15 Best USA Places to Visit in October with Kids
View this post on Instagram
1. Disney World, Florida
Visiting Disney World in Florida with your kids in October is like stepping into a magical world where every corner holds a new adventure. You’ll feel the energy as you explore the theme parks, like the enchanting Magic Kingdom and the wilds of Animal Kingdom.
With cooler temperatures than summer, it’s the perfect time to meet your favorite characters and enjoy the shorter lines on thrilling rides. As pumpkins and autumn decor take over, the parks come alive with special events, making it an ideal time for families to celebrate the spooky season.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
In October, Yellowstone National Park transforms into a canvas painted with vibrant colors, where steam from geysers erupts against crisp blue skies. Your kids will love watching Old Faithful erupt, a spectacle that can reach up to 180 feet in the air.
The park’s abundant wildlife becomes even more visible, as animals like elk and bison prepare for winter. With fewer visitors, you can explore thermal pools and rolling meadows at your own pace.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where the Yellowstone River has carved a stunning deep valley framed by yellow-stone walls and waterfalls cascading down.
View this post on Instagram
3. San Diego Zoo, California
October is an amazing time to visit the San Diego Zoo, especially with your kids! Grab your camera because every corner provides a fantastic photo-op with exotic creatures. You’ll be amazed by the diverse habitats, from the icy Polar Bear Plunge to the lush Gorilla Tropics.
Hop aboard the guided bus tour for a relaxing peek at the zoo’s highlights, or rise above it all on the Skyfari aerial tram for breathtaking views. Make sure to check out the Wildlife Explorer’s Basecamp where kids can learn and play.
4. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Visiting the Grand Canyon in October has its benefits with cooler temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere. The expansive views of layered rock and vast skies will leave you and your kids in awe. Take the kids on a hike down the North Kaibab Trail, which provides both a challenge and a unique opportunity for family bonding.
And with the summer crowds gone, you’ll find more space to enjoy the peaceful grandeur of this natural wonder. October also brings the chance of seeing the canyon’s rims dusted with early snow, offering a beautiful contrast to the deep hues of the canyon walls.
5. Washington, D.C.
As the leaves start to turn, Washington, D.C. transforms into a playland for families. You can visit the many monuments and learn about our nation’s history. The crisp October air is perfect for a day of discovering the Smithsonian museums, where entrance is free! Don’t forget a jacket for the cooler evenings.
View this post on Instagram
6. Williamsburg, Virginia
October is a perfect time for you and your family to explore Williamsburg. This historic town brings American history to life with its well-preserved Colonial district. Your kids can watch and even join in as blacksmiths work and actors in period costumes tell stories from the old days.
Thrill-seekers will love visiting Busch Gardens, where you can ride epic roller coasters. If a chill in the air makes you yearn for water fun, Water Country USA offers a heated splash-tastic time for everyone.
7. Niagara Falls, New York
In October, Niagara Falls is a spectacle of tumbling waters and vibrant autumn leaves. Take your family to Niagara Falls State Park and witness the thundering waters. With over 400 acres of nature, your kids can learn and play in the great outdoors.
Wrap up warm and ride the Maid of the Mist boat tour, where you can feel the mist on your face and hear the roar of the falls. Don’t miss the Cave of the Winds tour, where you can walk on wooden walkways just a few feet from the cascading water.
Bring rain jackets for this exciting adventure that gives you a close-up view like no other.
8. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
October is a magical time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains with your kids. The mountains become a canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for fall foliage photography. Take your family on scenic drives like the Newfound Gap Road, where you might spot wildlife at every bend.
The crisp air is ideal for hiking, and trails like Chimney Tops offer breathtaking views. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where interactive exhibits teach kids about the park’s diverse ecosystem.
View this post on Instagram
9. Legoland, California
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure in October, Legoland California is a colorful paradise that’s perfect for both the young and the young at heart. In the heart of Carlsbad, this Lego wonderland is home to rides and attractions that are ideal for children, ensuring smiles all around.
At the park, kids can meet their favorite characters and construct their very own Lego masterpieces. The roller coasters are kid-approved, and with milder thrills, they’re great for the entire family.
October brings the added treat of kids visiting for free in celebration of their special month for families, making it an even more appealing time to visit.
10. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago bursts with fun activities for families, especially in October. You can wander through Lincoln Park, where trees dress in autumn’s best. If you love a good festival, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, which becomes a playground of pumpkin patches and cheerful music, perfect for a family day out.
Craving something a bit spooky? Chicago’s got you covered with Boo at the Zoo and delightful stories that send just the right shiver down your spine.
11. Boston, Massachusetts
October in Boston is a vibrant time to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Walking through colorful leaves in the Boston Common, the oldest park in the country.
Your family can explore the historic Freedom Trail with ease in the crisp fall air or visit one of the many fun-filled farms near the city, like Connors Farm in Danvers, perfect for pumpkin picking and corn mazes.
The city’s engaging museums, like the Boston Children’s Museum, have hands-on exhibits that are both educational and exciting for young minds. Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park if you’re a sports fan, and feel the buzz of local baseball spirit.
View this post on Instagram
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia welcomes families with history and fun activities that children will love. Your kids can step back in time at the Museum of the American Revolution with interactive exhibits. Science comes alive at The Franklin Institute where curious minds can explore and learn through hands-on exhibits.
Visiting in October brings milder weather, perfect for a family adventure. Walk along the historic cobblestone streets, and make sure you treat your family to a famous Philly cheesesteak.
13. Seattle, Washington
Pack your bags for an autumn adventure with the kids in Seattle this October where the air is crisp and the leaves are turning into shades of fiery orange and red.
In the heart of the city, enjoy a whirlwind of fall fun at the Seattle Oddities & Curiosities Expo, where your curiosity will be rewarded with the strangest and most unusual finds. Don’t miss the chance to slip on some boots and wander through a local pumpkin patch—your family can pick the perfect pumpkin to carve back at home.
For a dash of spooky thrill, consider a visit to one of Seattle’s famed corn mazes that promises to keep you on your toes.
14. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
October is a fantastic month to visit Rocky Mountain National Park with your family. Crisp mountain air invites you for peaceful hikes through trails dotted with elks and soaring eagles. With cooler weather, you can enjoy the tranquility of alpine lakes and the grandeur of mountain peaks without the crowds.
Kids will love spotting wildlife and learning about nature as rangers lead fun, educational programs. Don’t forget to drive along Trail Ridge Road for panoramic views that will make you appreciate the wild beauty of Colorado in autumn.
View this post on Instagram
15. San Francisco, California
October in San Francisco is a time for vibrant colors and mild weather. Enjoy a day filled with fun at the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. You’ll find streets lined with pumpkins, live music, and treats that everyone will love.
Your kids will be captivated by the master pumpkin carvers turning pumpkins into art right before their eyes. Exploring the city’s famous sights is a breeze in the gentle autumn climate. The Golden Gate Bridge stands proud as an iconic piece of architecture that you can admire up close.
For a blend of education and entertainment, visit the many museums offering interactive exhibits that engage young minds. Venture out for a boat cruise around the bay or take a short trip to nearby natural attractions like Muir Woods, where the towering redwoods offer a majestic backdrop for a family walk.
