Fall Family Fun: The Ultimate Guide to Autumn Adventures in Traverse City
Get ready to fall in love with fall! The Traverse City area transforms into a magical wonderland of golden leaves, crisp air, and endless family adventures. From soaring above the treetops on scenic chairlifts to picking the perfect pumpkin, this season is bursting with opportunities to create unforgettable memories with your little ones.
Fall Chairlift Rides: See Autumn from New Heights!
Nothing beats the thrill of floating above a sea of fall colors! These chairlift rides offer breathtaking views that will have your family "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" all the way to the top.
Crystal Mountain
Rolling hills, fresh air, and panoramic views of the four counties, all enjoyed from the peaceful uphill ride on the Buck Quad Chairlift make this a must-do fall experience!
October weekends (Saturdays & Sundays)
October 4-5: 11am-4pm
October 11-12: 10am-4pm
October 18-19: 10am-4pm
October 25-26: 11am-4pm
Pricing:
June-September: $10 per day guest
October: $15 per day guest
Children ages 3-6: $5
Must be at least 3 years old to ride
Complimentary for resort guests and Four Seasons Club Members
Pro Tip: October day guests are encouraged to make a reservation for a 30-minute load time window - call (231) 378-2238!
Shanty Creek Resort
Timeslots are available September 27–October 19 on Saturday and Sunday in 30-minute increments from 10am-3:30pm. $10/person | One chair fits up to 4 individuals
Boyne Mountain
Take a ride on the historic two-person Hemlock lift - the first chairlift in the world! Originally built by Union Pacific Railway in 1937 and installed as the first chairlift in the Midwest, this historic lift provides stunning panoramic views of the valley and access to Eagle's Nest restaurant at the summit.
2025 Fall Hours:
June 26-October 2: Daily 10am-8pm
October 3-16: Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Sunday 9am-8pm
October 17-23: Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday-Sunday 9am-8pm
October 24-26: Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Pricing:
$15 per day for non-resort guests
Complimentary for resort lodging guests
Children five and under ride free
Whether you're capturing the brilliant foliage of fall or enjoying a meal with a view at Eagle's Nest, this historic chairlift offers an unforgettable experience!
Boyne Highlands (Harbor Springs - about 45 minutes from TC)
The Heather Express chairlift offers stunning views of Little Traverse Bay and Harbor Springs. When summer and fall roll in, hop on our Heather Express chairlift for a scenic ride to the top - it's worth the short drive for the spectacular vistas!
Lighthouse Tours: Coastal Adventures Await
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, and several beautiful ones are right here in our backyard! These historic beacons offer both educational fun and gorgeous photo opportunities.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse (Northport)
This stunning lighthouse sits in Leelanau State Park and is perfect for families. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse has been restored and is open to the public seasonally. Visitors can tour the restored keepers dwelling and climb the Lighthouse Tower for a magnificent view of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay
Family Features:
Beautiful beach access for building sandcastles and splashing
The cost for lighthouse admission is $8.00 for adults, $3.00 for students (6-17) and 5 years and younger are FREE
Open daily through October (closed seasonally November-March)
Playground and picnic areas nearby in Leelanau State Park
Mission Point Lighthouse (Old Mission Peninsula)
Just a scenic drive up the Old Mission Peninsula, this lighthouse offers year-round access to its grounds. Park is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Lighthouse Museum and Giftshop open May - October, Open Wednesday-Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (volunteer run so hours can vary). Closed on Tuesdays.
What Makes It Special:
Walking down to the beach is wonderful, especially when putting your feet in the blue waters of West Bay.
Easy walking trails perfect for little legs
Free access to grounds and beach area
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes: Fall Fun Galore!
Get ready for hayrides, corn mazes, and the hunt for the perfect pumpkin! These local farms are bursting with autumn activities that'll keep your family entertained for hours.
Pahl's Pumpkin Patch (Buckley)
2025 Pumpkin Patch: Sep. 22 - Oct. 31 | 7 days/week | 10am - 6pm
What's Waiting:
U-pick pumpkin patch
Corn maze adventure
Farm animals to pet and visit
Hayrides, barrel train rides, and apple cannons are available only on Saturdays and Sundays
Homemade cider and donuts!
Pond Hill Farm (Harbor Springs)
Fall Fest Weekends run every Saturday & Sunday from late September to late October.
Fall Festival Features:
Giant pumpkin patch
Hayrides through scenic countryside
Apple cannons (kids love these!)
Pumpkin bowling and smashing
Live music and hot cider
Friske Farm Market (Ellsworth)
This place is basically a fall wonderland! Friske Farm Market has tons of family-friendly activities. Bounce on the MegaPillow, ride the Friske Flyer Zipline, and explore their 15,000 square foot of playground
Jacob's Farm (Traverse City)
Jacob’s Farm in Traverse City is a fall favorite for families, offering a 10-acre corn maze, U-pick orchards with apples and late-season fruit, and a fun-filled KidsZone with playsets and space to roam. Enjoy fresh cider, hot donuts, wood-fired pizzas, live music, and cozy bonfires on weekends. With a dog-friendly vibe and scenic views, it’s the perfect autumn destination for memory-making and seasonal joy.
Alpaca Farm Visits: Fluffy Fun Awaits!
Get ready to meet some of the fluffiest, friendliest animals around! Alpaca farms offer a unique experience where kids can learn about these gentle creatures, often with opportunities to feed them and sometimes even take a walk with them.
Rainbow Valley Family Farms (Traverse City)
This charming alpaca farm offers visitors the chance to feed the alpacas and shop their on-site store.
What Makes It Special:
Home to 25 alpacas, 20 chickens, and one llama
Picnic tables and restroom facilities available
Alpacas love getting treats from visitors and you can often sneak in a petting or hug
Perfect for photos and peaceful family time
Cotton Creek Farms (Thompsonville)
This 27-acre farm is home to 40+ alpacas and a resident llama named Lucy who helps watch over the herd. The family-friendly farm offers a 1,200 square foot farm store and a chance to get up close and personal with the alpacas.
What's Waiting:
Interactive tours available (book in advance)
Alpaca feed available for purchase ($1/bag) - perfect for feeding your new furry friends
Browse hundreds of alpaca products from yarn and socks to saddle pads and rugs
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm and Boutique (Frankfort)
Nestled on 145 acres with panoramic views of Crystal Lake, this farm is bordered by the Betsie River and near Lake Michigan. Northern Michigan's original alpaca farm where visitors can pet and feed alpacas, shop for luxurious alpaca fiber items, and kids can play in the children's play area!
Special Features:
Beautiful boutique built with rustic Northern Michigan appeal using wood harvested from the family's property
Variety of alpaca products including the famous alpaca socks, sweaters, and stuffed animals
Farm & Boutique: FREE to visit!
Animal Park Admission: $3 per person (ages 2+)
Alpaca Grain for Feeding: $1 per cup
Apple Picking: Orchard Adventures
Fall means apple season, and there's nothing quite like picking crisp, juicy apples straight from the tree!
Rennie Orchards (Williamsburg)
With scenic Hay Wagon Rides, a kids hay bale maze, Log Cabin, and Teepee, it's just magic at the Rennie Orchards family farm during the fall
Gallagher's Farm Market (Traverse City)
In the fall, visit Gallagher's to pick out a pumpkin and apples, then warm up with a cup of hot cider and a pumpkin donut. Say hi to the farm animals and enjoy their petting zoo while you're there!
This fall, let's embrace the magic of the season together! From the breathtaking views atop chairlifts to the joy of finding the perfect pumpkin, these adventures will create memories your family will treasure long after the leaves have fallen. So grab your jackets, lace up those boots, and get ready for the most wonderful time of year in Northern Michigan!
Have you visited any of these amazing fall destinations? Share your family's adventures with us on social media and tag @myupnorthkids - I love seeing your fall fun!
