Best Fall Activities in Sacramento for Kids (2026 Bucket List)

Fall in Sacramento means it’s time for family trips to Apple Hill, leaf peeping in parks, tons of scary good Halloween events for kids, and the best pumpkin patches in the Sacramento Area. 

The temperatures might still be high when autumn officially arrives, but faux fall temperatures won’t stop families in Sacramento from doing must-do fall activities during the spooky season. This list is full of favorites, like Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm and the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival, but it’s also got hidden gems you haven’t heard of, like a scavenger hunt in a candy shop, a free Halloween train ride, and a place where kids can hug a giant pumpkin on someone’s front lawn.

Keep reading for the ultimate list of fall things to do in Sacramento with kids. 

Top Fall Activities in the Sacramento Area for Families

1. Apple Hill

It’s not fall in Sacramento without a day trip to Apple Hill. So many families, including ours, make this a yearly fall tradition. From apple picking at Pine-O-Mine Ranch to seasonal coffee flights at Grandpa’s Cellar and homemade apple cider donuts at Rainbow Orchards, Apple Hill makes it feel more like fall when it’s still 80 degrees outside. 

➡️ Discover the ultimate guide to Apple Hill with kids.

2. Sacramento Pumpkin Patches

A city like Sacramento, known for agriculture, will most definitely have many pumpkin patches. From Elk Grove to West Sacramento, get those fall photo ops, go on a hay ride, and have fun with the kids at the best pumpkin patches in the Sacramento Area. One of my favorite farms is Fog Willow Farms, which I think is underrated. It’s a beautiful farm with tons of animals and activities for kids. 

3. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm — Wheatland

While there are a plethora of pumpkin patches near Sacramento, Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland is in a league of its own. It’s probably the top pumpkin patch in the greater Sacramento Area for its wide range of attractions and massive-sized farm. I like to call it the Disneyland of pumpkin patches. It’s easily an all-day outing as there is that much to do. 

4. Fall Festivals in Sacramento

Throughout the fall season, from Roseville to Carmichael, a bounty of family-friendly fall festivals will take place.  

5. Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival

There are so many things to do in Elk Grove with kids, and tons of seasonal events for the community. The Elk Grove Pumpkin Festival is a beloved annual two-day event that always takes place the first weekend in October (which unfortunately means it’s also typically pretty warm for this event). 

Want another free fall event in Elk Grove for kids? Hallo-Palooza & Trunk or Treat is one of the best free Halloween events in the Sacramento area for kids. They can trunk-or-treat from vehicles associated with the Elk Grove Police Department and participate in carnival games.

➡️ Both of these events are must-do fall activities in Elk Grove for families.

6. Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze — Dixon

Take a day trip to Yolo County to test yourself in one of the world’s largest corn mazes at Cool Patch Pumpkins. I’d wait to take young kids to this one, as there’s a good chance you’ll be wandering around in their corn maze for a while. 

7. Halloween Town — Old Sacramento

Each October, Old Sacramento comes alive with festive Halloween fun. Take an urban hayride and watch Halloween-themed movies at the popular Movies Under the Stars. At this time, the 2026 Movies Under the Stars lineup has not yet been announced.

8. Floating Pumpkin Patches

Floating pumpkin patches are a thing in California, especially in Sacramento, when the weather is still warm in the fall. Kids jump into a pool full of pumpkins and pluck their gourds from the pool. Several floating pumpkin patches pop up in the Sacramento area, including ones in Antelope and Pool of Pumpkins in Elk Grove.

Top Spots to See Fall Foliage near Sacramento 

One of the many reasons I love living in Sacramento (or Northern California in general) is that we get seasons and fall foliage. As an original northeasterner, I’m picky about fall foliage. I was happily surprised to see that Sacramento actually gets pretty decent fall foliage. Early to mid-November is the prime time to see fall foliage in Sacramento.  

9. Camden Park — Elk Grove

Let me tell you a little secret: Camden Park in Elk Grove is probably one of the best places to see fall foliage near Sacramento. Fall leaves and vibrant colors blanket the park in November. There are also two playgrounds near Camden Park. For more autumn activities in Elk Grove, check out the best fall activities in Elk Grove for families.

10. Sacramento State

One of the best spots for fall foliage in Sacramento is Sacramento State. Specifically, the west side of campus. Here’s a tip a fellow mom once told me: Bring a rake that’s easy to assemble and disassemble (like this one on Amazon) with you to a spot with fall leaves, rake a pile of leaves, and let the kids jump for joy into the leaf pile, ten times over. 

11. Cosumnes River Preserve — Galt

Yellow and brown leaves scatter the grounds of the Cosumnes River Preserve in the fall. These trails are easy and family-friendly. Little legs can enjoy some fall scenery while getting some fresh air and exercise. 

12. Rail Bikes on the River — West Sacramento

One of the most unique ways to admire fall foliage in Sacramento is from the seat of a rail bike along the Sacramento River. With a 10-mile round-trip route, it’s a fun way to get outdoors while soaking in fall colors. The rail bikes experience is available all year, but in November, when the leaves turn to vibrant hues, it is an ideal time to embark on this rail adventure.

Top Halloween Events for Kids in Sacramento

There is no shortage of ways for kids to wear costumes and celebrate Halloween in Sacramento. There are a plethora of trunk-or-treat events, toddler-friendly Halloween events, and unique ways for kids to enjoy spooky season.  Plus, I’ve got a whole list of free Halloween events in Sacramento for kids.

13. Wild Howl-O-Ween at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary — Folsom

Wild Howl-O-Ween is one of the best Halloween events for kids in Sacramento. While the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is on the smaller side, they do a fantastic job of having many treat stations along the way. In addition to candy, there are also interactive activities and games. 

Tip: A free annual Trunk-or-Treat with Folsom Police and Fire takes place on the same day as Wild Howl-O-Ween. The Folsom Police event is in the morning, which is nice when you have young kids. Both events are right next to each other! Our family typically does both events on the same day. On the walk from one event to the other, you’ll also pass by the Folsom Valley Railway train, which you could also include. 

Learn more about visiting the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary in Folsom with kids. 

14. Trick or Treat at Sacramento Children’s Museum — Rancho Cordova

If you want to attend a Halloween event on Halloween, look no further than Trick or Treat at the Sacramento Children’s Museum. This event is free with the donation of a gently used or new book. It’s a favorite event for our family! They have many treat stations and interactive activities for the kiddos. It’s the perfect event to kick off Halloween day with kids in Sacramento. Registration is required and does fill up in advance. 

Check out my guide to visiting the Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova.

15. Halloween at Jellystone Park™ Tower Park — Lodi

There are many fun things to do in Lodi with kids. One of those things is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort. While it may seem like the resort is more of a summer destination, there will be four Halloween weekends from October 9 to November 1, 2026. Activities include trick-or-treating, Halloween-related arts and crafts, and a haunted pavilion for those who dare. 

16. Safe & Super Halloween at Fairytale Town — Land Park

Safe & Super Halloween at Fairytale Town is an annual event geared toward younger children. There will be trick-or-treat stations and other (non-scary) Halloween surprises for kids. Check out what to expect in my Safe & Super Halloween Instagram Reel.

Spooky Things To Do in Sacramento for Younger Kids

From a Halloween-themed, family-friendly mini golf course to fun Halloween scavenger hunts, younger kids can enjoy spooky Halloween fun without the scares. These are some local, unique Halloween activities for all ages that don’t involve trick-or-treating to add to your Sacramento Fall bucket list.

17. Snook’s Dancing Skeleton Hunt — Folsom

Another free Halloween scavenger hunt option is Snook’s Dancing Skeleton Hunt in Folsom. Search for 15 skeletons throughout this beloved candy shop and chocolate factory. Each skeleton has a unique characteristic. It’s really fun, and doesn’t take too long! Plus, you receive a free sweet prize after you complete the hunt. Check out a preview in my Snook’s Dancing Skeleton Hunt Instagram reel.

18. Halloween Home Town — Elk Grove

The Elk Grove Kiwanis Club does some neat seasonal events. During the Halloween season, they do an annual Halloween Home Town Fundraiser. You purchase a digital map for $10 that leads you to elaborately decorated Halloween houses in Elk Grove. Then, you vote on your favorite home. 

Tip: Each year, the family at 8765 Los Encantos Circle in Elk Grove does a free Halloween train ride around their property. A warning: it can be a little scary for younger kids. Luckily, they also do a free holiday train, which you can learn more about in my holiday train rides article.

19. Spooktacular Mini Golf — Roseville

Golfland Sunsplash has one of the best mini-golf courses in the Sacramento area. Each October, their mini golf course undergoes a spooky overhaul. It’s a family-friendly Halloween experience as the course will have festive Halloween decor. 

20. East Village Bookshop Halloween Scavenger Hunt — East Sacramento

Beginning in mid-October each year, the East Village Bookshop has a free, family-friendly Halloween scavenger hunt. Grab a scavenger hunt sheet in the bookstore, then search for the locations around East Sacramento (Hint: all of them are near the bookstore). After you complete the scavenger hunt, return it to the bookstore, where kids can redeem it for a free popsicle and a prize. View my East Village Bookshop Halloween Scavenger Hunt Instagram Reel for a preview on what to expect!

Tip: One home has a giant pumpkin on its lawn that families can walk right up to for hugs and photos.

21. Haunted Hop Field at Dueling Dogs Brewery — Lincoln

Dueling Dogs Brewery in Lincoln gets into the Halloween spirit with a Haunted Hop Field. It’s a trail lined with Halloween animatronics from skeletons to witches and werewolves. It’s kid-friendly in the daytime, then gets spookier in the evening. The brewery also has an on-site pumpkin patch, making this a fun and unique fall family outing.

22. Sacramento Spooky River Cruise — Old Sacramento

The usual Sacramento City Cruises that depart from the Old Sacramento Waterfront offer a Spooky River Cruise starting in mid-October. This is a family-friendly experience. The boat is adorned with Halloween decor. The spooky cruise lasts one hour. 

Spooky Things & Haunted Houses in Sacramento for Older Kids

Older kids may want more thrilling or creepy Halloween experiences that bring the scares. There are also some local and unique Halloween events for all ages that don’t involve trick-or-treating to add to your Fall bucket list. 

23. Sacramento History Museum Ghost Tours — Old Sacramento

For a uniquely Sacramento experience, the Sacramento History Museum hosts Ghost Tours every October. It’s a guided walking tour that lasts about an hour, where storytellers emerge from the grave to reveal what really happened in Sacramento’s past. These are very popular events and recommended for children eight years old and older. 

24. The Haunted Corn Maze at Dave’s Pumpkin Patch — West Sacramento

For one weekend in October and Halloween night, the corn maze at Dave’s Pumpkin Patch gets a scary makeover. The Haunted Corn Maze is a frightening spin on the usual family-friendly corn maze at this pumpkin patch in Sacramento. 

25. The Gauntlet — Roseville

If older kids are looking to up the Halloween ante, Roseville Golfland Sunsplash has The Gauntlet. It’s an intense haunted experience. Kids under 13 years old are not recommended, so teens, this one is for you.  

26. Leland Stanford Mansion Halloween Tour — Midtown Sacramento

A favorite Halloween activity in Sacramento is touring the Leland Stanford Mansion. This tour is better suited for older kids as it’s more historical and educational. Each October, the Leland Stanford Mansion hosts limited free Halloween tours that take you from room to room, each of which is decorated and has historic tales to tell. When free tickets become available, they go quickly. 

27. Sacramento Scream Park

If horror and haunted houses are things your teens can’t get enough of, then the Sacramento Scream Park should be at the top of their Fall bucket list. This experience is not for the faint of heart. One ticket gets you four different haunted experiences. Sacramento Scream Park is Northern California’s largest haunted house experience. 

28. Haunted History — Folsom

Teens who want to turn up the scare volume can enter Haunted History if they dare. This is an outdoor haunted house in Folsom located at The Square on select nights in October.

Fall Train Rides

Take a fall train ride where kids can pick pumpkins and delight in fall fun while cruising along railroad tracks. Discover fall train rides in the Sacramento area.

29. Pumpkin Patch Express — West Sacramento

The Sacramento River Fox Train takes train passengers to a pumpkin patch in collaboration with Dave’s Pumpkin Patch. Enjoy apple cider, donuts, and fall fun along the rails in West Sacramento.

30. Pumpkin Patch Flyer — Folsom

The Pumpkin Patch Flyer follows the same concept, except instead of a full-blown train, you’ll take a short ride on a historic rail car to a hidden pumpkin patch in the woods. It’s a relaxing fall outing for the whole family. Kids can pick a pumpkin and decorate it under the trees. Check out my Instagram Reel to see what to experience aboard the Pumpkin Patch Flyer in Folsom.

Sacramento Area Family-Friendly Oktoberfests 

While images of steins filled with beer may come to mind when it comes to Oktoberfest, there are several family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations in the Sacramento Area, which you can find in the top Sacramento fall festivals for families. 

31. Sacramento Turn Verein

The OG of Oktoberfests in Sacramento is Sacramento Turn Verein. The two-day festival is the oldest running Oktoberfest in Sacramento, and children may attend. There will be authentic German food and fun for all ages. 

32. Urban Roots Brewing Oktoberfest — Sacramento

If you want to celebrate Oktoberfest in a family-friendly atmosphere, there’s always Urban Roots Brewing. It’s already one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento, and their Oktoberfest doesn’t differ from welcoming kids. 

Best Ways to Celebrate Día de los Muertos 

Sacramento is one of the most diverse cities in the country. Various cultures can be celebrated at diverse community events. Honor family and friends at Día de los Muertos (day of the Dead) events. There are many family-friendly Día de los Muertos events in Sacramento. 

33. California Museum Día de los Muertos Fiesta — Midtown Sacramento

The California Museum will celebrate the grand opening of Sendero de las Almas Luminosas (Path of the Luminous Souls), with a family-friendly Día de los Muertos fiesta. Expect Aztec dancers, sugar skull workshops, and interactive activities for kids.

34. Día de los Muertos Community Night at Sacramento Children’s Museum — Rancho Cordova

Younger kids can celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Sacramento Children’s Museum with hands-on activities and live music. They can also add a note or photo to the museum’s ofrenda.

More Things to Do in Sacramento This Fall

Don’t miss out on these happenings in Sacramento. Kids of all ages will love the variety of events in Sacramento for kids this fall.

35. Sacramento Kings & Fan Fest — DOCO Sacramento

Fall might mean Apple Hill and pumpkin patches, but it also means it’s time for a new Sacramento Kings basketball season. We all look forward to donning our purple and black, and chanting, “Light the beam!” 

Sacramento Kings basketball games can be expensive for families, so an alternative, free way to get in on the action is to attend the free Sacramento Kings Fan Fest. During this free event at Golden 1 Center, fans will get to see the Sacramento Kings practice while enjoying family-friendly activities. While the event is free, tickets are required (and they go fast, so get them now!). As of now, the 2026 date has not yet been announced, but I’ll update this post when it’s available.

36. Mandarin Picking

There’s a reason why Sacramento is deemed the “farm-to-fork” capital. The area teems with farms. In the fall, there are u-pick apples, u-pick pumpkins, and u-pick mandarins. Mandarin season typically begins in mid-to-late November. Different varieties continue to be available throughout the winter. In fact, there’s an annual Mountain Mandarin Festival near Sacramento. Not all citrus orchards in the Sacramento Area offer u-pick, but Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits does (with a reservation).  

➡️ Read my full guide on U-pick mandarins at Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits.

37. Nimbus Fish Hatchery — Gold River

The Nimbus Fish Hatchery has seasonal operating hours, and while it opens on Labor Day, fall is the time to visit. This is because fall is when the salmon run takes place from early November to mid-December. From free fish feeding, to a playground, interactive activities, and a nature trail, this free activity is a must-do for kids. 

38. Disney On Ice — DOCO Sacramento

As if there weren’t enough fun things to do in Sacramento with kids in the fall, Disney On Ice glides into the Golden 1 Center. In 2026, families can see Disney On Ice from October 29 through November 1, 2026.

Best Fall Day Trips from Sacramento 

39. Lake Tahoe

Fall is the ideal time to visit Lake Tahoe. Why? Summer crowds are gone, and there are no snowstorms to deal with. The weather is perfect, and parking isn’t an issue. Time your visit just right, and you can admire stunning fall foliage in Lake Tahoe in early to mid-October. One of the best spots is near Spooner Lake. 

Fall is also the perfect time to visit the family-friendly Taylor Creek Visitor Center when Lake Tahoe’s Kokanee salmon return to spawn. Just watch out for bears, as they are very active on the trail this time of year! ➡️ Check out my guide to a Fall Day Trip in Lake Tahoe.

40. Nevada City

Nevada City makes an easy fall day trip from Sacramento, at a little over an hour’s drive. Nevada City pops with fall colors and has many family-friendly activities. Hiking the Deer Creek Tribute Trail is a popular fall activity in Nevada City. However, I would not recommend it for younger kids as there are steep parts. If you’re looking for easy, family-friendly hikes in Nevada City with kids, try the Hirschman Trail or Independence Trail East.

Then, visit the Inn Town Campground to see their Halloween decorations and get pumpkin ice cream from Treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see fall foliage in Sacramento?

Peak fall foliage in Sacramento is in November. Some of the best spots for fall foliage are the Sac State campus and Camden Park in Elk Grove.

What are the best pumpkin patches near Sacramento?

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm is the biggest and best, with everything from rides to a petting zoo. Fog Willow Farms is an underrated pumpkin patch near Sacramento.

When is the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival?

The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival is always the first weekend in October. It’s one of the best fall events in Sacramento for families.

Are there free Halloween events in Sacramento for kids?

Yes! I have a huge list of free Halloween events in Sacramento for kids. There are many free trunk-or-treats, and the Sacramento Children’s Museum has a yearly free Trick-or-Treat on Halloween.

Are there fall train rides for kids near Sacramento?

A home in Elk Grove offers a free Halloween train ride each year, but it can be a little scary for younger kids. The Sacramento River Fox Train runs fall family-friendly train rides.

What are good fall day trips from Sacramento?

Lake Tahoe makes a perfect fall day trip (and I wrote a whole article on taking a fall day trip to Lake Tahoe with kids!). Nevada City is another great option for a fall day trip.

How can kids celebrate Día de los Muertos in Sacramento?

The California Museum hosts a family-friendly fiesta with Aztec dancers and sugar skull workshops, and the Sacramento Children’s Museum has a Día de los Muertos Community Night with hands-on activities. Check out my list of family-friendly Día de los Muertos events.