Where to Take Your Family in September for a Quintessential Fall Getaway

If you haven’t started planning your fall getaway yet, it’s time! Here are six great places to take the fam this fall, whether you want an urban destination, theme parks, nature or a mix of all of the above.

Laconia, New Hampshire

Go leaf peeping, but don’t just marvel at the leaves in this New Hampshire destination. You’ll also find gorgeous lake views, as Laconia is situated right in the state’s scenic lakes region. From boating to hiking through state parks, this is a perfect outdoors-y getaway for fall.

Bozeman, Montana

Cherry Creek running through Cherry Creek Nature Preserve in Bozeman, Montana. Photo: Leigh Anne Meeks | Dreamstime.com

Montana gets a lot of tourism in the summer, so beat the crowds and head there when the weather turns chilly. Visit the nearby national forests and parks, hike to your heart’s content and enjoy the bright fall leaves. Plus, there are plenty of options if your accommodation preferences include private cabins and home rentals.

Niagara Falls, New York

New York’s gorgeous fall scenery complements the magnificence of the famous Niagara Falls. Beyond hiking around the falls, taking a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist or even a helicopter tour above the falls, you can find plenty of non-waterfall related activities in the area to keep your family occupied. Hiking, apple picking, museums and great food all await.

Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri, is known as a family-friendly, tourist haven, but, like Montana, it gets a big mass of tourists in the summer months. Head there in the fall to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, shorter lines at the adventure park Silver Dollar City and more affordable accommodations, including picturesque log cabins.

Montreal, Quebec

You don’t have to stick to the States to enjoy fall foliage and overall autumn goodness. Travel to Montreal, where the cooler seasonal temperatures make walking around the city comfortable. When you’ve had your fill of the urban areas, you can get out of town a bit, to hike, mountain bike and more, among the lovely deciduous foliage just a short drive from the city.

Aspen, Colorado

Before ski season starts, visit the beautiful slopes of Aspen, Colorado. The prices for flights and accommodations are a bit more affordable, but the magnificent fall colors are well worth any price tag. There are plenty of condos available for rent, giving a traveling family an abundance of space, and family-friendly activities are at every turn.