course, a corn maze. This year’s design was inspired by television show The Chosen.
Where: 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville.
More information: abbottfarms.com.
Cicero “Pumkin” Patch – Explore the three-acre corn maze, then take a ride through Candy Lane, a creepy graveyard, a ghost crossing and more on the Hermit Hayride. Cicero “Pumkin” Patch’s grounds also include a nature walk.
Where: 7169 Island Road, Cicero.
More information: ciceropumkinpatch.com.
Critz Farms– Cazenovia’s Critz Farms will offer several ongoing activities during its annual Fall Harvest Celebration: playgrounds, cow train rides, wagon rides, an animal area, and a corn maze (this year’s theme is “Monster Truck Rally”). Keep in mind, tickets must be purchased in advance if you’re planning to visit during the weekend.
Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13 South, Cazenovia.
More information: critzfarms.com.
Our Farm– Our Farm’s five-acre corn maze is one of the most educational on this list – this year, it is shaped like an owl, and features fun facts about the bird. Our Farm is also home to hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a pumpkin catapult named Boris.
Where: 1590 Peth Road, Manlius.
More information: our-farm.squarespace.com.
Penny’s Country Farm– Penny’s Country Farm offers two options: a five-acre corn maze for adults, and a mini maze for children. Afterwards, make sure to also check out the farm’s Western-themed town, ghost train rides, and Spook Woods – admission is only $5/person this year.
Where: 1540 Gray Road, Union Springs.
More information: pennyscountryfarm.com.
Springside Farm– Located in Fabius, Springside Farm has no shortage of family-friendly activities. Choose from more than 35 types of pumpkins or purchase a “Maze Pass” for unlimited access to the farm’s corn maze, petting zoo, ziplines, pedal cars, and more.
Where: 1850 Route 91, Fabius.
More information: springsidefarm.net.
The Pumpkin Hollow– The closest option to the city of Syracuse, The Pumpkin Hollow offers a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds, as well as a corn maze, hayrides, and farm animals. Before you leave, stop by the café for fall treats, including cider donuts, apple fritters and candy apples.
Where: 3735 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.
More information: thepumpkinhollow.com.
Tim’s Pumpkin Patch – Join Tim’s Pumpkin Patch as it celebrates 35 years. Families can navigate through the corn maze, visit with farm animals, take a wagon ride, dig for fossils and more.
Where: 2901 Rose Hill Road, Marietta.
More information: timspumpkinpatch.com.
Trinity Valley Dairy – Looking for a family-friendly option south of town? Trintiy Valley will offer a corn maze, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, and wagon rides during its Family Fun Days this month. Make sure to stop by on Oct. 30 for Corn Maze After Dark – just don’t forget a flashlight!
Where: 2847 Route 13, Cortland.
More information: trinityvalleydairy.com.
CNY Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches
Now that fall is here, are you hoping to pick some apples with your family? Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin for carving – or decorating. Check out this list of u-pick farms in Central New York.
Abbott Farms
Where:3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville.
More information: abbottfarms.com.
Adams Acres
Where: 7047 Sevier Road, Jamesville.
More information: adamsacres.net.
Appledale Orchards
Where: 6018 State Route 3, Mexico.
More information: appledaleorchard.com.
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard
Where: 2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette.
More information: beakandskiff.com.
Burrell’s Navarino Orchard
Where: 3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Syracuse.
More information: navarinoorchard.com.
Behling Orchards
Where: 114 Potter Road, Mexico.
More information: behlingorchards.com.
Cicero “Pumkin” Patch
Where: 7169 Island Road, Cicero.
More information: ciceropumkinpatch.com.
Critz Farms
Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13, Cazenovia.
More information: critzfarms.com.
Deer Run Farms Orchard
Where: 2695 NY-11A, Lafayette.
More information: deerrunfarms.webs.com.
Fruit Valley Orchard
Where: 507 Bunker Hill Road, Oswego.
More information: fruitvalleyorchard.com.
O’Neil’s Orchard
Where: 4872 Route 20, LaFayette.
More information: oneillsorchard.com.
Our Farm
Where: 1590 Peth Rd, Manlius.
More information: our-farm.squarespace.com.
Owen Orchards
Where: 8174 Grant Avenue, Weedsport.
More information: owenorchard.com.
Penny’s Country Farm
Where: 1540 Gray Road, Union Springs.
More information: pennyscountryfarm.com.
Springside Farm
Where: 1850 NY-91, Fabius.
More information: springsidefarm.net.
The Pumpkin Hollow
Where: 3735 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.
More information: thepumpkinhollow.com.
Tim’s Pumpkin Patch
Where: 2901 Rose Hill Road, Marietta.
More information: timspumpkinpatch.com.
Will’s Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm
Where: 1175 Hillsboro Road, Camden.
More information: cackleberrycastle.com.
