Your Ultimate Fall Bucket List: Things to Do in and Around London


There’s something special about fall in London, Ontario. The crisp mornings, mcolourful trees, local farms, cozy cafés, and packed community event calendars make it one of the best times of year to get out and explore the Forest City.Whether you’re looking for a family day trip, a weekend activity with friends, a date idea, or simply an excuse to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite ways to make the most of the season.


🍎 Pick Your Own Apples

Nothing says fall quite like a day at the orchard.Head out to Apple Land Station in Thorndale for apple picking, a train ride to the orchard, pumpkins, farm animals, a corn maze, jumping pillows, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Their fall season runs from Labour Day weekend through October 31.For something a little closer to London, Crunican Orchards is a great spot to pick up Ontario-grown apples and seasonal produce while enjoying the beautiful countryside.

🎃 Visit a Pumpkin Patch

It's officially pumpkin season!One of the best fall traditions is heading out to a local farm to find the perfect pumpkin. Kustermans Adventure Farm in Mount Brydges offers a full fall festival experience with a 10-acre pumpkin patch, corn maze, wagon rides, inflatables, face painting, and other farm activities. Their 2026 Fall Festival also includes special Halloween programming on select October weekends.Another great option is Apple Land Station, where you can ride the train out to the pumpkin patch and spend the day enjoying their Fun Farm.

🎡 Make a Day of the Western Fair

One of London's biggest fall traditions is back!The 149th Western Fair runs September 11–20, 2026, bringing 10 days of midway rides, food, music, animals, vendors, and entertainment to the city.This year's Fair also features new midway rides, $6 Taste of the Fair food items before 6 p.m., free water stations, and a new Bathtub Singer attraction. Kids 10 and under and adults 65+ get free admission. 

🍁 Take a Fall Colour Walk

You don't always need a big event to enjoy fall.Springbank Park is one of London's best places to enjoy the changing leaves. Take a walk along the Thames River, bring the dog, pack a coffee, or simply spend an afternoon enjoying the scenery.For an even more relaxed fall outing, bring your camera and turn your walk into a little fall photo adventure.

👻 Experience Pumpkins After Dark

Looking for something to do after the sun goes down?Pumpkins After Dark returns to Storybook Gardens from October 2–31, 2026. The event transforms the park into a nighttime Halloween experience featuring illuminated pumpkin displays. It's a fun option for families, couples, or anyone who loves a little Halloween magic.

Explore a Local Fall Festival

Fall is the perfect excuse to get out of the city and explore some of the communities surrounding London.The Ilderton Fall Fair takes place October 2–4, 2026, celebrating agriculture, local traditions, creative arts, vendors, midway rides, contests, livestock, and a parade. It's a great way to experience a little bit of Southwestern Ontario's rural charm while supporting local communities.

🌽 Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Fall isn't complete without getting lost in a corn maze!Local farms including Kustermans offer corn maze experiences as part of their fall programming. Kustermans' Fall Festival includes a five-acre corn maze with games throughout. 

🧺 Shop Local at a Fall Market

Fall is also a great time to explore London's local markets.Covent Garden Market is a great place to browse local vendors, pick up seasonal ingredients, grab something to eat, and see what's happening downtown. The market hosts a variety of seasonal events and community programming throughout the year.

🏡 Step Back in Time at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

For something a little different, spend an afternoon at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.The open-air museum brings London's history to life through historic buildings, demonstrations, interpreters, and hands-on experiences. It's also located within Fanshawe Conservation Area, making it a beautiful spot to visit when the fall colours are at their best.

🌳 Get Outside at Boler Mountain

Fall is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather.Boler Mountain offers outdoor activities throughout the fall, including mountain biking, trails, fitness activities, and its Treetop Adventure Park.If you've been looking for an excuse to get active before winter arrives, this is it!

Take a Fall Day Trip

Sometimes the best fall memories happen just outside the city.Pack the car, grab a coffee, and explore some of the small towns, farms, markets, and scenic roads surrounding London. Port Stanley, St. Thomas, Mount Brydges, Thorndale, and Ilderton all make great starting points for a fall afternoon.Great Lakes Farms near Port Stanley is another option for a fall farm outing, with seasonal apples, pumpkins, and family activities.

Make Time for the Little Things

And finally, don't underestimate the simple fall activities.☕ Grab a pumpkin spice latte
🍁 Take a long walk through the leaves
🎃 Decorate your front porch
🍎 Bake an apple pie
🕯️ Have a cozy movie night
🥧 Visit a local bakery
📸 Take family photos
🐕 Take your dog on a new trail
🍲 Make your favourite fall soup
🔥 Have a backyard fire on a crisp eveningSometimes the best part of fall is simply slowing down and enjoying where you live.There is so much happening in and around London this fall, and you don't have to travel far to find something fun to do. Whether you're heading to a pumpkin patch with the kids, exploring the fall colours with your dog, enjoying the Western Fair, or simply grabbing a coffee and taking a walk through the neighbourhood, fall is a great reminder to get outside and enjoy our community.