5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY FALL ACTIVITIES NEAR HAMPTON ROADS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS
If your military family has been lucky enough to be stationed in Hampton Roads, Virginia, you already know this region has it all—beaches, history, and plenty of family fun. But if you ask me, fall in Hampton Roads is the best season of all. The weather cools down, the leaves start to change, and local attractions transform with festive events.
During our decade in the area, my family made it our mission to explore as much as possible—from pumpkin patches and amusement parks to Oktoberfests and chocolate festivals. Whether you’re new to Hampton Roads or are just looking for fresh ideas for your family’s fall bucket list, here are five can’t-miss seasonal excursions—all within about an hour’s drive.
Hunt Club Farm Fall Festival – Virginia Beach
2388 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Hunt Club Farm is a Hampton Roads fall tradition. Just minutes from the gates of Naval Air Station Oceana, this 50-acre family-owned farm becomes the go-to spot every autumn.
From September through October, the farm transforms into a fall festival wonderland with:
- A pick-your-own pumpkin patch
- Pony rides and a petting zoo
- Farm-fresh treats like candy apples
- Vibrant fall photo backdrops
For adventurous kids (and parents), Hunt Club now offers a TreeWalk Adventure, where you can climb through the treetops, and a BirdWalk Aviary filled with colorful feathered friends.
It’s the perfect place for a Saturday outing—or even a birthday party your little ones won’t forget.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens – Williamsburg
1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185
If you’re stationed anywhere in Hampton Roads, you’ve probably heard the buzz: Howl-O-Scream is a fall must-do.
Every September through early November, Busch Gardens Williamsburg completely transforms for this after-dark Halloween event.
Expect:
- Five spine-tingling haunted houses
- Creepy-cool Halloween shows
- Trick-or-treat spots for kids
- BOOze Bars and Bites (yes, that’s the name!) for parents
Pro tip for military families: Busch Gardens offers special discounted admission for service members and dependents. Check out their official site for the latest military deals.
Back Bay Farmhouse Brewing Company Oktoberfest – Virginia Beach
1805 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Looking for a fun date-day or adult outing this fall?
Head to Back Bay Farmhouse Brewing Company for their annual Oktoberfest celebration.
Set in a restored 1912 farmhouse, this brewery’s Oktoberfest is one of the most festive events in Virginia Beach. Expect:
- Live music from local bands
- Vendor markets
- Axe-throwing contests
- Seasonal fall beers served in limited-edition mugs (yours to keep!)
This year, Oktoberfest falls on Saturday, September 20, and runs from morning to close. Trust me, you’ll want to call the babysitter for this one.
Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival – Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Got a sweet tooth? You’ll love the Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival, happening this year on November 11–12.
This family-friendly festival is packed with:
- Local chocolatiers and artisan vendors
- Hands-on cooking demos
- Plenty of samples (yes, lots of them!)
It’s conveniently located just minutes from the oceanfront and nearby bases like NAS Oceana and Dam Neck. Kids under 10 get in free, making it an easy weekend treat for the whole family.
Local Farms, Orchards, and Fall Markets
Beyond these big-ticket events, Hampton Roads is home to dozens of smaller pumpkin patches, orchards, and farmers markets perfect for a laid-back fall Saturday. Some local favorites include:
- Cullipher Farm Market (Virginia Beach)
- Hickory Ridge Farm (Chesapeake)
- Bergey’s Breadbasket (Chesapeake)
Pack a picnic, pick some apples or pumpkins, and soak in that crisp Virginia fall air.
Why Hampton Roads in the Fall is Perfect for Military Families
From the spooky fun of Busch Gardens to the sweet treats at the Chocolate Festival and the pumpkin patches that rival any small-town fair, Hampton Roads truly shines in the fall.
Best of all? Most of these excursions are just a short drive from the area’s military bases, making them perfect day trips for families.
Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned local, there’s always something new to discover. So grab your sweaters, load the kids in the car, and start making those fall memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly fall activities in Hampton Roads?
Hampton Roads offers pumpkin patches, fall festivals, amusement parks, chocolate festivals, and seasonal brewery events. Hunt Club Farm, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream, and the Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival are must-stops.
How far are these attractions from naval bases in Hampton Roads?
Most attractions are within a 30–60 minute drive from NAS Oceana, Dam Neck, Little Creek, and Norfolk.
Are any of these fall events free for children?
Yes. Children under 10 get free admission at the Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival. Hunt Club Farm also offers reasonably priced family activities.
Can military families get discounts at these events?
Absolutely! Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream offers special military pricing, and some local farms offer discounted entry or group rates for military families.
When is the best time to visit these attractions in the fall?
Early to mid-October is peak fall season for pumpkin patches and farm events. Late September to early November is ideal for festivals like Howl-O-Scream and Oktoberfests.
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