25 Magical Fall Memories to Make in Kansas City

Fall in Kansas City is my absolute favorite time of year. The trees explode in shades of gold and crimson, the air is crisp, and the city comes alive with seasonal festivals, cozy traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty. Every year, I love making memories with my crew and today I am sharing some of our annual traditions for your autumn-planning pleasure! Whether you’re planning family activities in Kansas City or looking for romantic fall date ideas, these 25 experiences will help you savor every moment of autumn.

1. Stroll through Loose Park’s autumn colors
Loose Park is one of the most photographed fall spots in Kansas City. Its towering oaks and vibrant maples create a stunning backdrop for family photos or a peaceful walk with someone special. Be sure to visit the reflection pond and take a stroll across the beautiful bridges. Make sure to visit my favorite spot - on the south side of the pond!

2. Pick apples at Weston Red Barn Farm
Weston Red Barn Farm offers apple picking from late August through October, along with hayrides and barnyard animal visits. The Red Barn Farm is a must-visit for my family every fall. We love to visit for apples in September and pumpkins in October! My daughter’s favorite fairy tale pumpkins are always in supply.

3. Visit Powell Gardens’ fall festival
Powell Gardens transforms into an autumn wonderland each September and October with pumpkin art, seasonal gardens, and kid-friendly activities. This is a wonderful mini day trip. We enjoy packing a lunch and making a day of it! For extra fun, print off a fall scavenger hunt for your crew to complete while you visit.

4. Take a hayride at a pumpkin patch
Carolyn’s Country Cousins and Faulkner’s Ranch offer hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking — perfect for an afternoon of fall fun. We have visited Carolyn’s Country Cousins pumpkin patch for the last several years. My three kiddos love all the fun play areas, the train, and of course, picking a pumpkin in the patch!

5. Attend the Plaza Art Fair
The Plaza Art Fair is a Kansas City hallmark and happens the third weekend in September, featuring hundreds of artists, live music, and delicious food vendors. This is a great opportunity to absorb some great art, enjoy Kansas City’s culture, and taste some great food.

6. Watch the monarch butterfly migration at Burr Oak Woods
Burr Oak Woods is a prime location to witness monarch butterflies pausing on their journey south during September. Be sure to take a stroll through the “enchanted” forest, as my children call it! They love venturing through the hushed pines every fall and winter.

7. Sip cider at Louisburg Cider Mill
The Louisburg Cider Mill offers fresh-pressed cider, famous cider donuts, and family-friendly fall festivities throughout September and October. Come ready to choose some favorites, and bring a cooler or freezer bag to keep your selections chilled until you get home!

8. Explore the Crossroads on First Fridays
First Fridays bring together art galleries, street performers, and food trucks on the first Friday of every month. If you’ve been hoping for a taste of Kansas City’s vibrant culture, you can’t beat First Fridays! While you can bring the whole family, this is a better fit for date night or an evening out with friends.

9. Cheer at a Kansas City Chiefs game
Experience the energy of Arrowhead Stadium by checking the Kansas City Chiefs schedule for fall home games. Can’t make the game in person? Pick one of KC’s favorite sports’ bars and hunker down to cheer the Chiefs on with the locals.

10. Visit the Kansas City Zoo in the crisp morning or evening air
The Kansas City Zoo is less crowded and more active in cooler weather — a win for families! Our favorite times to visit the zoo include October, November, and December! We love walking around and looking for animal friends in the less busy months. Pro tip: visit the zoo during GloWild, an immersive painted lantern festival that has become one of our family’s favorite annual events!

11. Take a scenic drive to Weston Bend State Park
Weston Bend State Park offers breathtaking overlooks of the Missouri River, especially in mid-to-late October. The drive is beautiful, and a perfect opportunity to bond with your people in a stunning natural setting.

12. Roast marshmallows at a backyard fire pit
Gather friends or family for s’mores and storytelling under a clear autumn sky. Don’t forget the essentials: blankets, your favorite hoodie or sweater, and comfy chairs around the fire pit.

13. Enjoy Oktoberfest in KC
Kansas City hosts an authentic Oktoberfest in early October with German beer, live music, and hearty food. This festive experience is best for dates or a night out with friends.

14. Schedule a fall baking day
Block a whole day on the calendar just for baking all the yummy fall things. Throw on your cozy socks, then whip up some pumpkin bread, apple crisp, or cinnamon rolls together for a cozy, homey afternoon.

15. Visit a sunflower field before the season ends
Check Kansas sunflower bloom updates to catch fields in peak bloom, usually late August through mid-September. Pro tip: your favorite family photographer in KC might be (read: is definitely) hosting Sunflower Mini Sessions. Snag your spot early!

16. Attend the American Royal BBQ
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue each fall is the ultimate celebration of Kansas City’s barbecue culture. Visit the livestock barn, walk around to check out the mouthwatering assortment of BBQ flavors, and settle in to enjoy this Kansas City staple event.

17. Hike Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Parkville Nature Sanctuary offers peaceful trails surrounded by brilliant fall foliage. Hike to the waterfall, or any of the scenic spots throughout the sanctuary. Bring your four legged friend for some companionship, or your whole crew!

18. Enjoy a family game night
Break out classic board games, make hot cocoa, and enjoy a tech-free evening together. Interested in trying a fresh game? Try one of our family favorites: Rummikub, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Forbidden Island, Suspend, or The World Game.

19. Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum and picnic on the lawn
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art combines world-class art with a beautiful lawn for picnicking. Bring a blanket and your basket of goodies, and for extra effect, some sketch pads and pencils, colored pencils, or crayons for doodling.

20. Decorate your porch with pumpkins
Shop City Market or a local farm for pumpkins, mums, and gourds. Visit Pinterest for inspiration, or snag a carving kit with stencils to elevate your pumpkin designs.

21. Organize a fall scavenger hunt
Hunt for acorns, colorful leaves, and pinecones in your neighborhood or local parks. I love to print a few different fall scavenger hunt sheets and keep them in my car with a few pencils for any time we are out and our youngest needs some constructive direction. These have come in handy a number of times over the years!

22. Attend Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo in late October offers trick-or-treating and animal encounters for the whole family. Dress up as your favorite zoo animal to elevate your experience and guarantee some excellent photo ops!

23. Shop seasonal produce at River Market
River Market or another local farmer’s market in Parkville, Liberty, or Lee’s Summit is the place for apples, squash, and locally baked bread in the fall. If you’re looking for fresh, homemade apple butter or jellies and jams, try a local pumpkin patch like Carolyn’s Country Cousins or the Fun Farm in Kearney.

24. Watch a sunset from Liberty Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial offers panoramic skyline views, especially stunning in autumn light. Bring a book and your cozy clothes, and snuggle up for a romantic end to any day.

25. Make a family gratitude list
Close the season by reflecting on blessings and favorite memories together. Make a list of all the things you have to be grateful for, and think about five ways you can bless someone else this season. This could range from smiling at someone who looks like they are having a rough day, to raking leaves for a neighbor, to a surprise visit to grandparents. Whatever you choose to do, focus on the truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

As you plan your fall adventures, you might also enjoy exploring Fall Festivals in Kansas City for even more seasonal fun or learning about Fall Mini Sessions in Kansas City to capture your family’s autumn memories. My fall calendar fills up quickly, so if you’re ready to book your family or couple’s session, get in touch here to reserve your spot and make this season one to remember.