October 2026
Sometimes making time for someone begins with a small suggestion: let’s go pick a pumpkin.
October is made for little ones and the grown-ups who love them. Here are a few family outings close to home, including some quiet mornings that are just right for a grandparent and a toddler.
Before you go: Hours and plans can change, especially for outdoor events, so click through to the official page before heading out.
A free pumpkin festival in the park
The Great Pumpkin Fest has moved to Saturday, October 31 (it was first set for October 10), and now runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cherokee Veterans Park in Canton, rain or shine. It’s free, with hayrides, a costume contest at noon (including a pet-and-owner category) and a pumpkin patch run by Hickory Flat UMC. Bounce houses cost extra.
The park is at 7345 Cumming Highway, about 25 minutes from central Woodstock. Free shuttles run from Macedonia Elementary and Macedonia Baptist, which is the easy way to go. Since it now falls on Halloween, you can enjoy the pumpkins in the morning and still be home in time for Woodstock’s Skelebration that evening.
Details: Pumpkin Fest details
A family farm close to home
Cagle’s Family Farm in Holly Springs is open through November 1: Fridays 5 to 10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for ages 3 and up, and a $5 add-on covers a tractor ride to the lake, marshmallows and the bonfire. Pumpkins are extra, and tickets are online. Kids 14 and under need an adult with them.
The farm is at 362 Stringer Road, only about 15 to 20 minutes from central Woodstock. It’s outdoors on fields and a dirt corn maze, so a wagon works better than a stroller.
Details: Cagle’s Family Farm
Gentle mornings for toddlers (and grandparents)
Caregiver and Toddler Time at Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw is Saturday, October 17, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.: a half hour of music, movement and a story. It’s included with garden admission ($10 adults, $5 ages 3–17, free for 2 and under), and registration is required. Afterward, little ones can explore the garden’s play areas. It’s about 20 to 25 minutes away.
On Tuesday, October 20, Toddler Time at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art offers a story and a simple art project for ages 1 to 3 with a grown-up, starting at 11:15 a.m. It’s $7 per toddler online or $8 at the door if there’s room. The museum is just off Marietta Square, about 30 minutes from central Woodstock.
Details: Toddler Time at the garden · Toddler Time at the museum
Halloween at home in Woodstock
Woodstock’s Halloween Skelebration is Saturday, October 31, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater downtown. It’s free, with free parking, trick-or-treating, carnival games, mini golf, crafts, giant bubbles and live music.
It’s five minutes from just about anywhere in town, with paved and lawn areas that work for strollers. Meet the neighbors and let the kids show off their costumes.
Details: City special events
Or make a little room at home
Carve a pumpkin on the porch, or bake something that leaves flour on everyone’s hands. The mess is part of the memory.