4 Fall Favorites for Families

Bring the Kids to the Berkshires!

Early Autumn in the Berkshires is nothing short of spectacular. Here are some of our best-loved family-friendly ways to enjoy the season.

Outdoor Adventure

The mountains and valleys of the Berkshires are home to some of the best natural treasures of Massachusetts, including the highest summit, the tallest waterfall and a 90-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Exploring the region as the foliage turns crimson and gold is a delight for the senses and the whole family.

Hundreds of miles of open lands and trails throughout the Berkshires are maintained by the state and nonprofit organizations focused on conservation and preservation. Detailed site descriptions and trail maps are available on their web pages. For more information about these properties, visit the Trustees of Reservations, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. Each offers options for every skill level and outdoor itinerary.

For high(er)-adrenaline thrills, head for the zipline, mountain coaster, or aerial adventure parks at Catamount Mountain Resort, Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, or Ramblewild. Along with an exhilarating experience of a lifetime, you’ll get a fresh and exciting perspective on the Berkshire landscape, especially this time of year.

Hands-On Fun & Learning

Would you and your kids enjoy learning about the native plants and wildlife of the Berkshires? Take a naturalist-guided walk or paddle with Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary or visit the Berkshire Museum for exhibits about local flora and fauna. You can also help foster a lifelong appreciation for art and history with kid-friendly workshops and events at museums and historic sites such as the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Hancock Shaker Village, and Historic Deerfield. Looking to get hands on with art? Why not check out one of the free family drop-in classes at Berkshire Arts Center.

Farmer’s Markets & Harvest Festivals

September and October mark the end of the Berkshire growing season and the start of fairs and festivals that celebrate the harvest. The Lenox Apple Squeeze (September 24), Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival (October 8 & 9), and the Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show (October 1-31) are just a few of the area’s seasonal traditions that make for the Berkshires a perfect destination for you and your family.

Pick-Your-Own Farms

Does anyone not love the satisfying crunch of a warm apple cider doughnut after apple picking, a hayride, or mastering a corn maze? We thought so. Local fields and orchards are open and so are their farm stores. Apples, pumpkins, pears, and late-season veggies are ripe for the picking. Baked goods, jams and jellies, artisanal ciders, natural wines, and local cheeses are available for purchase (and sometimes for sampling, yum).

After a busy day exploring the Berkshires, settle in at a family-friendly hotel or resort such as  Hotel Downstreet, the Apple Tree Inn, or Fairfield Inn & Suites. Each offers excellent accommodations, amenities that keep everyone happy, and the convenience of proximity to all you’re here to see and do.

Fall for the Berkshires this year—and bring the family! Learn more about this special season in our region. 

Photo credits: Hancock Shaker Village, Ogden Gigli; Eric Carle Museum, Jim Gipe Pivot Media; Lenox Apple Squeeze, Laura Wolf

Return to The Berkshires Blog