As the summer warmth begins to fade away, the arrival of fall brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation. For me, fall has always held a special place in my heart, especially when it comes to spending quality time with my kids. In Port Orchard and Gig Harbor, the season is filled with a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that celebrate the essence of autumn. Here are my top favorite local things to do during this magical time of year.

SCARECROW FESTIVAL AT SEHMEL PARK

Kicking off the fall festivities is the Scarecrow Festival at Sehmel Park in Gig Harbor. This event is a beloved tradition that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a day filled with family friendly activities, local artisan vendors, scarecrow contests, delicious fall treats and more. The park is transformed into a whimsical wonderland of scarecrow artistry, making it the perfect place to embrace the creative spirit of the season.

HARVEST FEST AT MIRACLE RANCH

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Miracle Ranch hosts a Harvest Fest that’s not to be missed. From pony rides to carnival games, this festival has it all. Families can immerse themselves in the rustic charm of the ranch while enjoying the wagon rides, delicious food, and, of course, a chance to explore the pumpkin patch and pick out the perfect gourd for carving.

CREEK HOUSE FARM IN PORT ORCHARD

For a quintessential fall experience, head to Creek House Farms in Port Orchard. This charming family-owned farm offers a picturesque pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, and more. It’s an ideal spot to embrace the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn while creating lasting memories with your little ones.

HARBOR FARMS IN GIG HARBOR

Gig Harbor’s Harbor Farms is a must-visit destination for families seeking a taste of farm life during the fall. Get lost in the western town play area, enjoy tractor barrel rides, and, of course, find your way to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Don’t forget to indulge in some fresh fall treats too!

HUNTER FARMS IN UNION

A bit of a drive from Gig Harbor, but well worth it, Hunter Farms in Union is a fall wonderland. Their famous corn maze is a highlight, with intricate designs that challenge even the best navigators. Kids can also enjoy tractor rides, barn animals, fall treats and, of course, hunting for the perfect pumpkin.

FULL FARM TOURS

If you’re looking for an educational adventure, consider taking your kids on a full farm tour. Many local farms open their doors to visitors during the season, providing a behind-the-scenes look at farm life. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about where their food comes from and interact with animals. Here are some great local farms who offer tours:

Creek House Farms

Ken Peninsula Farm Tour

Yoked Farmhouse Brewery

Harbor Farms - Coming Soon!

TRUNK OR TREAT

As Halloween approaches, Trunk or Treat events start popping up in the community. These safe and family-friendly gatherings allow kids to dress up in their favorite costumes and go trick-or-treating from car to car. It’s a great alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, offering a fun and controlled environment for young children. Here are some local trunk or treat events happening this season:

Trunk or Treat at Sehmel Park

Gig Harbor Macaroni Kid Trunk or Treat

ZOO BOO AT POINT DEFIANCE ZOO

For a wild twist on Halloween, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma hosts the annual Zoo Boo event. Kids can trick-or-treat among the animals, enjoy festive decorations, and take part in activities like pumpkin bowling and a costume contest. It’s a spooktacular experience the whole family will love.

Fall is a season of change, and as the leaves turn, we have the opportunity to create lasting memories with our children. Port Orchard and Gig Harbor offer an abundance of delightful fall activities that cater to all ages. From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, farm tours to Halloween-themed events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this magical time of year. So, bundle up, grab your favorite fall treats, and embrace the beauty of autumn with your little ones - it’s a season that will warm your hearts for years to come.

Jennifer Harder