Autumn in Jacksonville offers a rich variety of activities from pumpkin patches to fall festivals, haunted trails, and sensory-friendly celebrations perfect for kids and teens of all abilities.
Local Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals
- Isle of Faith Pumpkin Patch (1821 San Pablo Rd S): A free, donation-based patch with family-friendly attractions and photo ops jacksonville.kidsoutandabout.com+1jacksonvillebeachmoms.com+1.
- Ortega United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch (4807 Roosevelt Blvd): Community-run, volunteer patch with festive fall vibes pumpkinpatchesandmore.org+1jacksonvillebeachmoms.com+1.
- Southside United Methodist Church Patch (3120 Hendricks Ave): Free admission with plentiful pumpkins and festive activities opfallfestival.com+6pumpkinpatchesandmore.org+6jacksonvillebeachmoms.com+6.
- Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres (Hilliard, FL): Open Oct 3–25, offering a fall vendor market, Grandparents Day, peaceful Friday evenings, a Field of Screams walk, and Autism & Related Disabilities Day visitflemingisland.com+2connerscornmaze.com+2jacksonvillebeachmoms.com+2.
- Orange Park Fall Festival: A two-day arts & vendors event—great for families with accessible zones facebook.com+4opfallfestival.com+4m.facebook.com+4.
Inclusive & Sensory-Friendly Events
- Sensory-Towne Halloween Glow (date TBD): A low-stimulus costume party with crafts and games, ideal for sensory-sensitive families .
- MOSH Family Sensory Night: Quiet evenings at the Museum of Science & History featuring calm rooms and dimmed lighting .
- Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays: Reduced-noise, dimmed lighting days at Avenues location on the first Sunday each month chuckecheese.com.
General Family Events
- Murray Hill-O-Ween Block Party & Parade (Oct 25, Riverside): Neighborhood parade with floats, food trucks, and family mascots facebook.com+1m.facebook.com+1.
- Jacksonville Zoo “Spooktacular” (mid-late October): Trick-or-treat experience with possible sensory accommodations visitflemingisland.com+5pumpkinpatchesandmore.org+5chuckecheese.com+5.
- NAS Jax Air Show (Oct 19–20): Air demos, kids’ zone, and food vendors—check for quiet spaces visitjacksonville.com.
Mainspring Academy’s Event
- Mainspring Academy Sensory-Friendly Fall Festival – October 31, 2025
Inclusive, low-stimulus celebration with interactive stations, games, Trunk or Treat, costume showcase, bounce houses, and snow cones, and allergen-free candy. Costumes welcome for students and volunteers!
Family Tips for Enjoying the Season
- Call ahead to ask about sensory accommodations and quiet zones.
- Arrive early to beat crowds and set a calm tone.
- Bring sensory aides like noise-canceling headphones and fidgets.
- Identify calm-down spots in advance.
- Use social stories to prepare kids for new sights, sounds, and crowds.
