Family Activities at the Old Orchard Fall Festival
Fall in Old Orchard means more than shopping and live music — it's a weekend built for the whole family. From furry friends to hands-on crafts to a little seasonal mystery, here's everything the kids (and kids at heart) can look forward to.
"Find the Ghost" BOO-INGO Contest
The hunt begins October 10, when ghosts start popping up in shop windows and storefronts throughout Old Orchard. Grab a BOO-INGO card and set out to find each hidden ghost at participating businesses across the district — it's a spooky, family-friendly scavenger hunt that runs right up through festival weekend.
The fun wraps up at the Fall Festival itself, where completed BOO-INGO cards can be turned in by 3:00PM on Saturday, October 24 for a chance to win a raffle prize. It's the perfect excuse to explore every corner of Old Orchard before the big finish.
Trick-or-Treat
Old Orchard businesses will welcome trick-or-treaters throughout the district on Saturday, October 24, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM. Little ghosts and goblins can stop by participating shops and restaurants along Big Bend Boulevard for a treat along the way.
It's a fun, festive way to kick off Halloween weekend while soaking in everything the Fall Festival has to offer — costumes encouraged!
Cowboy Critters Petting Zoo
A festival favorite is back. The Cowboy Critters petting zoo returns to Old Orchard, giving children and adults the chance to get up close with goats, pigs, donkeys, horses, ducks, and rabbits. Whether it's a first-time encounter or an annual tradition, the petting zoo is a can't-miss stop for animal lovers of every age.
Located right along Big Bend Boulevard, the petting zoo is included with your visit to the festival and open throughout the weekend. Bring the whole family for a hands-on moment of fall fun before heading off to explore the rest of Old Orchard.
Kids' Make & Take
Young festival-goers can get creative in the Kids' Make & Take craft area, designed to spark imagination and keep little hands busy all weekend long. With a variety of seasonal projects to choose from, it's a favorite stop for families looking to slow down and create something together.
It's the perfect place for kids to make their own piece of the Old Orchard Fall Festival to take home — a fun, low-key activity nestled right in the middle of the festival's marketplace.
District-Wide Events
Beyond the festival marketplace, Old Orchard's shops and restaurants are running their own specials, promotions, and events all weekend long. From in-store sales to special seasonal offerings, there's even more fall fun waiting just steps away from the festival.
Follow your favorite Old Orchard businesses on social media to catch their latest updates, or check the festival map for the most current list of what's happening throughout the district.