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
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.
