Fall Festivals Near Mechanicsburg, PA: 4 Fun Things to Do With Kids This Weekend

Looking for fall festivals near Mechanicsburg, PA, this weekend? 🍂 If you’re a mom in Central Pennsylvania, I’ve rounded up a few fun autumn events and family-friendly activities to help you make the most of the weekend with your kids!

There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to slow down a little. The cooler mornings, the promise of changing leaves, the smell of fall treats, and watching our kids get excited about the simplest things. Whether you’re looking for a local festival, a farm outing, or a fun activity to fill your Saturday, this list is a great place to start.

If you’re a mom in Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Carlisle, Harrisburg, or the surrounding areas, here are a few fall events to check out this weekend, September 19–20, 2026.

Event dates, times, and availability can change. Be sure to check each event’s official page before heading out.

1. Fall Fest at Oak Grove Farms in Mechanicsburg

📍 Oak Grove Farms | Mechanicsburg, PA

If you’re looking for a fall activity close to home, Oak Grove Farms is a great place to start exploring. A local farm outing is the perfect way to get outside with the kids and enjoy the beginning of the autumn season.

Depending on the activities offered, fall farm events can be a fun opportunity to explore, grab a seasonal treat, and let the kids enjoy a change of scenery.

Before you go, check the farm’s current event information for this weekend’s activities, admission, and schedule.

2. Middlesex Township Fall Festival & Community Day

📍 Middlesex Township Park | Carlisle, PA

Looking for a family-friendly fall event near Carlisle? Middlesex Township’s Fall Festival and Community Day is an option to explore for a fun afternoon with the kids.

The event listing includes community activities such as live music, food, crafts, story time, pony rides, hayrides, and a dunk tank.

This is the kind of outing that can make for a relaxed family afternoon. Let the kids enjoy the activities, grab something to eat, and spend some time outside together.

📅 Date: Saturday, September 19

Check the event organizer’s listing for the latest schedule and details.

3. Apple Weekend at Gruver Farms

📍 Gruver Farms | New Cumberland, PA

There’s just something about apple season that feels like fall! 🍎

If you’re looking for an autumn-inspired outing that feels a little different from a traditional fall festival, Gruver Farms’ Apple Weekend is worth checking out.

The weekend includes apple-themed activities at the tasting room, with food and drinks available. Saturday’s listing also includes Cousins Maine Lobster.

Whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon outing or a place to enjoy seasonal flavors, this could be a fun option to add to your weekend plans.

📅 Date: September 19–20

Check the farm’s event information for current hours and activities.

4. Pennsylvania Tea Festival in Mechanicsburg

📍 The Rosemary House | Mechanicsburg, PA

If you want to do something a little different this weekend, the Pennsylvania Tea Festival offers a seasonal experience in the herb gardens.

The festival includes specialty tea vendors, tastings, garden tours, educational programs, and live music.

This one may be especially appealing if you’re looking for a slower-paced outing or something to enjoy with a friend, mom, or family member. Depending on your children’s ages and interests, it could also be a fun way to explore something new together.

📅 Date: Saturday, September 19

Visit the official festival website for ticket information and the event schedule.

How to Make a Fall Weekend Special With Your Kids

Can I just say something? You don’t have to plan an elaborate day for your kids to have a memorable fall weekend. ❤️

Sometimes it’s the little things they’ll remember:

• Getting a warm apple cider after an afternoon outside.
• Letting them pick out a pumpkin.
• Taking a family photo when everyone is laughing.
• Finding a pretty field and letting the kids run around.
• Stopping for a seasonal treat on the way home.
• Saying yes to one more hayride, even when you’re ready to leave.

As moms, it’s easy to feel like we need to make everything perfect. But so much of the magic is in the ordinary moments. The messy hair, the little hands holding yours, and the excitement over something as simple as a pumpkin.

You don’t need a picture-perfect day. You just need to be there for it.

Family Photos in Mechanicsburg, PA

And since we’re talking about making memories, I have to mention one of my favorite ways to document this season: fall family photos!

Fall is such a beautiful time for family photography in Central Pennsylvania. The warm light, changing colors, and cozy seasonal outfits create the perfect setting for capturing your family just as they are.

As a Mechanicsburg family photographer, I love the in-between moments. The giggles, the cuddles, the kids running around, and the little interactions you might not even notice in the moment.

You don’t need everyone to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera the entire time. In fact, some of my favorite images are the ones that feel the most like your family.

If you’re hoping to update your family photos this fall, I’d love to help you create images that feel genuine, beautiful, and full of the people you love most.

Your kids won’t always be this little. Let’s document this season. 🤎

Explore Ashley K Photography’s family sessions →

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Little Things This Fall

Whether you visit a local fall festival, explore a farm, stop by a market, or simply spend the afternoon outside with your kids, I hope you find a little time to enjoy this season.

You don’t have to fill every weekend with activities. Choose something that sounds fun for your family, pack the snacks, bring the extra layer, and embrace the beautiful chaos that comes with doing life with little ones.

Happy fall, mamas! 🍂

Which fall festival or family activity are you planning to visit this weekend? Share this post with another Central PA mom who needs some weekend inspiration!

---