Finding the Right Fall Activities
Anyone else feel like the end of the year is jam-packed with holidays, birthdays, and activities? Same here!
It’s especially true for us — my son’s birthday is the day before Halloween. As much as we love fall fun, I sometimes hesitate to jump into all the seasonal activities, not knowing how he’ll react in new or loud environments.
So, this year I looked for sensory-friendly events and calm fall experiences — places that create space for kids to enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are a few favorites worth checking out.
👻 Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail – Plant City, FL
This one’s a bit of a drive from Jacksonville, but Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City is totally worth it!
It’s an outdoor haunted attraction featuring:
- 3 haunted houses
- A haunted hayride
- 2 escape rooms
- Laser tag
- And a spooky gift shop (I picked up some Halloween-themed soap for my son!)
Mark your calendar:
🎟 October 30th is their Family-Friendly Fright Night, specially designed for guests with sensory sensitivities. That means your family can explore the haunted attractions without jump scares or loud noises — just the fun, lights, and atmosphere.
🦒 Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens – Spooktacular
While the sensory-friendly night at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has already passed this year (I missed it too!), there’s still plenty of time to enjoy their Spooktacular event.
Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the zoo is decked out in glowing Halloween decor. Kids can:
- Dress up in their costumes
- Collect candy at 8 themed stations
- Enjoy immersive light and sound displays (one area is geared toward older kids 13+)
If your little one gets overstimulated easily, plan your visit early in the evening and stay as long as they’re comfortable. The animals are tucked in for the night, but you can buy a combo ticket to visit them before the event begins.
👉 Get your Spooktacular tickets here.
🌻 A Day at the Family Farm
Exploring a local family farm has been one of our favorite fall traditions — even before my son’s diagnosis.
We love it because it’s calm, open, and easy to go at our own pace. From hayrides and corn mazes to pumpkin picking and flower fields, there’s something for everyone — and plenty of space for kids to just be kids.
Living in Florida, we always pack bug spray and sunscreen, just in case!
There are at least four family farms near Jacksonville offering fall fun. This year, we visited Geiger Pioneer Farm and had an amazing time, but you can pick whichever is closest to you.
🚗 Trunk or Treat Events
Trunk-or-treats really became popular after the pandemic — and for good reason!
These events, often hosted by schools or sports organizations, allow kids to collect candy in a calm, controlled setting without the unpredictability of door-to-door trick-or-treating.
They can still dress up, visit each decorated car, and grab treats — usually while it’s still light outside and before the night gets too hectic.
For many sensory-sensitive kids, this setup is a game changer.
🧡 Fall Is a Time to Be Enjoyed
I used to think we had to limit the activities we did because of sensory challenges. But the truth is, we just get to experience things a little differently — and that’s okay.
Whether it’s a quiet farm day, a trunk-or-treat, or a sensory-friendly zoo night, there are so many ways to celebrate fall without stress or overwhelm.
Don’t limit yourself or your family — get out there, explore, and make memories your own way. 🍂
Until next time,
– NiftyMama
Nifty Mama 