There is something about fall in Louisiana that just feels different.
And no, we're not necessarily talking about crisp 60-degree mornings, sweaters and changing leaves. Around here, "fall" sometimes means putting on a cute fall outfit while it's still 87 degrees outside and hoping nobody sweats through the family pumpkin patch pictures.
But we love it anyway.
From pumpkin patches and fall festivals to live music, football weekends, Halloween events and little Louisiana road trips, fall is one of our favorite times of year to get out and explore.
If you're looking for things to do with kids in New Orleans, Mandeville, Covington and the surrounding areas this fall, save this list. We've rounded up some of our favorite ways to make the most of fall in South Louisiana.
š Visit a Louisiana Pumpkin Patch
You cannot have a fall bucket list without a pumpkin patch.
Even if the pumpkin ends up sitting on the porch until approximately three days before Mardi Gras decorations come out, picking it out is part of the experience.
A few local favorites and destinations worth checking out this fall include:
St. Paul's Episcopal School Pumpkin Patch ā Lakeview
Located on Canal Boulevard, this is an easy New Orleans option for families looking for pumpkins and a cute fall photo opportunity. The 2026 pumpkin patch is scheduled for October 10ā30.
Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch ā Hammond Area
Mrs. Heather's is celebrating its 30th fall season in 2026. The patch is scheduled to open September 23 and run through November 8.
Liuzza Land ā Amite
This one is worth the drive if you want to turn pumpkin picking into an entire fall outing. Think pumpkins, flowers, farm animals, a corn maze and plenty of opportunities for pictures. Their 2026 Fall Festival is scheduled from October 3 through November 21.
Local church and school pumpkin patches
Don't overlook these! Churches, schools and community organizations throughout New Orleans and the Northshore host smaller pumpkin patches throughout October. They're often perfect when you want cute pictures and pumpkins without committing to an entire day trip.
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Local Mom Tip
Louisiana fall weather has absolutely no respect for the outfit you planned.
Check the temperature before putting everyone in jeans, boots and sweaters for pumpkin patch pictures. You may be much happier choosing fall colors in lightweight fabrics and saving the sweaters for the three days of winter we get in January.
š Spend an Evening at a Northshore Fall Concert
One of the best parts about fall on the Northshore is when it finally becomes pleasant enough to voluntarily sit outside again.
Pack a blanket, grab dinner or snacks and make an evening out of one of the area's outdoor concert series.
Mandeville Live! ā Mandeville Trailhead returns with live music during the fall season.
Rockin' the Rails ā Covington Trailhead is another Northshore favorite, bringing live music to downtown Covington on fall evenings.
Pelican Park Fall Concerts ā Mandeville are another easy option for families looking for live music, food and an outdoor evening.
These are especially nice when you have older kids who may have officially decided that pumpkin patches are "for babies."
š” Go to the St. Tammany Parish Fair
If you grew up going to parish fairs, you already know.
Rides. Fair food. Livestock. Games. Exhibits. Kids begging you to win them something that will somehow cost $37 even though you could buy it for $4.
The St. Tammany Parish Fair in Covington returns this fall and is one of those classic Northshore traditions that's worth putting on the calendar.
It's also an easy way to spend an afternoon without crossing the Causeway.
And Northshore parents know that last sentence alone can sometimes sell an activity.
š» Get Spooky at Ghost in the Oaks
New Orleans City Park is already magical for kids, but Halloween gives us another reason to visit.
Ghost in the Oaks returns to Carousel Gardens in October with several nights of Halloween fun.
Costumes + amusement rides + City Park + Halloween?
That's a pretty solid Louisiana childhood memory.
Tickets for popular Halloween events can sell out, so this is one we recommend planning ahead for rather than deciding at 4:45 p.m. that tonight sounds like a great night to go.
š¦ Celebrate Halloween at Boo at the Zoo
Another New Orleans fall tradition is Boo at the Zoo at Audubon Zoo.
The 2026 event is scheduled for October and gives families a chance to combine Halloween fun with one of New Orleans' favorite kid destinations.
This is especially good for younger children who want the costumes and treats without anything too scary.
š Eat Your Way Through a Fall Festival
One thing Louisiana will always do well is build an entire festival around something delicious.
The National Fried Chicken Festival returns to New Orleans October 2ā4, 2026.
And really, "Would you like to spend the day eating fried chicken?" is not a question we need much time to think about.
Fall also brings plenty of smaller food festivals, markets, fairs and community events throughout the New Orleans area.
Keep an eye on local event calendars because new events are announced throughout the season.
āļø Play Tourist in Your Own City
Sometimes we forget that people literally plan vacations to experience the things sitting in our own backyard.
Fall is a great excuse to spend a day playing tourist.
- Take the kids to the French Quarter.
- Ride the streetcar.
- Walk through Jackson Square.
- Get beignets.
- Visit the aquarium.
- Explore a museum you've never taken them to.
- Walk along the river.
- Let them pick a ridiculous souvenir.
- Take the pictures.
You don't have to leave Louisiana to give your kids a day they'll remember.
š» Take the Kids on a New Orleans Ghost Adventure
New Orleans may be one of the best cities in America for Halloween simply because half of our history already sounds like a ghost story.
For younger children, look for kid-friendly tours designed specifically around New Orleans legends, superstitions and spooky history rather than traditional late-night ghost tours.
It's a fun way to sneak a little Louisiana history into an activity without announcing that you're doing something educational.
Because apparently once you tell children something is educational, you've ruined it.
š³ Have a City Park Day
Not every fall activity needs tickets or an elaborate plan.
Pick a pretty afternoon and head to City Park.
Walk beneath the oak trees, visit Storyland or Carousel Gardens when they're open, grab something sweet and simply let the kids play.
Fall in Louisiana is less about changing leaves and more about finally being able to exist outdoors without feeling like you're standing inside someone's air fryer.
We take what we can get.
š Have a Lakefront Picnic
For Northshore families, grab dinner to-go and head toward the Mandeville lakefront.
Bring a blanket.
Let the kids run around.
Watch the sunset.
That's it.
Some of the best family traditions aren't expensive or elaborate.
Years from now, the kids probably won't remember what dinner cost. They'll remember running around by the lake while you repeatedly told them not to get their shoes wet.
š Make a Saturday All About Football
Football season basically counts as a Louisiana holiday.
Put everyone in their purple and gold, make game-day food and watch LSU.
Head to a local high school football game.
Tailgate.
Invite friends over.
Or make the drive to Baton Rouge and let the kids experience an LSU game day.
There is nothing quite like hearing Tiger Stadium for the first time.
šØ Visit a Fall Art Market or Craft Show
Fall also kicks off one of the best shopping seasons for local makers.
Covington, Mandeville, Metairie, New Orleans and surrounding communities host art markets, craft fairs and holiday markets throughout the fall.
These are great opportunities to find Louisiana-made gifts while supporting small businesses and artists.
As a small Louisiana business ourselves, we'll always encourage you to shop local when you can.
That purchase that feels small to you can genuinely make someone's entire day.
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š Take a Fall Day Trip
One of our favorite things about living in Southeast Louisiana is how many places are close enough for a spontaneous day trip.
Consider spending a Saturday exploring:
Covington
Abita Springs
Hammond
Ponchatoula
Madisonville
Slidell
Baton Rouge
Bay St. Louis
The Mississippi Gulf Coast
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You don't necessarily need an itinerary.
Pick somewhere you've never taken the kids, find somewhere local to eat and explore.
Sometimes those completely unplanned days turn into the ones everyone remembers.
š Make Your Own Louisiana Fall Bucket List
You don't have to attend every festival or spend every weekend running from one event to another.
Pick a handful of things your family will actually enjoy.
Our Louisiana fall bucket list would include:
ā Visit a pumpkin patch
ā Take pumpkin patch pictures
ā Go to a fall festival
ā Attend a local football game
ā Watch an LSU game
ā Spend an evening at the Mandeville lakefront
ā Attend an outdoor concert
ā Visit City Park
ā Get beignets
ā Go to a Halloween event
ā Take a Louisiana day trip
ā Visit a local craft market
ā Carve or paint pumpkins
ā Have a family movie night
ā Support at least one locally owned business
You don't need Pinterest-perfect pictures or an elaborate itinerary.
Just make the memories.
Fall in Louisiana Is What We Make It
Fall here might not look like the movies.
Our leaves don't always change.
Our pumpkin patch pictures may involve mosquitoes.
There's a very real possibility you'll be sweating while holding a pumpkin.
And someone will inevitably ask when Mardi Gras merchandise comes out before we've even made it through Halloween.
But that's Louisiana.
And we wouldn't trade it.
Whether you're raising your family here, visiting New Orleans with kids, or spending a weekend exploring the Northshore, there are plenty of ways to make this season special.
From our Louisiana family to yours ā happy fall!
Event dates and details can change. Always confirm current dates, hours, ticket requirements and weather policies directly with the event or venue before heading out.