Richmond sure shows off in the fall – colorful leaves line the streets, children don adorable costumes, and every weekend is full of opportunities to make the most of this time of year.
Whether you’re a grandparent hoping to cultivate new memories with grandchildren, a parent of a toddler, or a family with teens – we’ve got you covered with our guide to this fall’s activities and events around RVA.
Here are a few of my family’s favorite RVA fall places and events:
Pumpkin Patches Galore
RVA has no shortage of pumpkin patches, and each offers a unique celebration of fall.
Swift Creek Berry Farm
For young children, head to Swift Creek Berry Farm. This family-owned farm has photo ops, yard games, a pumpkin patch, and picnic tables. I also recommend SCBF for grandparents as there is limited walking.
Berkeley Plantation
For a beautiful venue, head to Berkeley Plantation. In addition to the pumpkin patch, explore the river shore, and find your way out of the corn maze.
Ashland Berry Farm
For older children, consider Ashland Berry Farm. A hayride, and play area, including the 3D Boo House are popular for children 12 and under. For teenagers and adults, Terror on the Farm begins at 7PM. This “haunting event” includes music, concessions, and…a good scare!
Local Apple Picking Options
Hanover Peaches also has apple orchards! They are the sweetest family, and they are right in Mechanicsville, so no need to drive far and battle huge crowds to experience fall apple-picking. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the official announcement of the weekends they will be open for picking.
Hikes with Fall Foliage
Whether your kiddo is strapped to you in a carrier, or a teen carrying his/her own backpack, hiking during the fall is an excellent way to make memories and enjoy our beautiful RVA trails this season.
Try these hikes to see vibrant, autumnal colors:
Dutch Gap Conservation Area
Hike or bike on these trails, which are adjacent to Henricus Historical Park. There are docks, benches, picnic tables, and the best tree for kids to explore. The packed gravel surface is stroller-friendly. There is no parking fee.
Leakes Mill Park
Start at the playground and wind your way to the trails which ultimately lead to water, and historical ruins. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water. The entire path is stroller-friendly, and there is no parking fee.
One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Events
Sure, you’ve spent time at Richmond’s popular venues, but have you experienced these special, fall-only events?
Movie Nights at Tom Leonard’s
Cozy up under the stars for the fall family classic It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, on Friday, October 10, and Friday, October 24, at 7:00PM. Enjoy free fresh-made popcorn, local cider, and hot chocolate, plus, all kids who come to movie night in their costumes get a free mini pumpkin! Don’t forget to bring your chairs!
Maymont Garden Glow
This annual event offers visitors a spectacular view of the historic gardens lit from within. Held after sunset, Garden Glow is a walking tour of Maymont’s gardens, including interactive features, fire pits, and food trucks.
Rassawek Autumn Festival
Celebrate the season at this family-friendly festival at an absolutely stunning venue in Goochland County. Highlights include a petting zoo, antique machinery, professional rodeo, and skilled artisans showcasing traditional trade skills.
Lewis Ginter HarvestFest
Bring the entire to HarvestFest Fall Festival for family for crafts, pumpkin carving, a family story time, and more.
Eerie Canal Tour
Riverfront Canal Cruises hosts three special nights of hauntingly narrated canal boat tours. From Friday, October 31 – Sunday, November 2, special 20-minute tours leave every half hour (on the hour and half hour) from 5:00-9:00 p.m., with the last boat departing at 8:30 p.m. Tickets go fast for this one, so grab yours early. More info can be found here.
Trick-or-Treat Fun
Trick-or-treat events across RVA abound this season, allowing families to connect with the community in a completely traffic-free and safe environment.
Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market Trunk or Treat and Touch a Truck
Bring the family for a safe, fun afternoon of fall festivities on Saturday, October 18, from 2:00PM until 4:00PM. There will be candy (of course) handed out by area non-profits, a pet costume contest, a touch a truck area, face painting, and more fun for kids of all ages.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture Trunk or Treat
Join RFM at VMHC’s Trick or Treat! Not only does this event include free admission, kids will also get to enjoy crafts, games, and of course plenty of yummy treats.
Squirrel-O-Ween
Join the Richmond Flying Squirrels at The Diamond for their annual Halloween event where families can trick-or-treat through the suites, hop on a hayride around the warning track, enter the costume contest, and take photos with Nutzy and Nutasha!
How lucky are we to live where our hardest decision of the weekend may be which fall event to attend? As you make your fall plans, refer back to this guide, and be sure to check RFM’s calendar as new events are added daily. For Halloween events, refer to the Halloween category on our calendar, and check back often, as events are added daily.
