Must Do Fall Activities in Tallahassee, FL

Fall in Tallahassee may not mean breaking out the heavy winter coats just yet, but it does bring cooler weather, football season, pumpkin patches and a whole lot more reasons to get outside.

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, planning a fall weekend or just ready to enjoy Tallahassee without quite as much summer heat, here are some of our favorite things to do in Tallahassee this fall.

Go to an FSU Football Game

Fall in Tallahassee and FSU football pretty much go hand in hand. Head to Doak Campbell Stadium for a home game and experience one of the biggest Tallahassee traditions for yourself.

Even if you’re not a die-hard football fan, a home game weekend brings a completely different energy to town. Wear your garnet and gold, arrive early and expect plenty of traffic around campus!

Check the current FSU football schedule here.

Tailgate Before the Game

You don’t even have to make it inside the stadium to get in on the fun. Tailgating is a huge part of football season in Tallahassee, with fans gathering around campus hours before kickoff.

Hosting your own watch party instead? We’ve got plenty of football-themed tailgating food ideas to help you feed the crowd.

Visit the Florida Capitol

If you haven’t explored the Florida Capitol yet, fall is a great time to do it. Visit the Capitol complex, learn a little Florida history and head up to the observation level for a view over Tallahassee.

It’s also an easy activity to pair with a walk around downtown or lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

Find Florida Capitol visitor information here.

Take a Walk Around Lake Ella

When the weather finally starts cooling down, Lake Ella is one of those simple Tallahassee outings that’s hard to beat. Walk the loop around the lake, watch the ducks, grab something to eat nearby or just find a shady spot and hang out for a while.

It’s an easy choice when you want to get out of the house without turning the day into a major expedition.

Explore St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Once cooler weather arrives, this is one of our favorite times to head south to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. In fact, the refuge recommends fall, winter and early spring as some of the most pleasant times for hiking.

You can explore the trails, look for wildlife, take photos and drive Lighthouse Road all the way down toward the historic St. Marks Lighthouse. The refuge is about 25 miles south of Tallahassee, making it an easy day trip.

See current St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge visitor information.

Spend the Day at the Tallahassee Museum

The Tallahassee Museum is another place that’s especially nice once the temperature drops. Much of the museum is outdoors, with nature trails, native Florida wildlife, historic buildings and plenty of room to explore.

If you want a little more adventure, check out Tree-to-Tree Adventures. The aerial courses include obstacles and ziplines, with different options based on height and experience.

Check Tallahassee Museum hours and admission.

Visit the Challenger Learning Center

Need an indoor option for a warmer or rainy fall day? Head downtown to the Challenger Learning Center. It’s home to hands-on science and space experiences, a planetarium and an IMAX theatre.

It’s an especially good option for families, but check the current movie and planetarium schedules before you go since programming changes throughout the year.

See what’s currently playing at the Challenger Learning Center.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Nothing says fall quite like wandering through a pumpkin patch — even if you’re still wearing shorts because, well, Florida.

There are several pumpkin patches and fall farms within an easy drive of Tallahassee, with activities ranging from pumpkin picking and hayrides to corn mazes, farm animals and fall festivals.

We’ve put them together in our guide to the best pumpkin patches near Tallahassee, including local favorites and options worth the drive.

Find More Fall Events Around Tallahassee

Fall is one of Tallahassee’s busiest seasons for festivals, concerts, food events, markets and family activities. There’s usually something happening somewhere around town every weekend.

Keep an eye on our latest Tallahassee guides and event coverage as we add more things to do throughout the season.