Fall Activities in West Michigan
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in West Michigan! With the changing colors, the cooler temperatures, and one of the nation’s best apple harvests—there are certain fall traditions that most families take part in each year. Whether you’re looking to stick to your old traditions or start new ones, here is a list of fall activities in West Michigan!
Cover Photo: Farmers Foto’s
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Orchards:
Orchards are on the top of most people’s West Michigan fall activities to-do list due to the combination of exciting activities and beautiful fall colors. The orchards below provide fun for the whole family and are located right in West Michigan.
Post Family Farm
Located in Hudsonville, Michigan, this family-owned and operated business incorporates all of your favorite fall must-haves in one place. Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin train ride, farm animals, outdoor play areas, and more in this beautiful old-fashioned farm setting. Fall activity hours are as follows, Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t forget to stop into the donut shop that opens at 7:30 a.m. to grab some of their amazing pumpkin donuts and apple cider. Looking to host a fall wedding or event? Why not have it by their outdoor waterfall or adjacent pavilion. Check out their website for more details by clicking here.
Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo
If you’re up in the Muskegon area, Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo is a day trip you won’t want to miss. Open daily during the fall, you can stop into U-Pick apples to enjoy over 46 attractions and see over 100 animals. Burn off some energy on the Hillbilly Giant Slide, low ropes and activity course, pedal carts, and more. Recharge with some delicious donuts and sweets at the bakery, or grab lunch at the Farm Market Kitchen. Make sure to greet all the animals in the zoo—including sloths, wallabies, lemurs, and much more. To plan your visit and learn more about their hours, check out this link.
Robinette’s
If you’re closer to the Grand Rapids area, stop into Robinette’s and enjoy nature trails, hayrides, a giant jumping pillow, and more. Get lost in their corn maze and let the smell of fresh-baked donuts guide you. After you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, sip away at their Michigan-made wines and ciders. With over 20 options to choose from, made right at Robinette’s, anyone 21 and older is sure to find something that ignites their taste buds.
For hours and more information, visit their website.
Crane’s Orchards
Set a day aside to explore Crane’s located in Fennville, Michigan. Spend a good part of your day in their 20-acre corn maze. Have you made it out of the maze in previous years? Don’t let that deter you. Crane’s creates a new design each year. Do you have what it takes to defeat this year’s challenge? Once you find your way out of the maze, the kids can enjoy a cow train ride, and the whole family can relax and rest their feet on one of their tractor-driven hayrides. You’ll build up quite an appetite, so make sure to stop into the Pie Pantry Restaurant and Winery for a delicious snack or sandwich inside or on the patio.
Fall Farmgirl Flea Market
Get ready to shop ’til you drop at the Farm Girl Flea Market! ✨ With over 200+ vendors, it’s the ultimate treasure hunt for vintage finds, handmade goods, & one-of-a-kind crafts. From farmhouse chic decor to yummy local treats, there’s something for everyone!
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your home, grab a unique gift, or just enjoy a day filled with creativity & fun, this is THE place to be. Grab your friends, put on your comfiest boots, and get ready to shop local!
📅 When: September 27 + 28
📍 Where: Hudsonville Fairgrounds
Harvest Moon Acres
The quaint city of Gobles, Michigan, is home to Harvest Moon Acres. A corn maze and fun park provide family fun on the farm. Run around Cattle Castle, test your skills at Harvest Moon Saloon Shootout, get competitive with duck races, and more. Don’t forget to stop by and meet their farm animals and, of course, enjoy a tractor-driven hayride. Finish your day with concessions, and make sure you pick your perfect pumpkin for carving. For more information, visit their website.
Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm
With 100 years of history, this Alpine Township farm started in 1922 and consisted of 170 acres. The farm was active from its start, hosting barn dances, weddings, tours, and hayrides through the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. The barn now hosts a fresh produce market, gift shop, bakery, kitchen, and taproom. Whether you’re looking for U-Pick apples or strawberries, test your skills and trivia knowledge in their 8-acre trivia-based corn maze, take the whole family on a hayride, or enjoy some live music while sipping on a beverage from the taproom, you can do it all at Ed Dunneback and Girls farm. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their new kids’ activities! For hours and pricing information, head to their website, and don’t forget to check out more about the interesting history of the farm.
Fun Places to Visit:
Looking for other fun fall activities once you’ve checked the orchards and pumpkin patches off your family fun list? Check out these fall activities right in Grand Rapids.
Frederik Meijer Gardens
A visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens is a must for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and art! Enjoy all the art and beauty the gardens offer, enhanced with vibrant fall colors. Mosey through the colorful fall plantings or stop by for their Fall Story Time and Backpack Adventures. On Mondays and Thursdays in October at 10:30 a.m., bring your youngsters out and listen to fall-themed stories! For admission prices and events calendar, see their website.
While at the gardens, don’t forget to engage in the part art, part science Chrysanthemums and More exhibit. Peruse through this perennial favorite, sprawling across 158 acres and boasting thousands of blossoms. Accompanied by beautiful and vibrant fall paintings, this experience will showcase how the blossoms look—moods change as you move from the intensity of the sun-filled areas to the low-lit autumn afternoons.
Zoo Goes Boo
Oct 13 – 29 2023
Prepare for the most spine-tingling Halloween experience as Zoo Goes Boo returns, bigger and better than ever! The zoo is undergoing a mesmerizing transformation into the ultimate Halloween destination, adorned with captivating decorations, twisted treat stations, and, of course, our beloved animals in all their glory. This event promises a frightfully fantastic time for the entire family. You’ll experience the best trick or treat adventure for little ones and have the opportunity to meet and greet your favorite villainous baddies. Zoo Goes Boo isn’t just an event; it’s an enchanting adventure, a journey through the captivating world of Halloween magic. Mark your calendars and be part of this memorable experience!
To reserve your tickets, click this link.
Great Lakes Glow Golf
Looking for a fun indoor experience for those crummier days? Head over to Great Lakes Glow Golf. Compete on their indoor mini-golf course under black light in their unique themed experience. Once you’ve played a game or two, make sure to check out their arcade room and try to get your name on top of the leaderboard. For hours and admission information head over to their website.
Blandford Nature Center
If you want to enjoy all of the beautiful fall colors that nature offers, make sure you make a trip to the Blandford Nature Center. With 264 acres of land and an abundance of wildlife to see, you’ll fall in love with what Blandford Nature Center has to offer. Don’t forget to check out their events calendar and participate in their fun activities, such as Wizards, Witches, and Owls or The Blandford Halloween Hunt. For more information on upcoming events or to see the trail maps, visit their website. This is a must-do fall activity in Grand Rapids!
Fall Festivals:
Another thing in abundance during the fall is fun West Michigan festivals. Make sure to check out a few of the upcoming fall festivals and activities listed below.
ArtPrize
What is one festival that is loved by not only locals but by those all over? Adults and children alike are wowed as they wander the art-filled streets of Grand Rapids every other fall at ArtPrize. Since 2009, over a quarter-million people have descended on the streets of Grand Rapids to enjoy the city-wide art exhibit. Over 150 venues around the city join museums and galleries in hosting hundreds of artists’ work. With the event offering 18 days to take part in the beauty and events, you can make sure to enjoy as much as you’d like. Head over to their website to plan your trip for the next ArtPrize or see who the 2022 winners were.
Red Flannel Festival
Pull out your red flannel and head out to one of the longest-running festivals in Michigan. Always occurring on the first Saturday in October, this festival takes place in Cedar Springs, Michigan, and celebrates over 80 years of being a staple event for locals and surrounding cities. Head down to downtown Cedar Springs during this two-weekend festival and enjoy an array of events, an Arts and Crafts Show, Parade, Car Show, Lumberjack Supper, and more! Don’t show up without your red or you’ll wind up in “jail” and have to pay $1 to get yourself out. For more information on events head over to their website and don’t forget to read up on the rich history of the Red Flannel Festival.
Fallasburg Art Festival
This two-day, free event takes place in the beautiful Fallasburg Park in Lowell, Michigan. The yearly event takes place in September and hosts 100 fine art and craft artist booths. Live music, food booths, and children’s activities make this an event the whole family will enjoy. Head on over to their website and get more information on the event and make sure to check out their sponsors and parking information. This is certainly one to add to your West Michigan fall activities bucket list.
African American Arts & Music Festival
Take a historical journey through musical expression in downtown Grand Rapids at the African American Arts and Music Festival. This two-part concert event honors and celebrates many different African American contributions through visual and performing arts. With previous performers, including New City Kids, Jordan Hamilton, and more, the variety of entertainment and food is something you won’t want to miss. For more information on previous performers or future events check out their Facebook page.
Michigan Apple Fest
Looking for an event with many vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, kids’ fall activities, and a petting zoo? Look no further than Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta, Michigan. Downtown Sparta hosts this festival annually and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Kick off the fall season with this two-day event that combines new and traditional festivities each year. For more information on the event and its offerings, visit their website.
Feeling competitive? Don’t miss the many contests, including apple peeling, apple pie eating, apple slingshot, and more.
Zeeland Pumpkinfest
If you’re in the Zeeland area, the Zeeland Pumpkinfest is something to make sure you check out. A variety of kid-friendly activities is fun for the whole family. This two-day event takes place in October and includes many different events. You can see the previous year’s schedule here. With previous offerings including puppet shows, kids tractor pull, music on main, cookies and cider class, and an outdoor movie—make sure you set a day or two aside to check out all that this fall event has to offer.
International Beer, Wine, and Food Festival
Sample from over 1,000 different wines, beers, ciders, and spirits from all around the world. Pair these samples with delicious food creations from the area’s finest restaurants. Don’t miss out on the fifteenth annual International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival at Devos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. For more information, visit their website.
Muskegon Fall Festival
Head on over to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for their Fall Festival each year in early October. Daily activities will include arts and crafts, food vendors, outside games, a costume contest, and much more. Make sure to peruse around the flea market and ride some of the fun carnival rides. Admission and parking are free. For location and more info check out their website.
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