Your Guide to Fall Fun in St. Louis
There’s something about the changing of the seasons that helps mark a new chapter. As sad as I am to see summer come to an end (at least on the calendar—the temps might stick around), I can’t help but get excited for all the fall fun in St. Louis. From apple picking in the orchards to jam-packed weekends filled with Halloween events, the Lou truly comes alive in these months. Whether you’re looking for pumpkins, apples, spooky thrills, or family-friendly festivities, this list will help you make the most of the season.
There’s nothing like fall fun in St. Louis!
🍎 Apple Picking
Fall and apple orchards go hand-in-hand. From crisp Jonathans to sweet Honeycrisps, you can fill a basket (and your belly).
Eckert’s Farm (Belleville, IL) – Apple picking season runs through September and October. They have rides, and a small petting zoo. Plus the Cider Shed, restaurant and Country Store mean you can make a full day of it. Pro tip: It’s cheaper to go during the week!
Herman’s Farm (St. Charles, MO) - A small family run farm with apple orchard. Admission includes a hay ride around the farm and 90 minutes of access to the farm’s kid’s play area.
Braeutigam Orchards (Belleville, IL) – A favorite in our house. Family-owned since the 1800s, this is a smaller option. They have amazing apple cider donuts and cider slushies.
The best apple cider slushies.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches
No fall is complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. Luckily, St. Louis has plenty of spots to find that perfect gourd for carving or decorating.
Thies Farm Pumpkinland (Maryland Heights & North County) – With mazes, slides, and play areas, it’s just as much fun for kids as it is for parents.
Eckert’s Farm (Millstadt, IL) – This is known as Eckert’s “Fun Farm.” In addition to apples and pumpkins, they have rides, pumpkin canons, pig races and more! Plus food, drinks and fresh apple cider donuts.
Stuckmeyer’s Farm (Fenton, MO) – A family-owned favorite featuring pumpkins, mums, and their annual “Pumpkin Festival” with hayrides, farm animals, and play areas.
Sullivan Farms Pumpkin Patch (Florissant, MO) – A smaller but beloved spot where you’ll find pumpkins, hayrides, and plenty of festive fall fun. There’s no added cost for the corn maze or wagon rides.
🧡 Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Not into the scares? St. Louis has plenty of Halloween fun for all ages.
Boo at the Zoo (St. Louis Zoo) – A not-so-spooky evening with lights, decorations, and seasonal treats. October 16-30.
Jack’s Lighted Trail (Eckert’s in Belleville) - This is a new event this year featuring a night-time, not spooky, Halloween trail. The half mile trail is filled with intricate light up displays plus a corn maze. Open now through Halloween.
Grant’s Farm Halloween Nights – A magical display of lights, pumpkins, and fall activities the whole family can enjoy. Stick around for the always fun dance party in the courtyard. Opens October 3.
Pirates & Pumpkins (St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station) – A swashbuckling, family-friendly Halloween celebration with pirate-themed décor, pumpkins galore, and aquatic fun. Now open!
Kirkwood Farmers Market Pumpkin Patch (Kirkwood, MO) – An always popular spot this season. The pumpkin patch has swings, climbing structure, corn kernal pit and more! Heads up, it gets croweded! Pro tip: Go at off hours and during the week. Opens September 27.
St. Louis Halloween Parade (Central West End) – Costumes, candy, and community fun in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Morning of October 31.
Boo at the Zoo is a perfect Halloween event for the whole family.
👻 Haunted Houses & Scary Fun
If you love a good scare, St. Louis delivers with some of the country’s top haunted attractions.
The Darkness (Soulard) – Consistently ranked among the best haunted houses in the U.S., it’s a must for thrill-seekers.
Creepyworld (Fenton, MO) – With multiple haunted houses in one location, it’s the largest haunted scream park in America.
Lemp Brewery Haunted House (St. Louis, MO) – For a uniquely local scare, head underground into the historic, and haunted, Lemp Brewery tunnels.
Powder Valley is one our favorite fall hikes for families. The paved path is perfect.
🍁 Fall Hikes & Leaf Peeping
One of the best parts of autumn in St. Louis is watching the leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or just a stroll surrounded by fall color, these spots are perfect for leaf peeping.
Castlewood State Park (Ballwin, MO) – With trails overlooking the Meramec River, this is one of the most popular fall hikes in the region. The bluff views are especially stunning when the leaves start to turn.
Forest Park (St. Louis, MO) – You don’t have to leave the city for a dose of fall color. Forest Park’s trails, bridges, and tree-lined paths are gorgeous in October.
Citygarden (Downtown St. Louis) – When the leaves turn yellow, the art-filled paths of Citygarden transform into a magical urban walk, perfect for a fall afternoon in the heart of downtown.
Shaw Nature Reserve (Gray Summit, MO) – Miles of trails wind through prairie, forest, and glades, making it a peaceful spot for leaf peeping away from the crowds.
Laumeier Sculpture Park (Sunset Hills, MO) – Combines art and nature, walk the trails, admire large-scale sculptures, and enjoy the fall foliage.
Powder Valley Nature Center (Kirkwood, MO) – A family-friendly spot with paved trails, perfect for stroller walks, little legs, and those who want easy access to the colors of fall.
Klondike Park (Augusta, MO) – Nestled along the Missouri River and Katy Trail, this park offers brilliant fall color and striking views of the river valley.