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Top 5 Fall Activities in North Texas You Don’t Want to Miss

Autumn scene with pumpkins and colorful leaves under warm sunlight.

Fall in North Texas is the perfect time to get outside and soak up everything this season has to offer. The blazing summer heat finally gives us a break, the sunsets are breathtaking, and there’s no shortage of fun ways to enjoy the cooler weather. If you’re searching for things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth in fall, you’re in luck—there are plenty of activities that mix adventure, tradition, and relaxation.

Here are 5 must-try fall activities in North Texas (including one you definitely don’t want to miss on Grapevine Lake)

1. Sunset & Glow Kayaking Tours on Grapevine Lake

Two people kayaking at sunset with glowing lights under their kayak.

One of the most unique fall activities near Grapevine Lake is getting out on the water with Get Up And Go Kayaking – Grapevine. Their unique kayaks give you a one-of-a-kind view of the lake.  Fall evenings are absolutely perfect for paddling.  The Sunset & Glow Tour lets you watch the sky turn brilliant shades of amazing colors.  Even more unforgettable, the LED lights your kayak up with bright colors after dark. The glowing boats, calm lake, and starry skies make this tour one of the top things to do in North Texas in fall—whether you’re planning a date night, family outing, or a fun group adventure.

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze

Cornfield with pumpkins on the ground under a clear blue sky.

You can’t celebrate fall without a trip to a pumpkin patch! Luckily, North Texas has some amazing local spots perfect for a fall afternoon:

  • Hall’s Pumpkin Farm & Corn Maze (Grapevine) – A local favorite right near Grapevine Lake. It’s got a massive corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, and plenty of pumpkins to choose from.
  • Blase Family Farm (Rockwall) – A smaller, family-friendly patch with a cozy vibe, hayrides, and delicious fall treats.
  • Team Family Farms (Aubrey) – Known for its wide variety of pumpkins, animal encounters, and family activities.
  • Mainstay Farm Park (Cleburne) – One of the biggest fall festivals in the area, with rides, games, food, and an incredible pumpkin selection.

Whether you’re picking pumpkins for carving, sipping hot cider, or tackling a corn maze, these patches make for a perfect fall day out.

3. Go Hiking at Local Trails and Parks

A sunlit path through autumn trees with vibrant leaves and sunlight filtering through the branches.

Cooler temps make fall the ideal season for hiking in DFW. Try Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas, or head up to Eisenhower State Park on Lake Texoma for stunning lake views. Fresh air, fall sunsets, and wide-open trails? That’s a recipe for a perfect day outdoors.

4. Explore Grapevine’s Festivals and Main Street Wineries

Dining table set with wine glasses, bottles, and soft lighting in a rustic setting.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back activity, head to Historic Grapevine. Main Street is the heart of it all, with boutique shops, local restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and seasonal events. In the fall, the street transforms with festive décor—pumpkins, hay bales, and twinkling lights to create a cozy, small-town atmosphere that feels straight out of a movie.

You can spend hours strolling through antique shops, checking out local art galleries, and sampling wines from Texas vineyards at one of Grapevine’s many tasting rooms. Seasonal festivals bring live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun.   Whether you’re sipping wine on a patio, enjoying a harvest festival, or just walking hand-in-hand with someone special, Main Street is one of the best fall activities near Grapevine Lake.

5. Football Weekends in North Texas

Two football teams in formation on a field ready for a play, with players on the sideline observing.

Football and fall go hand in hand in Texas. Friday nights are all about high school football under the lights, where the whole community comes together for big plays, marching bands, and that classic Texas energy.

On Saturdays, you can catch college games with schools like TCU in Fort Worth, SMU in Dallas, or UNT (University of North Texas) in Denton bringing out fans and plenty of team spirit. And of course, Sundays are reserved for the pros—whether you’re cheering on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium or watching with friends at a local sports bar. No matter your level of fandom, a football weekend in North Texas is one of the most exciting ways to soak up the fall season.

From pumpkin patches and football to wineries, hiking trails and kayak adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth in fall.