No region does autumn like New England. Between the vibrant foliage and the tradition-steeped farms, your fall to-do list is about to get amazing. Whether you’re into apple picking, pumpkin hunts, corn mazes, or just soaking in the seasonal charm, Boston’s suburbs have it all.
North of Boston
Boston Hill Farm (North Andover)
If a drive through the colorful countryside outside of North Andover hasn’t already put you in the mood for fall, the display of pumpkins and mums outside Boston Hill Farm’s barn-red farm stand surely will. Stop by to pick your own apples and pumpkins and feed the resident sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits, then head into the farm stand to treat yourself to fresh-baked pies and doughnuts, ice cream, honey, and more.
Smolak Farms (North Andover)
Apple picking? Check. Hayrides? Check. Kids activities? Check. Smolak Farms offers all this and more! This 300-year-old working farm is a go-to for visitors from all over the Boston area. Shop the farm stand and bakery, hop on a hayride through the cow fields, meet the animals, and check out their weekend activities every October.
Brooksby Farm (Peabody)
Pick your own apples, then swing by the pumpkin yard for some more fall fun at Brooksby Farm—there are hayrides, barnyard animals, and a fall fairytale trail for the kids. On crisp fall nights, gather ‘round a campfire for s’mores.
Marini Farm Corn Maze (Ipswich)
A must-visit for families, Marini Farm’s legendary Corn Maze returns for 2025 from Saturday, September 6 through Sunday, October 26. Stretching over ten miles of pathways, this giant maze is packed with challenges. Beyond the maze, enjoy the Maze Park with inflatables, hayrides, and plenty of seasonal treats.
Russell Orchards (Ipswich)
With over 20 apple varieties, a bakery, farm store, ice cream, and a winery, Russell Orchards is perfect for a day trip north of the city.
Colby Sunflower Farm (Newbury)
Looking for an early-fall highlight? Colby Farm’s famous Sunflower Field is open this year Saturday, September 6 through Sunday, September 14. Wander through acres of golden blooms, snap some unforgettable photos, and soak up the late-summer sunshine before shifting into full-on autumn mode.
Fall Fridays at Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury)
From August 23 through October 26, kick off your weekends at Cider Hill Farm with family-friendly live music on the main lawn, local food trucks, hard cider, and plenty of farm-fresh bites. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a week of town tours while taking in the crisp fall air.
Connors Farm (Danvers)
A top pick for families, with apples, pumpkins, a giant corn maze, jumping pillows, hayrides, and even Zombie Paintball and The Haunted Farm in October.
Topsfield Fair (Topsfield)
Running from October 3 – 13, the Topsfield Fair is America’s oldest county fair, featuring livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, crafts, farm produce, and the famous giant pumpkin weigh-off. It’s a quintessential Autumn event not to be missed.
Northwest of Boston
Verrill Farm (Concord)
Find the perfect pumpkin at Verrill Farm, a fourth-generation sustainable farm selling produce, flowers, gifts, prepared foods, and baked goods. If you’re in town on a Thursday, don’t miss their house-smoked barbecue.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards (Stow)
One of Boston.com readers’ top fall picks, Honey Pot Hill offers sprawling orchards, corn mazes, hayrides, fresh cider donuts, and a petting zoo full of goats, pigs, rabbits, and miniature horses.
Shelburne Farm (Stow)
About 20 miles northwest of Boston, Shelburne Farms continues to delight families. Open for pick-your-own apples (including McIntosh, Cortland, Autumn Crisp, SnowSweet) and peaches, with hayrides, cider donuts, a story walk, and playground features like John Deere tractors and gators.
Drew Farm (Westford)
For a laid-back afternoon, bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic orchard at Drew Farm. Kids will love climbing stone walls and exploring the pumpkin patch while you sip cider and enjoy the view.
Parlee Farms (Tyngsborough)
Hosting a Fall Festival on September 13, Parlee Farms invites visitors for apple and flower picking (10 AM–4 PM), live music, food from The Lunch Box and Alpine Butcher, and roasted corn.
Carlson Orchards (Harvard)
Over a dozen apple varieties, plus cider, baked goods, and a family-friendly farm stand.
Doe Orchards (Harvard)
25 acres of pick-your-own with varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and more. Honey available at the farm stand.
West of Boston
Berlin Orchards (Berlin)
Hop on a hay wagon and head into the orchard at Berlin Orchards, where you can pick apples and enjoy cider donuts, cider slushies, and local honey.
Hanson’s Farm (Framingham)
Get lost in Tom and Matt’s Excellent Adventure Corn Maze, then pick pumpkins and flowers or take a haunted hayride throughout October.
Tougas Family Farm (Northborough)
Ranked by USA Today as one of the top apple-picking destinations in the U.S., this 45-minute drive west of Boston features scenic fields and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Dowse Orchards (Sherborn)
A Sherborn staple for more than 200 years, Dowse Orchards offers pick-your-own apples in October plus maple syrup, cider, and preserves. Come back in December for Christmas trees.
Lookout Farm (South Natick)
One of the oldest continuously working farms in the U.S., with apples, peaches, pumpkins, train rides, and a children’s play area. At The Lookout outdoor restaurant, sip hard cider and local beer while enjoying live music at picnic tables set throughout the farm.
South / Southwest of Boston
Nihtila Farm (Holbrook)
Enjoy a picture-perfect New England fall day at family-owned and -run Nihtila Farm, where you can head into the field and pick your own pumpkin right off the vine. Afterwards, go on a hayride, play in the playground, and visit with some adorable farm animals.
Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch (Plympton)
Don’t let the name fool you. There’s a lot more than a corn maze and pumpkin patch at Sauchuk’s! With more than 40 activities, you can take an entire afternoon off touring to have some fall fun on the farm. Let your kids play games, try their luck in the arcade, test themselves on the low-rope course, dive into the corn box, and so much more. And of course, check out the corn maze and pumpkin patch too.
Ward’s Berry Farm Sunflower Fields & Maze (Sharon)
Beyond pumpkins, Ward’s Berry Farm also delights with sunflower fields in bloom from August 25 through October 1. Stroll through rows of golden flowers, snap photos, and explore their seasonal sunflower maze for a late-summer twist on farm fun.
Nature Exploration (Bridgewater)
On Saturday, September 13, the Bridge Center hosts an engaging outdoor day of guided nature walks, scavenger hunts, and hands-on discovery activities. Perfect for families who want to explore beyond the orchards and connect with New England’s natural landscape.
Wondering which Boston suburb is right for your family? We can help! Get in touch and our Boston area Strategist will get to work helping you find the perfect fit.
