Maybe it’s how the leaves change from solid green to a spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows. Or the curiously comforting chill that rides on the air. Perhaps it’s the array of soul-warming spices that get sprinkled into freshly-made baked goods, coffees, and ciders. Whatever it is, autumn holds a special place in our hearts.

To make the most of this magical season, Port Farms, your go-to location for kids attractions, pumpkin picking, and seasonal events, jotted down a list of six family-friendly fall activities to do in Erie, Pennsylvania this season.

1. Downtown Fall Fest

Trying to get a taste of fall without leaving the city? Whether you’re visiting Erie or a resident, you’re sure to enjoy the 3rd Annual Downtown Fall Fest. This family-friendly event is taking place on October 24th from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Downtown Fall Fest is packed with activities such as:

  • Classic car Trunk or Treat Line
  • Kids’ costume contest
  • Drum circle

What’s more, the Downtown Fall Fest is free, located in Griswold Park, and hosted by The Oasis Market and Erie Downtown Partnership. On top of activities fun for friends and family, the Downtown Fall Fest also has:

  • Harvest produce
  • Vendors
  • Live entertainment
  • Local food and beverages

More details and vendors will be announced as the date approaches.

2. Kooky Spooky
Photo courtesy of the Erie Children’s Museum.

Kooky Spooky is a trick-or-treat activity operated and organized by the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum with younger children in mind. During the activity, children can collect stamps, candy, and other treats. In addition to trick-or-treating, the museum has guessing games, pumpkin picking and decorating, and a corn maze. Admission also allows you and your family to explore all of what the museum has to offer.

On Sunday, October 31st, the activity takes place from 12 PM to 2 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM, with a break in between to follow cleaning protocols. There are a limited number of tickets available, so reserve your spot soon.

3. ZooBOO

Discovering a place that’s the right amount of “spooky” for younger children is difficult, but the employees and volunteers for ZooBOO at the Erie Zoo will make your search quick and simple. On top of permitting trick or treating activities for those of all ages, ZooBOO has a Spooky Scavenger Hunt, live music from DJ Bill Page’s Spooky Jukebox, and even the famous Eerie Express train. The event also features:

  • Chick-fil-A Talking Pumpkin in the Children’s Zoo Adventure Center
  • Sonic Drive-In Make-A Monster Contest in Center Zoo
  • Chick-fil-A Photo Spot in Wild Things Theater – What are the cows trying to spell?
  • Mason Farms Corn Maze in Adventure Woods
  • Various nights of entertainment by Once Upon a Party, The Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly, and more
  • Food from Lombardo’s Concessions and Fowler’s Taffy nightly at the GrubsHub

While ZooBOO takes place Wednesday through Sunday every week until October 30th, the staff recommends purchasing tickets ahead of time so that they may plan accordingly for food, candy, and more. You’ll even receive a discount for purchasing ahead of time. What’s more, if you and your children are animal lovers, know that you’ll be funding the Erie Zoo’s animal care and daily operations by purchasing a ticket.

4. Pumpkin Patch Hunt
Two children in Halloween costumes in Asbury Woods.
Photo courtesy of Asbury Woods.

Interested in outdoor, fall fun? Head to Asbury Woods for a short hike through nature to find and choose the perfect pumpkin! Once your young ones have picked their pumpkin, it’s time to decorate. After they have been decorated to their heart’s content, your children can take these pumpkins home just in time for Halloween. This activity is perfect for families who want to refrain from making a mess of their pumpkins indoors and explore their full creativity with no bounds.

Ideally, this event is for children ages 2 to 6, accompanied by an adult. Asbury Woods’ Pumpkin Patch Hunt takes place on Sunday, October 17th, and Saturday, October 23, from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM at the Nature Center.

5. Peek’n Peak Fall Fest

The Peek’n Peak Fall Fest makes fall fun for those of all ages! Between the beautiful scenery surrounding the resort and the myriad of activities available, there is much to do. Observe the craft show with more than 100 vendors, farmers’ market, live entertainment, shop around, and so much more.

The fall fest also has a zone designed specifically for kids, which has:

  • A Rock Wall
  • An Extreme Jump
  • Inflatables
  • Face Painting & Balloon Animals
  • Pony Rides
  • A Train
  • Kids Crafts

Visit the site for photographs from past festivals and more information regarding the current events schedule. The fall fest takes place on October 16th and 17th from 10 AM to 5 PM.

6. Fall Harvest Festival

Relish in the crisp autumn air and experience the Fall Harvest Festival at Port Farms. Our sprawling farm in Erie County has oodles of activities that are a blast for kids young and old—heck, even for adults! Come pick up your pumpkins, enjoy some sweet and savory snacks, and walk our new corn maze. Among our seasonal festivities, we have over 37 attractions available for adults, teens, and children, such as:

Adventure Course
Ball Zone
Barnyard Fort
Bee Bungalow
Bessie the Cow
Cattle Chute Maze
Corn Box
Corn Maze
Diggit Pit
Game Garden
Gem Mining (Closed for 2021 Season)
Giant Rocking Chair – Great Photo Opportunity
Goat Mountain
Hay Ride
Hoppy Toad Corral
Jumpkin Patch
Little Farmer Playland
No Left Turn Maze
Pasture Paintball (Extra Charge)
Pedal Carts
Slide Mountain
Tire Fort
Trike Track
Apple Cannons (Extra Charge)
Live Music on Weekends – New Attraction for 2021
Tiny Town – New Attraction for 2021
Beer Garden (Saturday-Sunday) – New Attraction for 2021
Ropes Course – New Attraction for 2021
Mural Trail – New Attraction for 2021

Visit our site today for general admission tickets and view our bargain bundles and super specials for discounts. The Fall Harvest Festival takes place from September 18th to October 31st every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Fall Fun

At Port Farms, we understand the importance of spending time with family and friends. As a family-owned and operated farm for over four generations, we’ve put emphasis on the family experience. Buy your tickets to the Fall Harvest Festival today and get ready to make exciting new memories. For more information call us at 814-796-4500. We can’t wait to see you and your loved ones out on the farm this fall!