Fall is a magical time of year, and there’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy in the Tampa Bay area. From visiting pumpkin patches to exploring haunted houses, there’s something for everyone to embrace the spirit of the season. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best fall activities in Tampa Bay, ensuring you have an unforgettable autumn experience.

1. Embrace the Pumpkin Patch Experience

One of the quintessential fall activities is visiting a pumpkin patch. Tampa Bay offers a variety of options where you can pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating your home. Here are a few notable pumpkin patches in the area:

Gallagher’s Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees

Gallagher’s Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees offers a delightful fall experience with a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from, as well as a selection of fresh Christmas trees during the holiday season. Enjoy fun activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and a petting zoo, making it the perfect destination for family-friendly fall and winter festivities.

Raprager Family Farm Fall Pumpkin Patch

Raprager Family Farm Fall Pumpkin Patch is a must-visit destination for pumpkin enthusiasts. Explore their vast pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin for carving or decoration, while enjoying attractions like corn mazes, hayrides, and a petting zoo. With a charming country setting, it’s an ideal spot for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

DK Festival Farm Pumpkin Patch

DK Festival Farm Pumpkin Patch is a seasonal wonderland bursting with autumn charm. Get lost in their challenging corn maze, pick your own pumpkin, and enjoy family-friendly activities like hayrides and barrel train rides. This festive farm offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.

HarvestMoon Farm Pumpkin Patch

HarvestMoon Farm Pumpkin Patch is a beloved fall destination that promises a memorable experience for everyone. Wander through their scenic pumpkin patch, take a hayride through the farm, and get lost in their challenging corn maze. With a wide range of activities and attractions, it’s the perfect place to embrace the spirit of the season.

Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch

Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch brings the festive spirit of Halloween to life with its vibrant pumpkin display. Choose your favorite pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in delicious treats from local vendors. This urban pumpkin patch offers a unique and charming experience in the heart of the city.

St. Pete Pier Fall Pumpkin Patch

St. Pete Pier Fall Pumpkin Patch is a delightful fall destination with stunning waterfront views. Explore their pumpkin patch, take a leisurely stroll along the pier, and indulge in seasonal treats. This charming pumpkin patch offers a picturesque setting for a memorable fall outing.

Annual Heights Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch at Armature Works

The Annual Heights Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch at Armature Works is a beloved community event with something for everyone. Browse through a wide variety of pumpkins, enjoy live music and entertainment, and savor delicious food and drinks from local vendors. With its lively atmosphere and festive spirit, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season with family and friends.

2. Get Spooked at Haunted Houses

For those seeking a thrilling adventure, Tampa Bay has a variety of haunted houses to explore. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or simply looking for a spooky night out, these haunted houses are sure to deliver a memorable experience:

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail

Located in Plant City, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail offers three terrifying haunted trails, laser tag, and even an escape room. This attraction is not recommended for children under 12, so leave the little ones at home for this chilling adventure.

The Haunting of River Ranch Corn Maze

For a truly spine-chilling experience, head to The Haunting of River Ranch Corn Maze in Polk County. This haunted corn maze is sure to test your bravery as you navigate through the twists and turns, encountering terrifying surprises along the way.

Busch Gardens HOWL-O-SCREAM

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream is a thrilling Halloween event featuring haunted houses, scare zones, shows, and rides, offering an immersive and terrifying experience for visitors after 6 pm.

Undead in the Water: SOS

Undead in the Water: SOS is a thrilling interactive haunted attraction that takes place aboard a haunted pirate ship. Guests must navigate through the ghostly vessel, encountering terrifying creatures and solving puzzles to escape the curse that has plagued the ship.

Raprager Fall Festival and Haunted Farm

Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park

Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park is a spine-chilling nighttime experience that leads visitors through a dark and haunted forest. With eerie sounds, haunting lights, and unexpected scares lurking around every corner, this haunted trail promises a heart-pounding adventure for brave souls.

Field of Screams: Beyond the Bayou

Field of Screams: Beyond the Bayou is a terrifying haunted attraction that takes place in a haunted cornfield, where guests can navigate through a maze of scares and encounter supernatural beings, providing a heart-pounding and adrenaline-fueled experience. 

ZooTampa Creatures of the Night

ZooTampa Creatures of the Night is a family-friendly event where the zoo transforms into a mystical world after dark. Visitors can explore the animal exhibits, encounter costumed characters, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in interactive activities, all while experiencing the enchantment and excitement of nocturnal creatures.

3. Explore Fall Festivals

Fall festivals are a staple of the season, and Tampa Bay has no shortage of them. These festivals offer a wide range of activities, from live music to food vendors. Here are a few fall festivals you won’t want to miss:

Keel Farms Harvest Days

Keel Farms in Plant City hosts an exciting event called Harvest Days. This festival features a four-acre corn maze, pumpkin hatch, hayrides, and a kids zone. Enjoy some delicious fruit wines, sangrias, beers, and ciders while immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere.

Gallagher’s Fall Festival

Gallagher’s Fall Festival in St. Petersburg has been a favorite spot for fall photos for over 30 years. This family-owned business offers a picturesque setting with a vintage pickup truck, homemade pies, and even a goat pen where you can feed the adorable goats.

Sweetfields Farm Fall Festival

Sweetfields Farm in Masaryktown is another delightful destination for a fall festival. Enjoy the Pitcher Pump Duck Race, hayrides, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and a free seasonal craft. Don’t forget to explore the impressive corn maze inspired by the farm’s new dog!

4. Immerse Yourself in Live Music

Tampa Bay is known for its vibrant music scene, and fall is the perfect time to experience live performances. From rock to jazz, there’s a genre for every music lover. Here are a few live music events to look out for:

Rock the Park

Rock the Park is a monthly music series held in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. This event showcases local and regional bands, providing a platform for up-and-coming talent as well as established acts.

Tampa Bay Blues Festival

For blues enthusiasts, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival is a must-attend event. Held annually at Vinoy Waterfront Park in St. Petersburg, this festival brings together some of the biggest names in blues music for a weekend of soulful performances.

Tampa Bay Jazz Fest

If jazz is more your style, don’t miss the Tampa Bay Jazz Fest. This annual event features world-class jazz musicians performing in various locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Immerse yourself in the smooth sounds of this beloved genre.

5. Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of the cooler weather and enjoy outdoor activities in Tampa Bay. Here are a few options for embracing the outdoors during the autumn season:

Hiking and Nature Trails

Tampa Bay is home to several beautiful nature trails and parks where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of fall foliage. Some popular options include Lettuce Lake Park, Alafia River State Park, and Upper Tampa Bay Park.

Kayaking and Canoeing

With its numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, Tampa Bay offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle through serene waterways and take in the beauty of nature as you explore the region from a unique perspective.

6. Indulge in Fall Flavors: Farmers Markets

Fall wouldn’t be complete without indulging in delicious seasonal flavors. Tampa Bay’s farmers markets are a treasure trove of seasonal produce and artisanal products. Explore the stalls and discover fall favorites such as apples, pumpkins, squash, and other ingredients that will inspire you to create delightful fall dishes at home.

Keystone Farmers Market in Odessa

The Keystone Farmers Market in Odessa is the premier farmer’s market in the Hillsborough County area, offering a wide range of locally grown produce, dairy products, ornamental plants, pantry foods, meats, eggs, artisan goods, and more. Visitors can also enjoy their signature boiled peanuts and even feed the cows for a unique experience.

Tampa Bay Farmers Market in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Farmers Market in Tampa is a bustling hub for fresh and local products, including honey, baked goods, and a variety of greens. With a diverse selection of artisan foods, crafts, and other products, this market is a must-visit for those seeking a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Life Farms in Clearwater

Life Farms in Clearwater offers a unique farm-to-table experience, with a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices. Visitors can explore the farm, purchase fresh produce, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while supporting local agriculture.

Dunedin Downtown Market

The Dunedin Downtown Market is a vibrant gathering place in the heart of Dunedin, offering a wide array of locally sourced produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. With a lively and friendly atmosphere, this market is a perfect destination for a weekend outing.

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market

The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is a bustling and popular market in downtown St. Petersburg. Offering a diverse selection of artisan foods, crafts, and other products, this market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively community spirit. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of locally sourced products while immersing themselves in the unique charm of St. Petersburg.

Tampa Bay is brimming with exciting fall activities that cater to every interest and age group. Whether you’re exploring pumpkin patches, getting spooked at haunted houses, or enjoying live music and art events, there’s something for everyone to embrace the spirit of the season. Make the most of the autumn months by participating in the best fall activities in Tampa Bay, creating unforgettable memories along the way.