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Autumn in Kansas City is nothing short of magical. From beautiful foliage to fun festivals, it’s the perfect time to gather your family for some unforgettable adventures. All of these are traditions for our family to do each year, making this season one of the most fun and memorable. Here are the best 2024 Kansas City fall activities to make this season truly special.

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Kansas City Fall Activities:

Sunflowers

I can’t think of Kansas City fall activities without thinking of sunflowers! Kansas City is home to some breathtaking sunflower fields that bloom in the fall. Head over to Grinter Farms in Lawrence, where you can wander through acres of golden sunflowers. This is a fall tradition for our family and one of our favorite family photo spots. The flowers usually bloom around Labor Day and entry is free but expect traffic. 

Other great places to see sunflowers around Kansas City are Gieringer’s Family Orchard, in Edgerton, Kansas, Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins, KC Pumpkin Patch Sunflower Festival, Shively Farms (free entry), and Big Shoal Farm Sunflower Field (free entry). 

Apple Picking

Our family goes apple picking every year and makes an apple pie and caramel apples. It’s one of my favorite Kansas City fall activities. Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins in Belton has apple picking (and the best mums). It’s a favorite of ours because it literally has everything in one place- pumpkins, sunflowers, apple picking, vegetables to pick, and more! I recommend a season pass here so you can go and get all the types of apples and pick vegetables throughout the season. Use code EVERYDAYOUTDOOR20 for 20% off season passes to Johnson Farms.

Cider Hill Family Orchard in Kansas City, Kansas is one of our favorites and it is free! With over 18 varieties of apples, your family will have a blast finding their favorites. Another family favorite is Alldredge Orchard in Platte City. It has an admission fee, but it offers a ton of activities.

Other popular spots are Weston Red Barn (free entry, but the apples are usually picked out earlier in the season so go early), Weston Orchard and Vineyard, Gieringer’s Family Orchard in Edgerton, Kansas, and Taylor’s Family Orchard in Liberty, Missouri (free entry, smaller, organic apples). 

Many of these spots also have farm stores where you can stock up on homemade pickles, jellies, and more. Nothing says Kansas City fall activities like apples and homemade jam!

Pumpkin Patch

A trip to the pumpkin patch is a must for any fall Kansas City bucket list. Kansas City has several great options, including Faulkner’s Ranch (use code EVERYDAYOUTDOORFAMILY for 10% off tickets), Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins, and Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch. All of these pumpkin patches offer a variety of activities like a corn crib, animals, climbing areas, small corn mazes, hayrides, and rides for kids. They all also sell snacks, pumpkin donuts, and pumpkin slushies. 

Faulkner’s Ranch offers an array of rides like pony rides and zip lining for an additional cost. They also offer great food options so you could easily buy lunch and spend the whole day. 

Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins is a great option if you would like to do apple picking, sunflower viewing, and a pumpkin patch all in one space. They also sell beautiful mums and have vegetable picking. 

Carolyn’s Country Cousins has a carousel and miniature train which younger kids are sure to love. 

If you’re looking for a smaller pumpkin patch with free entry, our family loves to go to Pumpkins, Etc. They have a hay bale maze, corn maze, pumpkins to purchase and kittens. Any Kansas City fall activities list has to include pumpkin patches! 

Liberty Corn Maze

The Liberty Corn Maze is one of the more unique Kansas City fall activities. This 25-acre corn maze is intense. They have elaborate paths that create a cool aerial picture, usually highlighting Kansas City. They give you a map and have a few different lookout points to get your bearings. There are 4 different colored paths within the maze so you can do one or do them all. You look for different stations to mark that you have been there and try to find them all. 

Fall Hike

Kansas City is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that come alive with color in the fall. My personal favorite place for fall foliage is Weston Bend State Park. There are family-friendly hikes and stunning views of the Missouri River. If you want to make a day of exploring Weston (and I suggest you do), check out this blog post of Fun Things to do in Weston, Missouri. 

Every trail is stunning in the fall and worth the hike, but some of my favorites around Kansas City include Maple Woods Natural Area, Parkville Nature Sanctuary, and Shawnee Mission Park. One of my personal favorite Kansas City fall activities is going on fall hikes.

Fall Day Trip

One of our favorite Kansas City fall activities is going on a day trip. My favorite fall day trips from Kansas City are Weston, Parkville, Leavenworth, and St. Joseph. They all have beautiful foliage and fun activities for the season. 

Fall Festival

Kansas City is home to numerous fall festivals and fall events that celebrate the season. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is a favorite, offering delicious BBQ, live music, and fun activities for kids.

Fall festivals are perfect for family outings. Louisburg Cider Fest, Weston Applefest and the Overland Park Fall Festival are two of our favorites! My kids love the carnival rides at the OP Fall Festival. Art Westport and the Plaza Art Fair are other can’t miss events if your family loves the arts.

Trunk-or-Treat

Our kids always love attending Trunk-or-treats for Kansas City fall activities. They provide a secure environment for kids to enjoy Halloween festivities. Many churches, schools, and pediatricians’ offices offer these fun events. Check Facebook events and I am sure you will find plenty near you!

Go Camping

Fall is the perfect time for a camping trip. The temperatures are cooler, and the fall foliage provides a stunning backdrop. Here are our top 10 Best Places for Camping Near Kansas City.

Boo at the Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo hosts “Boo at the Zoo,” a family-friendly Halloween event. Kids can dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed activities, and animal encounters.

Check the zoo’s schedule for special events and shows happening throughout the day. It’s a full day of fun that the whole family will love. This is one of my kids’ favorite Kansas City fall activities.

Renaissance Festival

Step back in time at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. This annual event features jousting, live entertainment, artisan crafts, and delicious food. It’s a unique experience that’s perfect for families. My kids always love the fairies, mermaids, and getting their faces painted. Don’t forget to dress up to add to the fun! 

Worlds of Fun

Tricks and Treats at Worlds of Fun is a family friendly experience and a must for any Kansas City fall activities list. Kids can dress up, ride rides, and get candy. 

Or if you prefer spooky fun like haunted houses, Worlds of Fun transforms into a spooky playground during the fall with their “Halloween Haunt” event. Enjoy thrilling rides, haunted attractions, and live entertainment. It’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers.

Liberty Ghost Walk

Each year the Liberty, Missouri Parks and Recreation puts on a fun outdoor event called the Spooky Park Hunt. They line a trail in Liberty, Missouri with cut outs of friendly ghosts. There will be a container at the start of the trailhead with worksheets in it. Walk the trail to find all of the ghosts and solve the puzzle. Turn in the worksheet at the Liberty Community Center for a small treat bag. This year the trail will be at Ruth Moore Park in Liberty, Missouri from October 18th-31st. 

Book a Weekend Fall Trip

Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need. If you’re traveling with family, I recommend Arbor Day Farm. They have a resort with trails, a Treehouse Adventure, and beautiful views. In September they have a huge festival celebrating apples called the AppleJack Festival with tons of events and apple foods. Or if you’re going as a couple or with friends, check out their relaxing spa. 

Hermann, MO, Branson, MO, Bentonville, AR, and Lake of the Ozarks, MO, all make great fall weekend trips from Kansas City too. 

Louisburg Cider Mill

A visit to Louisburg Cider Mill is a fall tradition for many Kansas City families. Tour the cider mill, enjoy fresh apple cider and donuts, and explore the pumpkin patch. It’s a quintessential fall experience. The cider mill offers more than just delicious treats. Learn about the cider-making process and the history of the mill during your visit.

Watch a Chiefs Game

Fall means football season, and there’s no better way to spend a Sunday than cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Plan a game-day party with friends and family. Serve up some classic tailgate food like burgers, hot dogs, and chili.

Drive from Leavenworth to Weston

Take a scenic drive from Leavenworth to Weston on Highway 45 and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. The winding roads and colorful trees make for a picturesque journey. There are hills covered in trees, making this the most beautiful fall scenic drive near Kansas City in my opinion. I recommend stopping at Leavenworth Landing Park and viewing the river. 

Fall Bike Ride

Get some exercise and enjoy the crisp fall air with a bike ride through Kansas City’s numerous bike trails. Indian Creek Trail, Line Creek Trail, Mill Creek Streamway, and the Rock Island Trail all have beautiful foliage. 

Night of the Living Farm at Deanna Rose

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead hosts “Night of the Living Farm,” a family-friendly Halloween event. Enjoy hayrides, a haunted barn, and plenty of spooky fun. Don’t forget to wear your costumes! There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the farmstead.

Day or Weekend Trip to Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, is a fantastic destination for a fall getaway. The theme park offers thrilling rides, live entertainment, and beautiful fall decorations. Silver Dollar City is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and variety of attractions. 

KC Oktoberfest

Celebrate German culture at KC Oktoberfest. This fall Kansas City event features traditional food, music, and dancing. It’s a fun way to experience a bit of Bavaria right in Kansas City. Enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, and live performances while participating in fun games and contests.

GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium

Experience the zoo in a whole new light at GloWild, a nighttime event featuring illuminated animal sculptures, light displays, and interactive exhibits. Check the zoo’s schedule for special GloWild events and activities. It’s a unique way to enjoy the zoo after dark.

Halloween Train

If you’re looking for a close and affordable train trip, then check out Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad. This small train costs one dollar to ride. It goes around a park and through a tunnel twice. The Halloween Train Event is from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, October 26th, 2024. Kids are encouraged to come dressed up in their costumes, collect candy, and ride the train.  The last time we went our kids said it was the best day of their life.

Hummingbird Festival at George Owens Nature Park 

A lot of people haven’t heard of George Owens Nature Park, but it is a gem. It is located in Independence, Missouri. There is a 1-mile paved trail, fishing ponds, group camping areas, and a nature center with animals and a children’s area.

At the beginning of September, George Owens hosts a Hummingbird Festival where they put out tons of hummingbird feeders to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds migrating south. There are lots of fun activities for kids and educational talks so kids can learn more about hummingbirds.

Pawpaw Hunting 

Pawpaws are a native fruit that grows in Kansas City and throughout the Midwest. They taste a little bit like a banana custard with large seeds inside. They usually ripen mid- September to early October. If you find a pawpaw tree with fruit on it, shake it. If it falls off, it is ripe. If it doesn’t fall off, do not pick it. It will not ripen on the counter. 

Pawpaws like to grow near creek beds, but I have seen them all over the metro. I have seen pawpaws on the Harpst Trail at Weston Bend State Park (near the parking lot), Maple Woods Natural Area, Parkville Nature Sanctuary, and Hidden Valley Trail, to name a few. 

Play KC Fall Bingo

Download this FREE KC Fall Bingo board and play it with your family. It has 25 fun Kansas City fall activities. You can aim for 5-in-a-row bingo or go for a full black out! Which will you do? Let me know in the comments!

More Adventures

There are so many Kansas City fall activities that are perfect for families. It’s a wonderful place to live year-round, but the fall is extra magical. 

If you’re looking for other Kansas City seasonal adventures, check out 26 Fun Summer Activities in Kansas City with Kids for summer ideas or 25 Spring Activities for Kids: Fun Outdoor Ideas to Embrace the Season for ideas to get outside anywhere you live. 

Ready to start your fall adventure? Plan your Kansas City fall activities today and create unforgettable memories with your family. Happy fall, Kansas City!