Fall Break is upon us, and for many children in central Indiana, that means up to 2 weeks away from school and an annual fall vacation. As a parent, this could be an opportunity to take your child to explore a new-to-you, fun place, or to see the beauty of fall foliage, or even apple picking at the apple orchards. If you’re planning Midwest fall break getaways for kids and families, and you need fall break vacation ideas, this roundup of day-trip and overnight favorite fall break destinations has you covered. Here is a list of fun fall and Halloween-themed places beyond Central Indiana to visit during fall break. Make these a day trip or possibly extend your stay to an overnight or weekend trip.
Looking for even more fun closer to home? Check out our 100 Fall Break Activities in Indianapolis and Beyond for a huge list of local adventures.
Indiana Fall Break Trips for Families
Harvest Tyme Pumpkin Glow Trail
17904 Grant St, Lowell, IN 46356
Harvest Tyme, a pumpkin patch in Northwest Indiana, will have a ticketed nighttime Pumpkin Glow from September 20 to October 26. On weekend evenings, Harvest Tyme will have thousands of lights along a half-mile walking trail filled with specialty hand-carved jack-o-lanterns. The Pumpkin Glow Trail will include over 1000 characters and dozens of large, festive, and colorful light displays. Be mindful that the farm is unpaved, and some parts of the ground will be bumpy and uneven. It’s a delightful Indiana family fall glow trail.
Holiday World Happy Halloween Weekends
452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579
From September 21 through the end of October, Holiday World will be open on weekends only to celebrate Halloween. The family-friendly special events include the rides you love at Holiday World, Halloween-themed shows, SCAREbnb, and Holidog’s 3D Halloween Adventure, 12 acres of corn mazes, hayrides, Kitty’s Dance Spooktacular, trick-or-treating for children 12 and younger, and Carnival Chaos. Please note that this final attraction features loud noises, strobe lighting, mazes, and “startles” most suitable for older children and adults. This is where you’ll find the best plans for Indiana Halloween weekends for families.
Wilstem Wildlife Park
4229 US-150 W, Paoli, IN 47454
Wilstem Wildlife Park is a one-of-a-kind fall light experience. The Fall Festival of Lights operates on select days throughout October. This drive-thru experience begins at dusk. Please note that this event does not include any animal encounters.
If you are looking to view the animals, there are two options: the Twilight Drive Thru and Light Show and the Twilight VIP Safari Wagon Tour and Light Show. The Twilight Drive Thru and Light Show allows you to view animals from your own vehicle before dark and then drive through the light display after the sun goes down. It’s a super memorable fall getaway.
The Twilight VIP Safari Wagon Tour and Light Show includes experiencing the Drive-Thru Safari on a wagon and viewing over 50 different species. The tour allows you to go off the path and get up close and personal with the animals, including the elephant habitat.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is hosting Wild Zoo Halloween, a weekend event where dressing up in costumes is encouraged, and your family can enjoy special attractions during this fall family vacation. Enjoy a mystery maze, treats, and watching animals interact with spooky enrichment activities. The Zoo has specially themed events for each weekend until the end of October. Wild Zoo Halloween is included in your admission to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Just head to the zoo on Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Fall Fun in Shipshewana
Shipshewana, IN 46565
Shipshewana is a charming fall destination where families can enjoy unique seasonal traditions and tasty treats. Stroll through downtown to see the annual Straw Bale Art displays, with creative sculptures made from giant straw bales by local businesses and community members. Stop by Blue Gate Bakery for homemade apple butter and seasonal pies, or sip on a pumpkin latte at Das Kaffee Haus. Just outside of town, Country Lane Bakery serves up giant cinnamon rolls and other fresh Amish baked goods, while the Auction Restaurant is the perfect spot for a slice of warm apple pie. With so many flavors, sights, and experiences, Shipshewana makes for a memorable fall family getaway.
ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo is a family-favorite fall tradition where kids can dress up in costumes, trick-or-treat along the pathways, and explore a pumpkin town filled with not-so-spooky fun. Enjoy animal chats, Halloween-themed decorations, and special activities throughout the zoo. This event is included with regular zoo admission and runs on select days in October.
Harvest Nights at Newfields
4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Harvest Nights at Newfields transforms the beautiful gardens into a glowing autumn wonderland. Stroll through paths lined with thousands of pumpkins, discover oversized artistic displays, and snap photos under twinkling lights. There are food and beverage options available, and this magical experience is perfect for families to enjoy after dark. Harvest Nights takes place on select evenings throughout October and requires a separate ticket from daytime admission.
Lark Ranch
3145 Killion Mill Rd, Loogootee, IN 47553
Lark Ranch in Loogootee offers families the ultimate fall farm experience. Kids will love the pumpkin patch, hayrides, and giant corn maze, while everyone can enjoy carnival-style rides and fall treats. With attractions for all ages, this family-owned farm is a must-visit during fall weekends. Admission includes most activities, with some rides available for an additional cost. There are two other locations: Lark Ranch Greenfield and Lark Ranch Lanesville.
Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie
13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038
The Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie is one of Central Indiana’s most iconic fall events. Families can take a haunted hayride where the Headless Horseman might appear, stroll through the midway with carnival games, and enjoy storytelling, live shows, and seasonal treats. This annual festival runs on select nights in October, and tickets should be purchased in advance as it often sells out.
Haunted House at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Each October, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis transforms into the nation’s oldest haunted house, a tradition dating back more than 50 years. Presented by the museum’s Guild, the Haunted House offers two options: “Lights-On” hours for younger children who prefer less fright, and “Frightening Hours” for braver guests. The themes change annually, but families can always expect creative sets, costumes, and fun. Tickets are sold separately from general museum admission.
Kentucky Fall Break Trips for Families
Louisville Jack O Lantern Spectacular
1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214
There is nothing that compares to the elaborate craftsmanship of the jack-o-lanterns at the Louisville Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. From October 2 – November 2, visitors will be amazed by the 5000+ pumpkins, including 100 jack-o-lanterns that are intricately carved by local artists along the ⅓-mile trail. Iroquois Park serves as the perfect backdrop for this art gallery of pumpkins in the woods, creating an added spooky aesthetic that only enhances the experience of your walk through the trail.
The trail does include a grade with a steep slope and is comprised of compacted limestone, so be mindful if you need to bring a stroller or wheelchair. Note that on weekends, you should expect longer lines at the entrance to the trail. Once you enter, follow the path at your own pace. Various vendors offer refreshments before entering the trail, and restrooms are located near the amphitheater. It is recommended that you purchase tickets prior because the event does sell out and there is timed entry.
Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom
937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209
My family has enjoyed going to Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom for the last 2 years, where my children just love the little kids’ ride section. During our last visit, we learned of their Pumpkins event, and I am so excited to go. Friday through Sunday, from September 26 to October 26, at Kentucky Kingdom, your family can enjoy fall family fun activities that include trick-or-treating and carnival games. At night, enjoy the different glowing pumpkin sculptures and orange gourds that illuminate the park.
Louisville Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213
To celebrate Halloween, Louisville Zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo, a family event that includes the “spooktacular” carousel, a free crawling “Not-So-Itsy-Bitsy” spider house, storybook characters, photo ops with princesses and superheroes, The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow Experience, and a safe trick-or-treating experience with 20 treat booths.
Ohio Fall Break Trips for Families
Tricks and Treats at Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040
Kings Island hosts two Halloween events during weekends in October. Their Tricks and Treats daytime event is family-friendly, while Halloween Haunt in the evening is a scarier event meant for adults and teens. During the daytime festivities, you can expect specialty food and craft beers, musical entertainment, trick-or-treating, and other fall-themed games and activities.
Halloween Haunt transforms Kings Island from 6 pm until midnight into a haunting experience filled with scare zones, shows, and mazes.
Great Wolf Lodge Howl-o-Ween
2501 Great Wolf Dr, Mason, OH 45040
If you have stayed at any of the Great Wolf Lodges, then you know they offer more than just an indoor water park. They really go above and beyond as far as guest service and amenities. Every day at the Great Wolf Lodge, they offer a variety of activities to do throughout your stay to enhance your family’s visit. The indoor waterpark at the Mason, Ohio, location is my personal favorite.
If you visit during the Howl-O-Ween event, you can expect fall décor throughout the resort and “howl-o-ween” themed activities that include a trick-or-treat trail, a fall-themed arts and crafts activity, Boo Bingo, yoga, a Monster Bash dance party, storytime, and much more. Be sure to check online for promo codes before you book.
Cincinnati Zoo HallZOOween
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
The Cincinnati Zoo is one of my favorite zoos. HallZOOween is a special event held on weekends, October 11-26, from 12 to 5 pm. Costumes are encouraged, and activities include trick-or-treat stations, special animal enrichment, and Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion Show. For an additional charge, enjoy the Hogwarts Express Train Ride and the Scare-ousel.
Jack O’Lantern Glow Cincinnati Zoo
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Jack O’Lantern Glow features
over 5000 hand-carved pumpkins and fall displays through the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The 1/2 mile trail takes about 35 to 45 minutes to complete. The trail is paved, making it stroller and wheelchair friendly. There will be no animal exhibits available, and parking is included in the price of admission. Kids will love the pumpkin displays featuring Disney Princesses and DC and Marvel Superheroes. The event takes place from October 3 to October 30 and is closed on Mondays.
Brick or Treat at Legoland Discovery Center Columbus
157 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
In October, Legoland Discovery Center Columbus hosts their Halloween event, “Brick-or-Treat,” with themed activities, games, and snacks, character visits, and the 4D Halloween movie “Monster Party.” Monday through Friday, kids can hunt through the Center for the hidden skeleton key to win a prize. On Saturdays and Sundays, come in costume to participate in fun costume contests and compete for awards.
Columbus Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo
4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
The Columbus Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo begins on October 10 at 5 pm and will run for the remaining weekends of October. Activities include music, a Character Craze Hay Maze, Jessie’s Jack-O-Lantern Journey, Tommy C. Turtle’s Trick or Treat Trail, Sydnee Koala’s Royal Carousel, and other family fun.
Illinois Fall Break Trips for Families
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm
13341 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Bengtson’s continues to be one of our favorite fall break trips for families. Think of it as a farm fall festival theme park for families. They have one-of-a-kind rides that include a tractor town ride where the kids steer a tractor through a barn with animated animals, two spinning rides, a swing, two train rides, and a roller coaster. You can also check out a haunted barn for older kids, a corn kernel pit, a kids’ area with a playground and playhouses, pig races, a petting zoo, a selfie booth, and many photo ops.
Believe it or not, these are just the beginning! It is best to visit Bengtson’s during the week for cheaper rates and to avoid large crowds that develop on the weekends when Bengtson’s will reach capacity early in the day. Also note that most of the pathways are paved for wheelchairs, wagons, and strollers, and you can leave and come back on the day you visit with a handstamp and a copy of your receipt.
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Lincoln Park Zoo is a free public zoo in downtown Chicago. This October, they are hosting a fall festival event that includes ticketed attractions throughout the zoo. There is a Fun Slide, a harvest maze, a pumpkin walk, a racecar ride, and more. Guests can also enjoy free musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals.
Legoland Discovery Center Chicago “Brick or Treat”
601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Throughout October, Legoland Discovery Center Chicago will be hosting their Halloween event, “Brick-or-Treat,” where children are invited to enjoy special activities including a glow building zone, a haunted miniland scavenger hunt, and a new 4D Halloween movie, “Monster Party!” Costumes are encouraged.
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, IL 60513
Brookfield Zoo will be hosting Boo at the Zoo on Saturdays and Sundays beginning October 5 and running until the 20. The Zoo will be decorated with large inflatables, photo-ops, treats for the kids, and other themed activities. The animals will receive pumpkins each morning.
Six Flags Great America
1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Before the nighttime, scary Fright Fest event, Six Flags Great America offers a more family-friendly opportunity during the day from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Kids Boo Fest begins September 14 and runs through November 3. The event includes kid-friendly rides, a trick-or-treat trail, and Camp Boo filled with fall festival activities. Fright Fest begins at 6 pm and is for a mature audience with events that feature haunted houses, scare zones, and going on rides at night.
The Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee
1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031
Last fall break, my family went to the Gurnee Great Wolf Lodge for Howl-O-Ween. We just loved the festivities, including elaborate large balloon designs of a ghost, bat, and spider in the lobby, the Halloween-themed arts and crafts, the trick-or-treat trail, and the dance party, to name a few. Back again this year, the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee will also have Boo Bingo, yoga, a Monster Bash dance party, storytime, and much more. Check online for promo codes when you book!
Missouri Fall Break Trips for Families
The City Museum
750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
If you want a one-of-a-kind experience to do something active with your family, the City Museum is your answer. There is no best way to describe this converted warehouse in downtown St. Louis. It is filled with so many areas to explore and climb, and is appropriate for all ages.
Halloween brings Fright at the Museum on weekends beginning September 27. The City Museum promises options for activities and entertainment for all ages. At the time of publishing, plans were still in the works for this year’s spooky event. Check the City Museum’s website for details as they are released.
Six Flags St Louis
4900 Six Flags Rd, Eureka, MO 63025
Like Six Flags Great America, Six Flags St Louis offers two separate Halloween Events. Kids Boo Fest, a family-friendly event during the day, includes kid-friendly rides, a trick-or-treat trail, and a pirate trail. Fright Fest begins in the early evening and is for a mature audience with events that feature haunted houses, scare zones, and thrill rides at night.
St. Louis Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo
1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
The St. Louis Zoo offers Boo at the Zoo from October 16 – 30. While it doesn’t have a trick-or-treat event, the Zoo will have Halloween-themed decorations like Haunted Harvest, Fragile Forest, and a giant cauldron, as well as returning favorites like the Monster Mash, Skeleton Soiree, and Pirate Pointe. Ticket prices vary for ages 2+, depending on what day you attend. Anyone under the age of 2 is free.
If you want to skip the Halloween-themed activities, you can visit the St Louis Zoo during daytime hours for free! St Louis is a great, affordable family getaway any day of the year.
Planning to spend fall break a little closer to home? Our calendar is packed full of events your family will love and even more fall break ideas!
We challenge you to try out all of these amusement parks within 4 hours of Indy!
Find your perfect pumpkin at an Indy-area pumpkin patch.
