The crisp air, the golden hues of falling leaves, and the warmth of family moments are just a few things that make fall one of the most special times of the year. If you’re lucky enough to live in the Bay Area, you’re surrounded by the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cozy spots that create the ideal setting for fall family fun.

As a Bay Area family photographer, I love this season because it brings so many unique opportunities to capture those heartwarming, candid moments you share with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to spend time outdoors, discover a new hidden gem, or simply enjoy the season together, I’ve put together five family-friendly fall activities to enjoy in the Bay Area. And, if you want to capture these moments with your family forever, this season also happens to be a beautiful time for a photo session!

Let’s dive into some of the best ways to make the most of fall with your family this season!

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5 Fall Activities to Do with Your Family in the Bay Area This Fall

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

It’s not truly fall without a visit to a pumpkin patch! The Bay Area is home to some fantastic pumpkin patches that also offer corn mazes, hayrides, and seasonal activities perfect for kids of all ages. Not only are these outings a ton of fun, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to snap some fall-themed family photos.

Favorite Spots:

• Arata’s Pumpkin Farm (Half Moon Bay): Known for its iconic corn maze and whimsical pumpkin displays, Arata’s is a favorite for families looking to enjoy a day out. You’ll find a haunted barn for older kids, pony rides, a petting zoo, and tons of pumpkins to choose from.
• Lemos Farm (Half Moon Bay): Another great spot for younger kids, Lemos Farm offers a family-friendly atmosphere complete with hayrides, a train ride, and even a spooky-but-not-too-spooky haunted house!

While your little ones are picking out their favorite pumpkins, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a few candid shots of their excitement. As a Bay Area family photographer, I know how precious these in-between moments are – like when your child stumbles upon the perfect pumpkin or when you’re all navigating the corn maze together.

Photo Tip: To make the most of the natural light, plan your visit early in the morning or late afternoon. That golden hour glow mixed with the fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop for your family photos!

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2. Take a Scenic Hike in the Redwoods

The Bay Area is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails, many of which take you through majestic redwood forests. Fall is an ideal time to explore these natural wonders, as the cooler weather makes for comfortable hiking conditions, and the trails become a bit quieter.

Family-Friendly Hikes:

• Muir Woods National Monument (Mill Valley): This classic Bay Area spot is perfect for families. The trails are easy to navigate, even with little ones, and the towering redwoods offer a serene, almost magical setting. The crisp fall air, combined with the peaceful ambiance of the forest, makes this a wonderful fall day trip.
• Redwood Regional Park (Oakland): A bit more off the beaten path, this park offers wide-open trails and beautiful fall foliage. It’s a great option if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy some quiet family time in nature.

Taking a family hike is not only great exercise but also a chance to slow down and connect. Your kids will love spotting different types of leaves, searching for wildlife, and just being immersed in nature.

Photo Tip: Redwoods make for an incredible natural backdrop. If you’re thinking about a family photo session in the fall, these locations provide a beautiful mix of nature and stunning light. Imagine capturing your family beneath the towering trees, with the soft light filtering through the canopy – it’s pure magic!

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3. Apple Picking in the South Bay and East Bay

Apple picking is one of those quintessential fall activities that brings everyone together. Whether it’s the excitement of finding that perfect apple or the delicious payoff of fresh apple pie at the end of the day, there’s something magical about a trip to an orchard. While many people think of apple-picking spots further north, there are plenty of options within an easy drive of the South Bay and East Bay.

Where to Go:

• Clearview Orchards (Watsonville): Located just south of the Bay Area in Watsonville, Clearview Orchards is perfect for a family day trip. This organic farm not only offers apple picking (their Fuji apples are a favorite), but you’ll also find fresh apple juice and homemade apple pies. The farm has a beautiful view of the hills and ocean, and there are picnic tables where you can relax and enjoy your fresh apples.
• Swanton Pacific Ranch (Davenport): This coastal gem is a great choice for families who want to mix apple picking with a scenic drive. Located a bit closer to the ocean, Swanton Pacific Ranch offers a smaller, more intimate apple-picking experience. The fog rolling in from the coast makes the experience even more atmospheric, and it’s a wonderful way to spend a fall day together.

Apple orchards are more than just a place to pick fruit – they offer an opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of life and enjoy the season with your loved ones. The kids will love the hands-on experience of picking apples, and it’s a great way to teach them about where their food comes from. Plus, there’s nothing better than biting into a freshly picked apple straight from the tree!

Photo Tip: Coastal orchards like Swanton offer stunning natural backdrops, with rolling hills and ocean views in the distance. If you’re looking to capture fall family photos, an apple orchard provides plenty of candid moments. The natural beauty of the setting combined with the joy of the activity will create beautiful, heartfelt images.

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4. Attend a Fall Festival

The Bay Area comes alive in the fall with plenty of festivals that are perfect for families. From harvest festivals to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Attending a fall festival is a great way to introduce your kids to new experiences, enjoy live music, and taste some seasonal treats (hello, pumpkin pie!).

Must-Visit Festivals:

• Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival: This is the fall festival of the Bay Area. Held every October, this two-day event celebrates all things pumpkin. From massive pumpkin sculptures to pumpkin-flavored everything, your family will have a blast exploring the artisan booths, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities.
• Campbell’s Oktoberfest: If you’re looking for a mix of German tradition and local flavor, Campbell’s Oktoberfest is the perfect family-friendly event. Enjoy bratwurst, live music, and plenty of activities for the kids.

Festivals offer a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience something different while soaking in the local culture. It’s also a great way to get out of your usual routine and try new foods, see fun performances, and just enjoy the vibrancy of fall in the Bay Area.

Photo Tip: Festivals are great for capturing dynamic, colorful family photos. With all the decorations, fun costumes, and energetic atmosphere, it’s easy to capture candid moments of your family enjoying the event together. A Bay Area family photographer can help you document these memories so you can look back on them for years to come.

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5. Cozy Up with a Picnic at a Local Park

Fall in the Bay Area is mild, making it the perfect time to pack up a cozy picnic and head to one of the region’s beautiful parks. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, you can truly enjoy the outdoors with your family.

Best Picnic Spots:

• Crissy Field (San Francisco): With views of the Golden Gate Bridge and plenty of space to run around, Crissy Field is a fantastic picnic spot. The beach area is ideal for kids to play while you relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Vasona Lake County Park (Los Gatos): This park offers picnic areas, a lake, and paddle boats for the whole family to enjoy. The mix of activities makes it an ideal fall destination.
• Shoreline Park (Mountain View): Another great spot for a family picnic with scenic views. You can also rent bikes, go for a walk along the trails, or rent a paddle boat for some added fun.

There’s something magical about spreading out a blanket, unpacking your favorite fall treats (think apple cider, homemade sandwiches, and pumpkin muffins), and spending quality time with your loved ones outdoors. The kids can run around, and you can all take in the beauty of the season.

Photo Tip: For a family photo session, parks are an excellent location. You’ll have access to natural light, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed environment that helps bring out genuine smiles. Plus, a picnic setting naturally lends itself to capturing warm, cozy moments of your family simply enjoying each other’s company.

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Make This Fall Unforgettable with a Family Photo Session

Fall is truly a magical season in the Bay Area, with endless opportunities for family fun. From pumpkin patches to hikes through redwood forests, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories with your loved ones. And while you’re out there enjoying the season, why not take a moment to capture these memories with a professional family photo session?

As a Bay Area family photographer, I love working with families to create images that reflect their unique personalities and connections. Whether you’re looking for a full session or a mini session, fall is a beautiful time to schedule your photos. With the natural beauty of the season and the variety of activities you can do together, your fall family photos will feel authentic, warm, and timeless.

Wondering how a session will look like with a San Jose Family Photographer? Check out my most recent family session blog post to see the magic we can create! If you are looking for a lifestyle San Jose family photographer, be sure to check out my portfolio and contact me today to discuss your ideal family photography session! Also be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest work!