Crisp mornings, golden cottonwoods along the river and pumpkins everywhere: fall is a magical season for little kids in Colorado. Here are the fall family traditions around Littleton and Highlands Ranch that toddlers and preschoolers love most.
Dates and ticketing change every year, and some events sell out. Check each official link early in the season.
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton is the area’s big fall destination. The Corn Maze has traditionally run on fall weekends, with a fun theme each year, a lookout bridge and a mini-maze sized for kids under ten. The Pumpkin Festival, typically held over one October weekend, adds a large pumpkin patch, hayrides, kids’ activities, antique tractors and food. Tickets are usually sold online only, and bringing a wagon for pumpkins is a pro move.
Harvest Festival at the Littleton Museum
The Littleton Museum‘s annual Harvest Festival brings its living history farms to life with wagon rides (some pulled by mules), a pumpkin patch, 1800s demonstrations, an old-fashioned carnival and a toddler hay bale maze. General admission has traditionally been free, with small fees for games, wagon rides and treats. It is a wonderfully local, small-town way to celebrate the season.
Pioneer Days at the Highlands Ranch Mansion
Each September, the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion has hosted Pioneer Days, with historical reenactments, blacksmithing, hayrides and Mansion tours. It is a great way to show kids what life on the ranch looked like long before the neighborhoods were built.
Leaf Walks Along the River
The cottonwoods along the South Platte River turn brilliant gold in fall. A stroll through South Platte Park or the gardens at Hudson Gardens is perfect for collecting leaves, then making leaf rubbings or a fall collage at home.
Tips for Fall Outings With Little Ones
- Buy timed tickets early for the most popular weekends.
- Dress in layers. Fall mornings can start near freezing and end in the 70s.
- Bring a wagon or stroller for tired legs and heavy pumpkins.
- Go early to beat crowds and catch the best pumpkins.
- Carry cash and a card. Some vendors accept only one or the other.
Bring the Harvest Home
Turn your pumpkin into learning: count the seeds, compare sizes, scoop and roast seeds together, or bake something simple with pumpkin puree. Cooking with kids builds fine motor skills, math and an adventurous palate.
Looking ahead to the holidays? See our guides to Thanksgiving week activities and holiday lights and events.
Seasonal, Real Food at Ohana
At Ohana School of Early Learning, breakfast, lunch and snack are made from scratch with whole foods and are included in tuition, so children get to know real food every day. Learn more about our whole-food nutrition program.
Fall is a great time to join our ohana. Families across Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial and Ken Caryl trust us with their infants through Pre-K learners. Book a tour or call 720-609-2589.
Featured photo: Marius Ciocirlan / Unsplash.
