The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Kansas

Fall in Kansas is one of my favorite times of year to get out and explore Kansas with my kids. The cooler air, the bright autumn colors, and the way small towns come alive with festivals and events make it such a fun season to get out and find an adventure. From pumpkin patches and fall hikes to unique local traditions, here are some of the best ways to celebrate autumn in Kansas with kids.

Fall Festivals Across Kansas

Kansas small towns know how to celebrate fall, and there are some incredible family-friendly festivals to get you in the autumn spirit.

• Neewalloh (Independence): “Halloween” spelled backwards, this festival is one of the longest-running Halloween traditions in Kansas. Spend the day enjoying the parade, kids’ activities, community events, and of course the assortment of yummy fall treats.
• Arkalalah (Arkansas City): A classic fall festival filled with parades, carnival rides, marching bands, and plenty of family fun.
• Maple Leaf Festival (Baldwin City): Known for its parade, craft booths, and fall foliage, this is one of the biggest and best fall festivals in Kansas.
• Applefest (Weston, MO – just across the border): A fun festival with arts & crafts vendors, tons of food, live music, kids games, live demonstrations and autumn fun!

Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin patches are a fall staple in Kansas, and families return to them year after year for hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. A few of our favorites include:

• P&M Pumpkin Ranch (Moundridge): Our absolute favorite pumpkin patch, that we return to year after year! So many fun things for kids to do, plus an amazing selection of pumpkins, as well as a you-pick flower farm!
• Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch (Bonner Springs): A classic with hayrides, corn maze, and pumpkins galore.
• Walter’s Pumpkin Patch (Burns): Known as one of the top pumpkin patches in the state, there are so many things to do here: huge slides, play areas, and tons of activities for kids. Plus, they have a 21+ area for adults to enjoy a pumpkin beer or hard cider.
• A&H Farm and Pumpkin Patch (Manhattan): A huge selection of pumpkins and gourds, plus tons of yummy treats, a huge corn maze, and tons of fun activities for kids.
• Meadowlark Farm Pumpkin Patch (Rose Hill): Offers pumpkin picking and apple orchard fun all in one spot, plus enjoy a hard cider and tasty treats from their farm store.

Kid friendly hikes to see Fall Foliage

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the changing colors in Kansas. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly trails that shine in fall:

• Walnut River trail at El Dorado State Park: Rated moderate; 2.5 mile loop. This trail takes you along a paved path, then through a wooded area right up alongside Walnut River. You cross over several bridges along the way. The colors here are stunning!
• Harvey County Park West Lake Loop: Rated moderate; 2.4 miles but can be shortened. This trail is great for families, and takes you alongside the shoreline of the lake. There is a really beautiful swinging bridge to access this trail, but it is currently closed for repair, so access the trail north of the bridge next to the boat ramp.
• Elk River trail at Elk City State Park: Rated moderate; 15.3 miles each way (the cool rock formations are in the first 2 miles; we hiked to them and then turned around). This is by far the coolest and most challenging hike in Kansas. Make your way through ravines, narrow canyons and under rock overhangs while taking in the beautiful fall colors.
• Chisholm Creek Trail: Rated easy; 1.7 mile loop. Located in Great Plains Nature Center in Northeast Wichita, this is one of the most peaceful places to take a fall stroll in Wichita. Don’t miss the tunnel of trees, and keep your eyes open for wildlife! 
• Sand Hills Dune & Prairie Trail at Sand Hills State Park: Rated moderate; 2.4 mile loop with options to shorten. I did not have high expectations of seeing many fall colors here, as it is mostly prairie, but I was wrong! The trail is sandwiched between trees that are golden, and the prairie grass has vibrant colors as well. Keep going all the way to the end of the trail to climb the dune for a scenic overlook of the colorful trees.
• Big Hills Lake Equestrian Trail: Rated moderate; 17.1 mile loop with several option to shorten. This trail takes you through wooded areas alongside the Big Hills lake. Go in as far as you like, then turn around when your tired! 
• Pawnee Prairie North Trail: Rated easy; 3.1 mile loop. This lovely little trail is located in Southwest Wichita, and is a great spot to see stunning fall foliage, wildlife and a beautiful creek with multiple bridges. Mostly shaded, so spots can be muddy after rain.

Unique Fall Experiences

Beyond hikes and festivals, Kansas has some extra-special fall experiences for families.

• Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Fall Train Ride: Step aboard for a scenic ride through the Smoky Hill River Valley. In the fall, the views are especially stunning, and they have several seasonal train rides to choose from, such as Oktoberfest, Autumn Dinner Train, and the Pumpkin Harvest Express. Find more information here.
• Louisburg Cider Mill: This is a must-do for families. Kids love the pumpkin patch and corn maze, and it’s so much fun to stop in the mill and grab some fresh cider and warm cider donuts.
• Haunted Atchison: Known as the most haunted town in Kansas, Atchison is full of Halloween fun during the fall: ghost tours, haunted trolley rides, and kid-friendly events too. Check out their full list of events here.
• BOOtanica: A fun, weekend only event in October at Botanica in Wichita. Enjoy the spooky woodland light show, pumpkin carving, haunted gardens, trick or treating, and more! Find more information here.
• Cider Hill Family Orchard: Take a hayrack ride out to the orchard where you can pick your own apples right off the tree, then head back to the barn to sip some fresh cider and grab a sweet treat. It’s the perfect fall outing!
• College Hill (Wichita): Take a drive or stroll through this historic neighborhood, where residents go all out with elaborate Halloween decorations. We love grabbing a Halloween treat and then strolling through to look at the “haunted houses”- it’s one of our favorite fall traditions!

Why Fall in Kansas is our favorite

There’s something about fall in Kansas that feels extra special. Maybe it’s the smell of cider and donuts in the air, or the crunch of leaves under little feet on a cool hike. It’s a season of slowing down, soaking it in, and making memories that last long after the pumpkins fade.

So grab a sweater, pack some cider, and set out to experience the very best of Kansas this fall!