Fall Frolic 2026: Maine’s Family Fall Festival With a Giant Leaf Pile

Remember when the first big pile of leaves showed up in the yard and your only thought was, “I HAVE to jump in that”? 

No phones. No screens. No plans.

Just you, your friends, a giant pile of leaves and probably somebody yelling at you because you just destroyed the pile they spent 45 minutes raking. 

Honestly? Those were the days. 

And this fall, you can give your kids a little taste of that same simple kind of fun at Fall Frolic 2026 at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. 

On Saturday, October 3rd, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, the Maine Audubon’s annual family festival is all about getting outside! The kiddos will be playing in nature and celebrating fall and yes, there is a giant leaf pile your kids can jump into. 

But that's not all. 

Kids can make native plant seed balls and launch them with a slingshot, pretend to drive a tractor, tackle a Monarch migration obstacle course, create art with colorful fall leaves and even make a little Wooly Bear “pocket pet” to take home. 

There will also be apple cider, face painting and plenty of opportunities to wander around the farm and enjoy one of the best seasons in Maine. 

And I love the idea of this because sometimes we make family fun WAY more complicated than it needs to be. 

You don't need a giant amusement park or a $200 activity. 

Sometimes you just need a pile of leaves and permission to jump into it. 

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So grab the kids, throw on some clothes you don't mind getting dirty and go make some fall memories.