Fall in the Pacific Northwest can be daunting for me; cue the next 6 months of rain and being cooped up with two toddler boys 🤪 It can help to romanticize life by creating a fall bucket list to get out of the house and see the magic of the fall season through the eyes of your toddler.
Between cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and colorful leaves, there are so many opportunities for families to create memories together. If you’re searching for toddler-friendly fall activities in Portland and Vancouver, here’s your seasonal bucket list (and why these outings can make the perfect backdrop for family photos!).
🍎 U-Pick Apples at Smith Berry Barn (Hillsboro, OR)
Little hands love picking apples straight from the tree and Smith Berry Barn is the perfect place to do it. The orchard is a short walk, the staff is kid-friendly, and the trees are just the right height for kids to reach. It is one of my favorite fun toddler fall activities in Portland and a precious photo opportunity.
🎃 Pumpkin Patch at BiZi Farms (Vancouver, WA)
BiZi Farms offers a family-friendly pumpkin patch experience with hayrides, farm animals, and of course, rows and rows of pumpkins to explore. My kids and I love finding our special pumpkin, and the 5+ different types of pumpkins makes it fun to explore. The fields also make a beautiful backdrop for family pictures. I find this spot to be the best ‘bang for your buck’ among the local pumpkin patches. There are SO many activities. It can get busy, so I recommend adventuring out on a weekday.
🍁 Leaf Collecting + Puddle Jumping Adventures
One of the simplest joys of fall is watching toddlers crunch through leaves and stomp through puddles. Whether in your own neighborhood or at a local park, bring along a little bag or basket for any treasures . . . and a change of clothes! I love breaking the norm of trying to stay clean and giving my kids the option to just get totally soaked and muddy. If you’re in the area, I recommend Fallen Leaf Lake Park for puddle jumping and nature walks. One side of the parking lot fills up into a ginormous puddle and there are huge golden leaves that fall along the trail. These candid, joy-filled moments are perfect for capturing your child’s personality this season.
☕ Cozy Café Stop Fall Activities
After your adventures, and maybe a quick outfit change, stop by a local café for a warm drink. Parents can enjoy their pumpkin spice latte while toddlers sip on a steamed milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon. These cozy moments make for the sweetest lifestyle photos: real, authentic memories of your fall outings. Or, if you’re like me and have bull-in-china-shop kids instead of café kids, 😅 go through the drive through and grab a coffee for you and a couple hot cocoas for your kids. Enjoy your drinks at home where your kids can run wild.
Why Fall is Perfect for Family Photos
The rich golden light, colorful leaves, and cozy activities make autumn a beautiful time of year for capturing family photos. Toddlers are naturally curious and playful in these settings, which means your session feels more like an adventure and less like posing for the camera.
👉 Ready to capture your family’s fall story? Book your family photo session with me here
Let's capture the chaos, while it's still here.
My baby-led and family-focused approach lets me capture frame-worthy smiles and joyful candid photos that tell your family's story.
