Ideas for your next family outing · 2026-10-15
This weekend: giant pumpkins, fall fun & helicopters
October 16–18: the Pumpkin Carve, Stroud's free festival, and a museum birthday with free admission by RSVP.
This is an earlier edition. Check current opening information and the events calendar before making a plan.
One outing is plenty. For October 16–18, choose glowing pumpkins in Chadds Ford, Saturday's festival at Stroud, or Sunday's helicopter museum celebration. The two West Chester events ask you to RSVP, so those are the links to open first.
Friday or Saturday: The Great Pumpkin Carve
Chadds Ford · Friday, October 16, 2–10 p.m. · Saturday, October 17, noon–10 p.m.
More than 70 giant pumpkins are carved on Thursday, then lit and displayed Friday and Saturday. Add live music and a wander through the displays for a fall outing with something big to look at.
Admission: $20 for ages 16 and older; $15 for seniors 65 and older. Children 15 and under enter free with an adult. Parking is free; food and drinks cost extra.
Before you go: there is a haunted display, so consider your child's comfort with spooky scenes. The organizer describes uneven meadow and grove terrain and warns that wheelchair and power-scooter access is difficult.
Check the Pumpkin Carve's official details and parking directions.
Saturday: Fall Festival & Connect at Stroud Preserve
Photo via Natural Lands.
West Chester · Saturday, October 17 · 1–5 p.m. · free admission with RSVP
Head to the barnyard for crafts, local vendors and live music. Costumes are welcome; the organizer lists a masquerade parade around 4 p.m. This is the festival previewed in our last edition, now coming up on Saturday.
Save this entrance: 449 Lucky Hill Road. Follow event signs and volunteers to parking behind the barn, rather than using the regular preserve entrance.
Before you go: register through Natural Lands and check for updates. Food, drinks and vendor purchases are separate from admission.
Sunday indoor option: a helicopter museum birthday
Photo via the American Helicopter Museum.
West Chester · Sunday, October 18 · 1–4 p.m. · free admission with RSVP
The American Helicopter Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary and presenting its 2026 achievement award. For kids who like aircraft, it is an indoor alternative to the outdoor festivals. Several aircraft in the collection allow visitors to climb inside; follow the signs and staff guidance.
Before you go: RSVP is required; the museum will be closed to walk-ins. Only registered guests will be admitted to this anniversary celebration and award ceremony. Use the event listing for the day's details.
Address: 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester.
See the anniversary event and RSVP. Check the museum's visitor information.
Event details checked against the organizers' websites on October 15. Recheck before leaving for cancellations or changes.
Need a different plan? Browse this weekend's events or the rainy-day guide. Save or share this edition with your outing buddy.