Listen up, family fun seekers! Here’s everything you need to embark on adventures that will make your fall weekends feel like a blockbuster movie montage. Picture this: no traffic jams, no squabbles over who gets to DJ in the car, and no frantic parking spot searches. Take advantage of all autumn has to offer with these cool family escapades accessible via GO Transit in the heart of Southern Ontario's vibrant Golden Horseshoe.
Best of all, kids under 12 ride for free while adults can enjoy unlimited travel on weekends for just $10. And if you feel like skipping the crowds and adventuring during the week, weekday travel starts at just $30 for two people.
From pumpkin patches, leaf-peeping, corn mazes and haunted scream parks, we’ve got a list of eight popular excursions for this fall. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and let GO Transit be your family's chauffeur to the fun!
1. Chudleigh's Apple Farm, Milton, Ontario
Chudleigh's Apple Farm is a famous family-owned treasure where you can handpick your favourite apples in a stunning orchard setting. Kiddos can explore the enchanting fairy tale forest to their heart’s content, and the whole family can indulge in scrumptious apple-baked goods and treats at the Farm Kitchen. Be sure to wet your whistle at The Cidery with an impressive selection of zero-proof and hard ciders—their latest addition is a Rosé Cider. The farm offers live entertainment at The Porch, tractor rides, a pumpkin patch and a petting zoo.
How to Get There:
Take a GO Train to Milton Station. From there, it's a short taxi or Uber ride to Chudleigh's Apple Farm.
For a completely seamless journey, you can request a vehicle to be delivered to any GO station across their network through Turo, Canada’s favourite car-sharing marketplace. This makes it easy for you to connect to your next destination after your train or bus trip.
2. Downey's Farm Market, Caledon, Ontario
Celebrating its 30th season, Downey's Farm Market is a one-stop fall extravaganza complete with a sprawling pumpkin patch, a challenging 3-acre corn maze, and wagon rides through their gorgeous fall-coloured fields. As part of Pumpkinfest, there are events galore every weekend in September and October. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly based on the type of entertainment your family will enjoy. You can consult their calendar here.
How to Get There:
Catch a GO Train to Bramalea Station, and then a short taxi or Uber ride will take you to Downey's Farm Market. Or request a convenient car-share via Turo.
3. Screemers Haunted Scream Park, Vaughan, Ontario
For families seeking a more Halloween-esque thrill this fall, Screemers Haunted Scream Park in Toronto and their brand-new haunt in Vaughan promise a heart-pounding, adrenaline-surging experience. Scream your way through haunted houses, catch your breath with some live entertainment and liquid courage at the Vampire Lounge, and then crank up the terror all over again with haunted rides and more terrifying attractions. Screemers is the perfect family adventure for older kids and teens.
How to Get There:
Hop on a GO Train to Rutherford Station, and then a quick taxi or Uber ride will bring you to 80 Interchange Way. Or request a convenient car-share via Turo.
4. Strom's Farm & Bakery, Guelph, Ontario
Strom's Farm offers a wide range of fun fall-inspired activities, including straw and corn mazes, wagon rides, a sand pit, ropes course, a pedal cart track, puppet shows, pumpkin chucking and more. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at the charming farm store, famous for its delicious pies, apple cider donuts, and other irresistible seasonal treats.
How to Get There:
Hop on a GO Train to Guelph Central Station, and then a quick taxi or Uber ride will bring you to Strom's Farm & Bakery. Downey's Farm Market. Or request a convenient car-share via Turo.
5. Treetop Trekking, Brampton, Hamilton and Stouffville, Ontario
For active, nature-loving families looking for the ultimate adventure this fall, consider Treetop Trekking. Swing, zip, and climb through the treetops in multiple parks and aerial courses around the Golden Horseshoe. Each location offers different challenges and breathtaking views of the fall foliage, and there’s a course and activity for every age group, as well as team-building programs for schools and corporate groups.
How to Get There:
For Hamilton: Take a GO Train to Hamilton GO Centre Station or West Harbour GO Station, and then a taxi or Uber will get you to Treetop Trekking.
For Brampton: Take a GO Bus to Brampton GO station. From there, take a GO bus to Heart Lake Station, followed by a short taxi or Uber ride.
For Stouffville: Take a GO Train to Stouffville GO Station, followed by a short taxi or Uber ride. Downey's Farm Market. Or request a convenient car-share via Turo.
6. Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Milton, Ontario
If taking in breathtaking views of the gorgeous gradients of red, orange and yellow foliage is your idea of fall fun, look no further than Rattlesnake Point as the ideal spot for some of the best leaf peeping in Southern Ontario. Pack a fully-charged phone for all your stunning snaps and hike along the rugged trails that lead to spectacular lookout points with panoramic views of the escarpment and the vibrant autumn landscape.
How to Get There:
Get on a GO Train to Milton Station. From there, it's a short taxi or Uber ride to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area.Downey's Farm Market. Or request a convenient car-share via Turo.
7. Hewitt's Farm Market & Bakery, Severn, Ontario
Hewitt's Farm Market & Bakery is a hidden gem known for its to-die-for pies, peak-season produce and baked goodies. Play a round of mini golf, say “hello” to the adorable farm animals, venture through a flashlight maze, hop on a tractor-pulled wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and explore their charming farm store.
How to Get There:
Take a GO Train to Allendale Station, and then a quick taxi or Uber ride will transport you to Hewitt's Farm Market & Bakery. Or request a convenient car-share via Turo.
8. Dixie Orchards, Caledon, Ontario
Much more than just an apple-picking farm, Dixie Orchards is a delightful destination for pumpkin and hazelnut hunting, apple picking and a variety of attractions for the whole family to enjoy, from wagon rides, a corn maze, and a playground for kids. Be sure to sample their fresh apple cider, an autumn delight you don’t want to miss!
How to Get There:
Catch a GO Train to Bramalea Station and then take a taxi or Uber to Dixie
Orchards. Downey's Farm Market. Or request a convenient car-share via Turo.
While kids 12 and under ride GO Transit for free, adults can enjoy weekday travel (while things are a little less-busy) starting at $30 for two people.
For weekend travel, $10 weekend passes offer unlimited travel for adults on any weekend day, including any adjacent statutory holiday. Discover how to save here.