Now that it’s officially fall, it’s time to get the family together and enjoy the (slightly) cooler temperatures and seasonal fun offered throughout the Jacksonville area. From farms that transform into interactive carnivals to community-driven trick-or-treating alternatives to small towns that turn into massive craft fairs, there are plenty of family-friendly autumnal activities happening all month long. We’ve selected five exciting family events in the area to help you make the best of the fall season.

10.8

Family Farm Fun Day at Diamond D Ranch

Celebrate the arrival of Autumn with a jam-packed day of activities at the Diamond D Ranch’s Family Farm Fun Day. Between a wagon ride, a nature walk, animal interactions (complete with the chance to “milk” a fabricated cow), and carnival rides, there’s plenty of rustic fun to be had for kids of all ages at this family owned ranch. $25. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Diamond D Ranch: 5903-1 Solomon Rd. Jacksonville, FL; diamonddranchinc.com // @diamond_d_ranch

10.15+10.16

Orange Park Fall Festival

Jacksonville suburb Orange Park throws their 40th annual Fall Festival this month, the oldest and largest festival of its kind in Clay County. With over 200 vendors, multiple entertainment stages, and tons of kid-friendly activities, this is a can’t miss event for families in the Jacksonville area looking to get into the spirit of the season. Free. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Town of Orange Park: 2042 Park Ave. Orange Park, FL; opfallfestival.com // @townop

10.22

Halloween CARnival at Baptist HealthPlace at Nocatee

The folks at Baptist HealthPlace at Nocatee have a unique event for anyone looking to maintain their distance and keep things Covid-19-safe this Halloween season, giving folks a chance to trick or treat safely from the family car (or golf cart). This drive-through experience will feature interactive trick-or-treat stations, photo opportunities with various costumed characters, and special prizes for the best costumes for both people and golf carts. Only in Florida. Free. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Baptist HealthPlace at Nocatee: 400 Colonnade Dr. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; baptistjax.com // @baptisthealthjx

10.29

Trick-or-Treat at the Ximenez-Fatio House

The gorgeous museum/vintage coquina home in St. Augustine is offering up a safe, low-stress alternative to door-to-door trick or treating for the third year in a row. This community event will feature family-friendly activities like costume contests and interactive games, a candy apple bar, craft stations, and, of course, trick or treating. Free. 1-4 p.m. Ximenez-Fatio House: 20 Aviles Street St. Augustine, FL; ximenezfatiohouse.org // @theximenezfatiohouse

10.29+10.30

Micanopy Fall Festival

Head Southwest just past Gainesville for a totally unique fall festival in the charming small town of Micanopy. They’re hosting the 47th installment of their annual fall festival on Halloween weekend, featuring a huge number of arts and crafts vendors, as well as live music and family-friendly entertainment. Get a vital dose of autumnal vibes done Florida style, care of this lost-in-time community. Free. 9 a.m. –  5 p.m. + 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Micanopy Fall Festival: Micanopy, FL; micanopyfallfestival.org

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