10 Fall Activities in Cedar Rapids

Fun Fall Activities for Families in Cedar Rapids

As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to cool, we can't help but think about all the fun fall activities ahead — sipping apple cider at a local orchard, taking a trailer ride to a pumpkin patch, and navigating through a corn maze. Need some ideas on where to get started? There are lots of local farms, orchards and outdoor spaces we think are perfect for fall family fun.

Apple Orchards

1. Allen's Orchard

Location: 5801 N 10th St, Marion, IA 52302

Allen’s Orchard is a family-run orchard in Marion offering 40 varieties of apples that you can either pick right off the tree yourself on Saturdays and Sundays, or get pre-picked apples ready to go in the store. Allen's also has fresh produce, unique gifts, and tasty treats such as donuts, turnovers, cookies, pies, and caramel apples. Allen's is currently open 7 days a week, but be sure to check their website for more information.

2. Buffalo Ridge Orchard

Location: 1337 Rollins Road, Central City, IA 52214

Buffalo Ridge Orchard (BRO) is a small family farm that relies on a small crew of dedicated staff committed to the production of local food. Vern and Mary Zahradnik who started Buffalo Ridge Orchard with the planting of its first apple tree in 2003. The orchard has expanded from 800 to over 5,500 trees. Today BRO has over 50 different types of new and classic apple varieties. Check out their website for their hours.

Farm Fun

1. Bass Family Farms

Location: 840 Bass Lane, Mount Vernon, IA 52314

In addition to their chemical-free vegetable farm, Bass Family Farms in Mount Vernon offers agri-tours, hay bale rides, pumpkins, games, and other family-friendly activities, as well as locally-sourced, gourmet food items in their farm store. Visit their website for more information.

2. Bloomsbury Farm

Location: 3260 69th St, Atkins IA 52206

Described as a "little Disneyland in the Heartland," Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins offers a wide variety of activities for young and old, including a pumpkin patch, two large corn mazes, hayrack rides, a jumping pillow, "pumpkin blaster," zip line, petting zoo and lots more! Visit their website for more information about hours, events, and activities.

3. Bart's Farm & Pumpkin Patch

Location: 7307 Alburnett Rd, Marion, IA 52302

Bart’s Farm is a family-owned farm in Marion that has pumpkins, pony rides, hayrack rides, and a small corn maze. Check their Facebook page for more information.

4. Kroul Farms

Location: 245 Hwy. 1 South, Mount Vernon, IA 52314

Kroul Farms in Mount Vernon offers pumpkins, a corn maze, family activities, and farm animals. They also sell gourds, squash, straw bales, corn-shucks, and specialty pumpkins for all of your fall decorating needs. Check their website for more information.

A man walking his down along the water with fall foliage

Outdoors

1. Wickiup Hill Learning Area

Location: 10260 Morris Hills Rd, Toddville, IA 52341

Wickiup Hill is an educational nature center that offers a variety of exhibits, programs, and classes for all ages. Also check out the bird and wildlife viewing areas, six miles of trails, an observation deck, wetland boardwalk, prairies, woodlands, savanna habitats, and more. Be sure to visit their children's outdoor nature playscape, Wickiup's Wandering Woods! Visit their website for more information.

2. Pinicon Ridge Park

Location: 4729 Horseshoe Falls Rd, Central City, IA 52214

This 966-acre park along the Wapsipinicon River has long been admired for its scenic natural beauty. The hilly, heavily wooded area is divided by the river and home to many species of wildlife. Camping is available typically through mid-October. The boat ramp, kayak access, multiple hiking trails, and playground make this an ideal recreational area.

3. Palisades-Kepler State Park

Location: 700 Kepler Drive, Mount Vernon, IA 52314

Palisades-Kepler State Park is a beautiful wooded park along the Cedar River in Linn County that offers camping, six miles of wooded hiking trails, a beautiful view along the shoreline, and much more! Visit their website for more information.

4. Indian Creek Nature Center

Location: 5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Indian Creek Nature Center is home to 500 acres of natural prairie, woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife. Wander the extensive trail system, play in the Hazelnut Hideaway outdoor play area, or explore the Amazing Space facility. Visit their website to learn more about upcoming events and other information about the Nature Center.

Children playing at a park in the fall

For more fall fun, check out our event calendar for upcoming fall events. Want more information like this? Subscribe to our visitor e-newsletter.

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Cedar Rapids Tourism

The Cedar Rapids Tourism Office markets the Cedar Rapids area as a destination for tourism, conventions, meetings, sports events and special events through active partnerships with tournament directors, convention and meeting planners, and through engagement with leisure travelers. The Tourism Office attracts events to the Cedar Rapids area that will continue to be the economic driver for hotels, attractions, restaurants and local businesses.
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