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Fall always seems to fill up fast with school activities, sports, and community events, but it’s also one of the best times to slow down and enjoy family and friends. There’s something special about the shift in seasons. The crisp mornings, warm afternoons and cool evenings make it perfect for getting outside. Arkansas shines in the fall, with brilliant colors, small-town festivals and plenty of simple joys right in your own backyard. Whether you’re up for a road trip or just looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon close to home, here’s a list of fall activities that will make the season memorable.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
1. Pumpkin Patch Photography Day
Most families take a trip to the pumpkin patch, so put a creative spin on it this year. Turn the outing into a mini photo safari. Kids can borrow an old digital camera or phone and capture “fall through their eyes.” They might photograph scarecrows, animals or just the way the light hits a pumpkin stem. Later, print their favorites for a fall scrapbook or use them for inspiration in their nature journal.
2. Explore Arkansas State Parks in Their Fall Colors
Pack a picnic and hit trails like Petit Jean’s Cedar Falls or Devil’s Den’s Yellow Rock Trail. Fall foliage makes these already scenic hikes feel magical. Kids will love collecting leaves, acorns and pinecones for crafts when you get home or you can sign up for one of the many interpretive programs offered by your local state park.
3. Attend a Great American Conference Game
Not everyone can score tickets or make the trip to Fayetteville to watch the Razorbacks play, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on college game day fun. Arkansas is home to several NCAA Division II schools that compete in the Great American Conference, and the atmosphere at these games is just as exciting. You can cheer on teams from Arkansas Tech University (Russellville), Harding University (Searcy), Henderson State University (Arkadelphia), Ouachita Baptist University (Arkadelphia), Southern Arkansas University (Magnolia) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Experience the thrill of college sports while cheering on local athletes. Grab some stadium snacks, wear your team colors and make it a fall tradition.
4. Attend a Small-Town Fall Festival
Arkansas is full of charming fall festivals that mix music, food, and handmade crafts. Listed below are several upcoming festivals; for a full list, visit here to find a fun festival in your neighborhood.
Apple picking is such a classic fall activity. At Vanzant Fruit Farms in Lowell or Drewry Farm & Orchards in Dover you can wander the rows and pick your own apples right from the tree. It’s hands-on, it gets kids moving, and it’s a perfect way to teach them where their food comes from. Once you’ve filled your baskets, head home and bake an apple pie, apple praline bread, make caramel apples, or even simmer up a batch of homemade applesauce together. The memories will be as sweet as the apples. Bonus points if you find some Arkansas Black Apples.
6. Scenic Fall Train Ride
There’s something magical about watching Arkansas roll by from the window of a train, especially when the trees are dressed in their brightest reds, oranges, and golds. The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad offers excursions through the Boston Mountains that are breathtaking in the fall. Kids will love riding the train, and it’s a unique way to slow down and enjoy the season without worrying about traffic or directions. Don’t forget to bring snacks and a camera for capturing those postcard-worthy views.
7. Build a Backyard Bonfire Night
Sometimes the best adventures are right in your own backyard and you don’t have to travel at all. A backyard fire pit sets the stage for cozy evenings filled with laughter and good food. Roast marshmallows, make gooey s’mores and let the kids try campfire cooking with hot dogs, nachos wrapped in foil or cheesy campfire dip. To make the night even more special, bring along a guitar and a ukulele and have a sing-along under the stars. Music around the fire has a way of bringing everyone together. End the night with blankets, hot cocoa, and a little stargazing and campfire storytelling for the perfect fall tradition.
8. Explore a Local Farmers’ Market in Harvest Season
Farmers’ markets are a treat any time of year, but they really shine in the fall. You’ll find sunflowers, pumpkins, crisp apples, colorful gourds, local honey and homemade baked goods that taste like fall in every bite. Many markets also feature live music, food trucks, and activities for kids, making it easy to turn a Saturday morning outing into a family event. Let the kids help choose ingredients for dinner that night then head home to cook a meal together.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
9. Take a Fall Float Trip
Most people think float trips are just for the hot summer months, but Arkansas rivers are just as beautiful (and a lot less crowded) once fall arrives. Imagine paddling down the Buffalo River or Kings River with the hillsides ablaze in autumn colors and the crisp air making everything feel fresh and new. (Just be sure to check water levels before you head out. If we haven’t had much rain, you’ll be carrying your canoe quite a bit!) Fall float trips can be so peaceful, almost like you have the water to yourself. Pack a thermos of hot cider and a picnic for a mid-river stop on a gravel bar. If you’re not up for a full-day float, even a short paddle in a canoe or kayak gives you the chance to see the Ozarks in a whole new light. It’s a perfect way to experience Arkansas’ natural beauty from a different perspective.
10. Fall Fishing Day
Cooler water temperatures make fall one of the best times of year for fishing, and it’s a hobby the whole family can enjoy together. Head to a favorite local spot like Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Ouachita, or even a quiet stretch of the White River and cast a line for catfish, bass or crappie. Even big kids (adults) get excited when they make a catch. Pack a cooler with snacks, bring camp chairs and make a day of it. If you’re lucky enough to catch a few, end the outing with a simple fish fry or campfire cookout. Nothing tastes better than a meal you caught yourself.
Fall in Arkansas is about more than cooler weather and colorful leaves; it’s about making memories with the people you love. Whether you’re cheering at a football game, paddling down the river or roasting marshmallows in the backyard, build some traditions your family will look forward to year after year. So, grab your sweater, gather your crew, and soak up all the fun of fall in Arkansas.
Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and teaches art part-time at a local private school. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas where they raise chickens, farm hay and bake bread. Julie loves adventure and sharing it with her husband and son. They frequent the trails, campgrounds and parks of Arkansas, always on the hunt for new adventures and new stories to share. Learn more on her blog
Seek Adventures Media.
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