10 Family-Friendly Fall Activities & Festivals in Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA
Fall in the Pacific Northwest is pure magic. The mornings are crisp and every street corner seems to be lined with gold, red, and orange leaves. Here in Portland and Vancouver, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to make memories with your family. Whether you’re in it for alllll the pumpkin flavored desserts, the leaf piles, or the cozy sweaters, here are my top picks for family-friendly fall activities and festivals in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area. They’re fun on their own… but they’re also the perfect excuse to grab some gorgeous family photos before the year wraps up.
Pumpkin Patches
1. The Patch - Woodland, WA
Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it! We went here last year with friends and my kids loved it. The best part? Free entry, free parking, and mostly free activities-you just have to pay for the big corn maze, the hay ride, and pumpkin bowling. We didn’t do any of the paid activities and there was still plenty to do. They also have a huge variety of pumpkins (I got a gorgeous green one last year) and they also sell apples from their orchard. Definitely worth it to get out there.
When: Oct 1st-31st, opens 10 or 11 am depending on the day, closes at 6 pm, closed Mondays
Cost: Free entry and free parking, paid activities are $6 per adult and $4 for kids 3-12
2. Bi-Zi Farms – Vancouver, WA
Bi-Zi Farms is a Vancouver favorite, offering hayrides, a U-pick pumpkin patch, farm animals, and corn mazes. It’s low-key, family-oriented, and always feels like the real fall. This one unfortunately is not free, but ticket price includes a lot: a wagon ride, corn maze, farm animals, lots of kids activities, and even a free drink and free pumpkin. Definitely want to try this one.
When: Sept 20th-Oct 30th, Wed-Mon 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Night maze opened Sept 20th-Oct 30th Fridays and Saturdays 6 pm-10 pm
Cost: $16 per ticket for everyone 3 & up
3. The Pumpkin Patch – Sauvie Island, OR
This Portland classic has it all: fresh produce, a huge pumpkin patch, hayrides, and one of the best corn mazes around. Bonus: Sauvie Island’s farmland makes for a beautiful drive. If you’re looking for a good in-between of something for the adults and something for the kids, this one is it!
When: June-October for the market and gift shop, Pumpkin Patch opens Oct 1st-30th, Corn Maize opens August 30th (weekdays only until October) 10 am-6pm
Cost: Free entrance and parking, $2 hayrides, $10 tickets to the Corn Maize
Fall Festivals
4. Camas Harvest Festival — Camas, WA
The last farmer’s market of the year and a massive party! Tons of free activities for kids, as well as live music and local food vendors. This seems super fun, and something that you wouldn’t get overwhelmed by trying to fit everything in to get your money’s worth (am I the only one who does this? ha)
When: Oct 1st, 3pm-7pm
Cost: Free!
5. Hood River Harvest Fest – Hood River, OR
Yes, it’s a little drive, but trust me: the views of the Columbia River Gorge, the crisp air, and the fresh apples make it worth it. There are a ton of produce stands from local farms, arts & crafts vendors, live music, a kids zone, and tons of food trucks. Might be a good place to get a jumpstart on some Christmas shopping while supporting local vendors at the same time.
When: Oct 10th-12th, slightly different hours each day
Cost: As of today they haven’t released prices yet, but last year was $10-12 depending on the day for anyone 13 & up
PC: Rene Rivers
Best Places and walks for fall leaves
6. Hoyt Arboretum – Portland, OR
With over 2,000 species of trees, Hoyt Arboretum is probably going to provide the most variety. Trails are easy to walk with kids, and the colors are breathtaking. My youngest and I went here last year and I could not believe how many different trees there were and how vast the arboretum was. Definitely want to go back for fall!
When: late September to early October for best fall leaves
Cost: $2 parking fee if you park in the lot
7. Esther Short Park – Vancouver, WA
This downtown park is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or a quick photo session among the changing leaves. There are often events here as well so you can really make the outing into a fun family activity. Even if there’s nothing else going on, it’s a beautiful park with a fun playground for the kids while you sit or walk and take in the leaves.
When: late September to early October for best fall leaves
Cost: free, possibly a small parking fee
8. Cathedral Park – Portland, OR
Underneath the iconic St. Johns Bridge, you’ll find sweeping lawns, fall color, and one of Portland’s most photogenic views. This is one of the spots I have been dying to use for fall family photos-it’s so gorgeous!
When: late September to early October for best fall leaves
Cost: free, possibly a small parking fee
PC: Jonathan House
Rainy Day Favorites
9. Pearson Air Museum — Vancouver, WA
Sometimes you need some fun indoor activities in your back pocket. The Air Museum is one of those places. It’s interactive and fun for kids, while also being a more educational experience.
When: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: Free entrance and free parking
10. OMSI — Portland, OR
This has been on my list of places to visit since we moved here, but unfortunately I haven’t made it yet. I hear from friends that it’s perfect for a whole day of exploring indoors. They also often have special exhibits (for an extra fee) that seem really fun-right now it’s a Jurassic World Lego exhibit!
When: Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30 pm, Sat 9:30-7 pm
Cost: $20 for 14 & up, $15 for kids 3-12, free for kids under 3
Fall flies by fast, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Between back-to-school, weather changes, and the countdown to the holidays, it’s easy to miss the chance to enjoy this beautiful season with your family. Hopefully this gives you some easy and fun ideas to really make the most of this fall season.
Let’s make sure your family’s autumn memories are not just made, but beautifully documented! Contact me to start booking a fall session.
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My Top 5 Family-Friendly Parks in Portland
Easy Rainy-Day Activities for Kids
How to Not Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera