October is peak fall in Rhode Island: the sweaters come out, red, gold, and orange fill the landscape, and our favorite “cozy season” traditions return. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to Halloween fun, here are 10 of our favorite ways for families to make the most of this month around the state.
St. John’s Episcopal Church in Barrington blankets its lawn with pumpkins, while Trinity Church transforms Newport’s Queen Anne Square into a pumpkin patch right in the middle of downtown. Grab a pumpkin, take the obligatory fall photos, and check one more thing off your fall bucket list. Barrington & Newport
Apple cider, cider donuts, caramel apples, pumpkins, pick-your-own apples and a farmstand filled with baked goods: Jaswell’s checks a lot of fall boxes in one stop. The fourth-generation family farm is part of what gives Smithfield its historic nickname, Apple Valley. Smithfield
Getting completely turned around in a cornfield is practically a fall rite of passage. Escobar Farm’s corn maze is a family favorite, with a new design to navigate each year. See who in the family actually has the best sense of direction (and who is just confidently leading everyone in circles). Portsmouth
Thousands of intricately carved pumpkins light the way through Roger Williams Park Zoo during one of Rhode Island’s most awaited traditions. This year’s theme, The Great Pun-Kin Trail, brings the dad jokes with clever carvings, pop culture references, and plenty of groan-worthy puns along the way. Providence
This year’s theme, “250 Years of Farming in RI,” celebrates the state’s agricultural history, with October weekends filled with hayrides, cider donuts, food, and live music, plus a petting zoo, giant mountain slide, pedal-powered go-karts, “farmer-style” basketball, and a corn maze! Matunuck
The three-day festival runs October 10-12, filling the Village Green with artists, crafts, a food court, and plenty to browse. Add in the surrounding foliage and you have all the New England fall feels. Wear comfy shoes because if you don’t pay to park, it can be a long walk to the action. North Scituate
Explore downtown during the Warren Walkabout on October 18 and 25. This annual event brings together local art, open studios, live music, shops, sidewalk sales, and seasonal food pop-ups. It’s a great excuse to spend an autumn afternoon exploring one of Rhode Island’s best little downtowns. Warren
Wicked Weeks turns the seaside village into a Halloween destination with all kinds of all-ages activities. Kids who love to dress up won’t want to miss marching in the Horribles Parade (October 25, 11:30am), followed by a costume contest and trick-or-treating at participating businesses. North Kingstown
Get extra mileage out of those costumes at trunk-or-treating events. Instead of knocking on doors, kids go vehicle to vehicle. Options include Coventry at Town Hall Annex (October 16), Iggy’s in Warwick (October 23), Tiverton at Ranger School (October 24), and November 1 at Fort Adams. Various
The Swan Boats at Roger Williams Park get a glow-up for October! Hop aboard after dark and pedal through illuminated tunnels and colorful lights on the water. It’s a fun way to experience the park at night and a great option for families looking for a little Halloween magic sans spookiness. Providence
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