Fall is pure magic- cooler mornings, colorful leaves, and pumpkin spice everything. It’s also one of the best times of year to carve out a little one-on-one time with your teen since there’s so much going on around town. Because let’s be real: school and busy schedules can make it tricky to get quality mom time.
If you’re looking for fun, fall-inspired activities that you can do together, I’ve got you covered. Here are 11 mom and teen date ideas around Atlanta that are as fun as they are memory-making.
Classic Fall Fun
1. Apple Picking at B.J. Reece Orchards
Take a short drive north to B.J. Reece Orchards in Ellijay for apple picking with a view. The orchard is full of crisp, delicious apples (plus cider donuts that are worth the trip alone). Teens love the photo ops in the orchard, and moms love that it feels like the perfect Fall day trip. Apple picking is open through the end of October.
2. Get Lost in a Corn Maze at Buford Corn Maze
Corn mazes aren’t just for little kids — they’re actually pretty fun for teens, too. Buford Corn Maze is a great one, plus hayrides and bonfires to make it extra festive. It’s a mix of seasonal fun and a little nostalgia, which is basically perfect for this age. If you enjoy a bit of a scare, check out their new Scream Zone Haunted Forest.
3. Scenic Hike at Amicalola Falls
Head up to Amicalola Falls State Park to see Georgia’s tallest waterfall framed by Fall colors. It’s about 90 minutes north of Atlanta, and the drive itself is gorgeous. Pack snacks, lace up your sneakers, and soak up the crisp air together. This is a good one for later in the Fall when the leaves are changing.
4. The Atlanta Fair
Celebrate the season with funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, fair games, and neon lights at the Atlanta Fair (held downtown at the old Turner Field lot). Teens love the vibe, moms love the nostalgia, and you’ll both leave with powdered sugar on your hands. Runs through November 2.
Creative & Cozy
5. Candle Pouring at Candle Lit
Head to Candle Lit Atlanta for a candle-pouring workshop. You’ll both get to pick scents (think cozy fall: cinnamon, pumpkin, or woodsy vibes) and make your own candles. It’s hands-on, smells amazing, and you get to take home a memory to enjoy all season.
6. Farmer’s Market Stroll
Spend a weekend morning wandering the Duluth Farmers and Artisan Market (open through November), Piedmont Green Market (open through December), or the Freedom Farmers Market in Atlanta (open year-round). Taste-test baked goods, grab a bouquet, choose some seasonal jams to try, or pick out ingredients to use for dinner together later.
7. Fall Dessert Baking Day
After you hit up the market, come home and have a little bake-off. Think pumpkin bread vs. apple crisp, or who can decorate the cutest leaf-shaped cookies. Put on some fun tunes, light some yummy candles, and make the kitchen smell like a bakery.
A Little Spooky
8. Brave the Haunted House at Netherworld
If you love a good thrill, Netherworld Haunted House in Stone Mountain is a must. It’s one of the most famous haunted houses in the country for good reason. Full of wild sets and plenty of screams that get better every year. This is a favorite of teens!
9. Tour Oakland Cemetery
For something a little less spooky, try the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours at Oakland Cemetery. You’ll hear stories of Atlanta’s past while walking through one of the city’s most beautiful historic sites. It’s an eerie and fascinating experience after dark.
Get In The Spirit
10. Celebrate Oktoberfest in Helen
Take a little road trip up to Helen, the charming Bavarian-style town tucked into the mountains. Their Oktoberfest celebration (which runs until November 2) is full of live music, traditional German food, dancing, and fun festival energy. Even if your teen isn’t into bratwurst and polka, the town itself is such a vibe in the Fall. Cobblestone streets, pretzels bigger than your head, and leaves turning in the mountains make it worth the trip.
11. Fall Mani/Pedis
Sometimes the best bonding time is just sitting side by side with pumpkin lattes in hand while your toes get painted. Book a nail date at your favorite local salon like Sugarcoat and choose a pretty Fall hue like burgundy, burnt orange, deep green, or brown.
Fall only lasts a couple of months, but there is so much to do around Atlanta. Whether it’s something spooky, a cozy bonding experience, or a road trip, the important part is carving out intentional time with your teen to make some amazing memories.
So grab your sweaters, pick up some Starbucks, and choose one of these date ideas to do this weekend.
