🍁 8 Must-Visit Family-Friendly Fall Events & Attractions in Brantford and Brant County (2025)

Discover 8 amazing family-friendly fall events and destinations in Brantford and Brant County for 2025! From Grand River hikes to hockey history, this is your seasonal guide to fun near Brantford in southern Ontario.

As the leaves start to turn and crisp autumn air fills southern Ontario, there’s no better time to explore the charm of Brantford and Brant County. Nestled along the Grand River, this region offers a mix of Canadian heritage, natural beauty, and exciting seasonal events perfect for families looking to make memories this fall.

Whether you’re local or just visiting, here are 8 of the best family-friendly events and places to visit in Brantford and Brant County in Fall 2025.

🍂 1. Scare in the Square – Downtown Brantford

When: Mid-October, 2025
Where: Harmony Square, Brantford

This annual fall tradition in downtown Brantford turns Harmony Square into a festive hub of Halloween fun. Expect spooky decorations, costume contests, haunted houses, trick-or-treating, and family-friendly games. There’s even a “pumpkin patch photo station”—perfect for that Instagram-worthy fall family pic.

Why go?
Because downtown Brantford knows how to make Halloween fun without being frightening. This event is free and caters to all ages, making it a perfect local outing.

🚶 2. Fall Hikes Along the Grand River Conservation Trails

When: All season long
Where: Trails throughout Brant County and Brantford

Autumn is the perfect time to explore the stunning Grand River valley. Popular spots include:

• SC Johnson Trail – A scenic route that links Brantford to Paris, Ontario.
• Apps’ Mill Conservation Area – Just minutes from Brantford, with short, well-maintained trails and interpretive signs.
• Mohawk Lake Trails – Near downtown and great for an easy afternoon adventure.

The fall colours in Brant’s conservation areas are truly something to behold.

Why go?
It’s free, it’s peaceful, and it’s a beautiful way to reconnect with nature—without a long drive.

🏒 3. Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre + Sports Hall of Recognition

When: Open year-round
Where: 254 North Park St, Brantford

What’s more Canadian than hockey in the fall? Celebrate Brantford’s most famous son—Wayne Gretzky—at this top-notch sports complex. The Sports Hall of Recognition is a must-visit for fans of the sport, and there’s also swimming, skating, and fitness programs for the whole family.

Why go?
It’s part sports museum, part recreation hub—and it’s one of Brantford’s biggest family draws.

🎃 4. Brantwood Farms Fall Festival

When: Weekends from mid-September to late October
Where: 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford

Brantwood Farms is a fall classic for families in Brantford and Brant County. Their Fall Festival includes:

• Corn maze
• Wagon rides
• Pumpkin picking
• Bouncy castles
• Farm animals
• Seasonal treats like fresh donuts and apple cider

Why go?
It’s a farm-fun tradition with just the right amount of adventure for kids and adults alike.

🛶 5. Paddling the Grand River

When: Early fall (until mid-October depending on weather)
Where: Launch points across Brant County (e.g., Paris, Glen Morris)

For older kids and adventurous families, a fall paddle down the Grand River offers unforgettable scenery. Outfitters like Grand Experiences and Grand River Rafting provide gear, guides, and shuttle services for easy planning.

Why go?
Cooler weather means fewer bugs and stunning views of southern Ontario’s fall foliage from the water.

🎨 6. Grand River Arts Festival

When: September 19–20, 2025
Where: 20 Ava Road, Brantford

This unique outdoor art event invites you to enjoy a 2 day celebration and exhibition of visual arts, music, and theatre on the historic grounds of the Glenhyrst Art Gallery. It’s a cultural experience for all ages, often paired with community walks and food trucks.

Why go?
Kids love watching the artists work, and adults can enjoy a slower-paced, artistic view of fall.

🛍️ 7. St. George Apple Fest

When: September 20–21, 2025
Where: St. George, Brant County

This small-town festival punches way above its weight. Apple Fest celebrates the harvest season with everything apple—pies, cider, treats, and more. There are local vendors, live entertainment, kids’ zones, and fall crafts.

Why go?
It’s a short trip from Brantford and gives your family the feel of a rural fair without going far.

🦉 8. Twin Valley Zoo

When: Until November 2, 2025
Where: 84 Langford Church Rd, Brant

The Twin Valley Zoo just outside Brantford is a must-visit family fun destination for the fall. Enjoy up close encounters with Canadian and exotic animals plus fun fall surprises. The cooler weather makes for a comfortable stroll through the zoo, and the vibrant fall colours provide the perfect backdrop for family photos.

Why go?
Combines wildlife education with festive fall fun in a natural setting near the Grand River.

🍁 Make the Most of Fall 2025 in Brantford & Brant County

From scenic hikes to Halloween fun and festivals full of Canadian charm, Brantford and Brant offer a rich tapestry of fall experiences for families. Whether you’re here for the Grand River, the hockey history, or the peaceful countryside, this region of southern Ontario is packed with adventure and memory-making opportunities.

📞 Ready to Discover Brantford This Fall?

If you’re considering moving to Brantford or finding a family-friendly neighbourhood to call home, let’s chat! As a local real estate expert who’s lived in Brantford for over 30 years, I know the communities, events, and places that make this city feel like home.

👉 Contact me today to learn more about life in Brantford and let’s make your next move a smart one—rooted in trust, local knowledge, and real results.