Fall Foliage Adventures for Families and Kids in New England
Fun things to do in the Fall with kids in MA, CT, VT, NH & Cape Cod
Fall Foliage Adventures in New England
Looking for the best ways to experience New England’s stunning fall foliage with kids? From family-friendly hikes and scenic train rides to thrilling ziplines and coasters, here are some top fall activities for Boston-area families to enjoy the season outdoors.
Kid-Friendly Fall Hikes in New England
The Flume Gorge – Concord, NH
Take a 2‑mile walk through moss‑covered granite walls that soar 90 feet high. Along the trail, you'll find covered bridges, glacial pools, and cascading waterfalls. This scenic granite gorge stretches 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty and is a White Mountains must‑see. Reservations are highly recommended as popular times may sell out.
Website: The Flume Gorge
Photo credit: Michael Paixio
Wachusett Mountain – Princeton, MA
Enjoy moderate, rocky terrain with clearly marked trails and a summit viewing tower. Family-friendly and beautiful during peak foliage, Wachusett also offers free parking and an optional sky ride down.
Website: Wachusett Mountain
Photo credit: KimKim
Sleeping Giant Tower Trail – Hamden, CT
Named after the mountain’s resemblance to a sleeping giant, this moderate hike offers wildflowers and a castle‑like tower with panoramic views. The area is recovering well from recent storm damage, and the trails are in great shape for fall exploring.
Website: Sleeping Giant State Park
Monument Mountain – Great Barrington, MA
Choose from the 1.5‑mile Indian Monument Trail for a gentle ascent, or the shorter but steeper Squaw Peak Trail with fun rock scrambles. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning foliage views at the top.
Website: Monument Mountain Reservation
Fall Scenic Train Rides in New England
Hobo Railroad – Lincoln, NH
This family-run railroad travels along the picturesque Pemigewasset River, offering a 60‑minute vintage‑coach ride through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Open during peak foliage season.
Address: 64 Railroad St, Lincoln, NH 03251
Website: Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad (Hobo Railroad)
photo courtesy of Nordic Village Resort / Hobo Railraod
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat – Essex, CT
Begin at the historic 1892 Essex Station and board a steam train into the heart of the Connecticut River Valley. Includes a narrated train ride followed by a multi‑deck riverboat cruise.
Address: 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
Website: Valley Railroad – Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
photo courtesy of Essex Steam Train
Cape Cod Central Railroad – Hyannis, MA
Travel through coastal marshes, cranberry bogs, dunes, and forested areas. Stunning fall views along the Cape Cod Canal.
Website: Cape Cod Central Railroad
Mount Washington Cog Railway – Bretton Woods, NH
Ride the world’s first mountain‑climbing cog railway to the summit of Mount Washington. The steam‑powered train offers spectacular views and a historic experience. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Address: 3168 Base Station Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Website: Mount Washington Cog Railway
Photo courtesy of Mount Washington Cog Railway
Family-Friendly Ziplines & Mountain Coasters in New England
The Adventure Park – Storrs & Bridgeport, CT
Enjoy one of Connecticut’s largest tree-top adventure parks with ziplines, ropes courses, and platforms at multiple difficulty levels.
Website: The Adventure Park
ArborTrek Canopy Adventures – Jeffersonville, VT
Zip through the treetops and tackle aerial obstacle courses amidst vibrant fall foliage — a full-day outdoor activity for families.
Website: ArborTrek Canopy Adventures
Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster – Okemo, VT
Thrill through the woods on a fast, four-season alpine coaster. Riders control their speed in sled-like cars—perfect for repeat rides.
Website: Okemo Mountain Resort – Timber Ripper
Beast Mountain Coaster – Killington, VT
Zoom along a 4,800‑ft mountain coaster at Killington. Families with riders over 36 inches tall can enjoy twists and turns through woodland scenery.
Website: Killington Resort – Beast Mountain Coaster
HighFlyer Zipline – Mashantucket, CT
Soar nearly 60 mph above the treeline for breathtaking Connecticut foliage views. A high-thrill adventure for older kids and adults.
Website: Foxwoods – HighFlyer Zipline
Photo courtesy of HighFlyer Zipline
Scenic RailRiders – Concord, NH
Pedal your own rail bike along a 6.4‑mile stretch of scenic tracks through woods, farmland, and across bridges. Available in 2- or 4-person bikes—great for larger families.
Website: RailRiders
More Fun Fall Activities for Families
Looking for more fall fun? Try these seasonal favorites:
- Browse our Fall Family Fun Guides for September and October activities
- Visit our Boston Events Calendar for local happenings
- Subscribe to This Week’s Events Newsletter for weekly family activity ideas
Or explore classic fall activities:
- Navigate local corn mazes
- Pick apples at nearby orchards
- Choose pumpkins at a PYO patch
- Discover Jack‑o'-Lantern displays & pumpkin festivals
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