There’s lots to do in October besides Halloween activities and haunted attractions. For parents looking for some seasonal cheer for their little one, here are some great options this fall in the Pittsburgh area.
Community Favorites
All through October, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branches host themed story times, crafts, and low-key costume parades, perfect for preschoolers and littles who may not be ready for larger crowds. Many elementary schools also hold fall festivals or parades, and younger siblings sometimes get invited to join the fun.
Pittsburgh’s parks also embrace the season. Allegheny County Parks and Citiparks organize family-friendly Halloween hikes, pumpkin painting and fall festivals in the weeks before Oct. 31. Nature-based trick-or-treat walks at Frick Park and North Park let kids gather treats while breathing in fresh autumn air.
Pumpkin Patches and Fall Fun
Idlewild’s Hallowboo (Ligonier)
Idlewild transforms for Halloween on Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 13 through Oct. 26. Kids can trick-or-treat through Story Book Forest, meet costumed characters and enjoy special shows. This is a perfect “just spooky enough” day trip for families with younger children.
Simmons Farm (McMurray)
Simmons offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, pick-your-own flowers and apples, and fall activities. Market hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. On weekends, expect extra family favorites like corn mazes, the Mega Slide, pumpkin painting and photo-ops among the fields.
Soergel Orchards (Wexford)
Soergel’s Fall Festival runs every weekend from Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 through Oct. 26. Families can enjoy hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins and apples, games, pony rides and seasonal treats. Friday night hayrides (Sept. 26 through Oct. 31) are especially popular, and the fresh cider is a must-try.
Trax Farm Market (Finleyville)
Trax Farm Market’s 2025 Fall Festival continues every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 26. Your kiddos can hop on a hayride to the corn maze and pumpkin patch (ticket required for those), while the festival includes food trucks, live music and activities across the weekends.
Triple B Farms (Monongahela)
Triple B’s opens its Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch (and apples, flowers, etc.) starting Sept. 20. The Farm Market is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and picking (including pumpkins) is available while supplies last. On weekends, Pop’s FarmYard fun (think slides and farm animals) is open, too.
Pumpkin Art and Festivals
Boo’s Halloween House Party and Fall Fest (Point Park University, Pittsburgh)
Bring the whole family and join the Pittsburgh Playhouse between Oct.16 and Oct. 26 for Halloween fun and a musical adventure as part of the second annual Fall Fest.
Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival (Delmont)
On Oct. 4 and Oct. 5, enjoy fresh cider, apples, food, entertainment, craft vendors, children’s activities, tractors and more! This event is held at Shield’s Farm in Delmont, Pennsylvania.
Monster Pumpkins Festival (Strip District)
On Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, the Strip District becomes home to giant pumpkins, live glassblowing, a pumpkin drop from a 130-foot crane, carriage rides, food vendors and more. This free festival is a crowd-pleaser for every member of your crew.
