Fall brings plenty of opportunities for families to get outside and enjoy seasonal events around East Tennessee. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to apple orchards and Halloween celebrations, there are activities for children of all ages.
If you’re looking for family fall activities in Knoxville, here are several local favorites worth adding to your calendar.
Boo at the Zoo
Location: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN
Zoo Knoxville’s annual Boo at the Zoo is a popular Halloween tradition for families with young children. The event features trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, costumed characters, festive decorations, and themed activities.
Designed with younger visitors in mind, Boo at the Zoo offers a fun way to celebrate Halloween without the scares of traditional haunted attractions.
The event takes place on select evenings in October. Visit Zoo Knoxville for current dates, admission prices, and ticket information.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patches are among the most popular family fall activities in Knoxville and nearby communities. Many local farms offer much more than pumpkins, with hayrides, play areas, farm animals, and other seasonal attractions.
Some places to visit include:
- Blackburn Farm: 405 Blackburn Lane, Lenoir City
- Maple Lane Farms: 1126 Maple Lane, Greenback
- Oakes Farm: 8240 Corryton Road, Knoxville
- Echo Valley: 915 Bethel Church Road, Jefferson City
- Deep Well Farm: 9567 US Highway 11 E, Lenoir City
Each farm offers a different experience, so check its seasonal activities, hours, and admission information before visiting.
Find Your Way Through a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are another favorite fall tradition in East Tennessee. Some feature simple routes for younger children, while others have more challenging designs that take longer to complete.
Several farms near Knoxville offer corn mazes as part of their fall activities:
- Kyker Farms: Sevierville
- Maple Lane Farms: Greenback
- Deep Well Farm: Lenoir City
- Echo Valley: Jefferson City
- Oakes Farm: Knoxville
Many of these farms also offer hayrides, pumpkin patches, and other attractions, making it possible to spend several hours enjoying everything on the property.
Visit an Apple Orchard
Apple season brings another opportunity for a family outing. Orchards and apple markets throughout East Tennessee offer fresh apples, cider, baked goods, and seasonal events.
Places to consider include:
- Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store: Sevierville
- Buffalo Trail Orchard: Greeneville
- Wheeler’s Orchard & Vineyard: Dunlap
- Rowell’s Orchard & Apple House: Crossville
- SkyLand Ranch Apple Harvest Festival: Sevierville
Not every location offers pick-your-own apples, so check ahead if apple picking is part of your plans.
For more options, read our guide to apple picking near Knoxville.
Enjoy Fall in Knoxville
You don’t have to travel far to find family fall activities in Knoxville. Local farms and seasonal events provide plenty of ways to enjoy October, whether you’re planning a full-day outing or looking for something to do over the weekend.
Many attractions operate on seasonal schedules, so it’s worth checking dates and ticket availability before heading out. With so many options throughout Knoxville and the surrounding communities, families can enjoy something different throughout the fall season.
