Welcome in cooler temperatures with classic fall activities in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Preschoolers and their families can enjoy farm-fresh apples, pick-your-own pumpkins, friendly Halloween celebrations, and more. With so many fun options to choose from, The Gardner School curated a list of top activities that local children are sure to enjoy. We hope you have fun making memories and learning all about what this season has to offer!
Children’s Theatre Company
Kick off the Children’s Theatre Company’s 2023-2024 season with the production of Cookin’. Touted as “a masterful display of percussive food chopping, knife throwing, pot banging, and fire-blowing wizardry,” this show will surely delight preschoolers and their family members of all ages.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum at the University of Minnesota has one of the largest varieties of trees you’ll find in the state. View vibrant fall foliage with a drive through the arboretum’s 1,200 acres of gardens, or get your preschooler moving with a trail walk to view the colorful leaves up close.
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Take a ride on the Transylvania Trolley for a “not scary—just silly” Halloween trip. Named a Top 10 Fall Family Event by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the 15-minute ride is hosted by Count Karl, the Vampire Motorman. Children can wear a costume and get a complimentary treat.
Minnesota Zoo
Enjoy the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo. Each night during October, 5,000 illuminated, artistically carved pumpkins light up the zoo for visitors of all ages. Just this once, stay up past bedtime and treat your preschooler to stroll—or take a stroller ride—through this autumnal wonderland.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Located about half an hour outside Minneapolis, Pine Tree Apple Orchard offers 25 varieties of apples, plus homemade bakery products, caramel apples, fresh cider, gifts, and more. Children will enjoy walking through the orchard, watching the apples get sorted, and selecting their very own farm-fresh apples to try from the orchard.
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze
The Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze is home to the biggest corn maze in Minnesota. Children and families will enjoy exploring the 20-acre corn maze. Your preschooler can engage their senses feeling the tall stalks and hearing the leaves crunch under their feet. Admission also includes a corn pit, petting zoo, inflatables, hay rides, and more classic fall activities for family fun.
Valleyfair Park
Experience family-friendly frights at Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats. Held on select days during September and October, visitors can explore The Land of Tricks for slime-filled fun and The Land of Treats for seasonal snacks and candies. While you’re there, take a spin on Valleyfair’s most popular theme park rides, which are open during the event.
Knapton’s Raspberries, Pumpkins & Orchard
Located in Rockford, Knapton’s features a giant pumpkin patch full of pick-your-own pumpkins. Preschoolers will enjoy exploring the pumpkin patch and getting their hands dirty in the process. Let them choose their own pumpkin to display at home all season long.
Learning About The World In Every Season
The Gardner School offers an engaging curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers encourage children’s curiosity while building a strong educational foundation. To learn more about our downtown Minneapolis preschools, contact us to set up a tour.
