Fall Activity Guide: Mazes, Hayrides & More on the North Shore

Fall is in full swing across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with classic autumn adventures! 🍁 From getting lost in towering corn mazes and hopping aboard scenic hayrides to picking the perfect pumpkin and enjoying seasonal festivals, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring beloved spots like Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Marini Farm in Ipswich, or Connors Farm in Danvers, or discovering hidden gems in towns like Newburyport, Gloucester, and Salem, this guide will help you plan a fall filled with fresh air, farm fun, and unforgettable memories.Amesbury / Merrimac / Newbury / Newburyport / West Newbury / Rowley

Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury, MA)
Weekends through mid-October, Cider Hill offers hayrides, pumpkin picking, cider donuts, farm stand shopping, and fall fun. More info HERE
Also, the Sweet Halloween event is set for October 25, 2025 (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) at Cider Hill, with hayrides, costume contests, trick-or-treat stations, games, and live music. Newburyport Chamber
Newburyport – Great Pumpkin & Lighting Stroll
On October 15, 5:00–8:00 PM, in Market Square, families are invited to bring carved jack-o’-lanterns for a community display, do trick-or-treat, and stroll through fall lights. More info
Marini Farm (Ipswich, MA)
Their Corn Maze & Maze Park is open weekends (10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays in October, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays). Marini Farm
Also available: hayrides, play areas, pumpkin patch, bakery & farm stand.
Russell Orchards (Ipswich, MA)
Offers pick-your-own apples, hayrides on weekends, farm animals, and cider donuts.

Crescent Farms (Haverhill, MA)
Open with a corn maze, pumpkin picking, and scenic hayrides. Crescent Farms
Kimball Farm (Haverhill area)
Known for a themed corn maze and hayrides (animal interactions, etc.).

Connors Farm (Danvers, MA)
Their 2025 fall offerings include the “Bee Happy” corn maze, hayrides, jumping pillows, play areas, Fort Connors, ropes courses, and more. Connors Farm
Hayrides & Harvest Fun Around the North Shore
This article lists several attractions across the North Shore including Cider Hill (Amesbury), Marini (Ipswich), Smolak Farms (North Andover), and Essex River Cruises (leaf-viewing cruises with cider & donuts). Northshore Magazine
Smolak Farms (North Andover / greater region)
Though not in your exact town list, it’s close by. They host drop-in hayrides on weekends, pumpkin & apple picking, live music, cider donuts, and more seasonal festivities. Northshore Magazine

Check calendars & doors open times: Many farms open only on weekends or select afternoons as fall advances.
Buy tickets ahead when possible: Especially for popular attractions like corn mazes.
Dress for mud & uneven ground: Wear boots or sturdy shoes since farm paths can get messy.
Early arrival helps: To beat crowds and get best access to hayrides or maze opening times.
Combine stops: Many of these locations are within reasonable driving distance. For example, visit Marini Farm in Ipswich, then Russell Orchards; or do Cider Hill in Amesbury and the Sweet Halloween event.