The 8 Best Fall Festivals for Families

Now that we've all gone apple picking you might be wondering, what left is there to do beyond trick or treating? I'm here to tell you! Festival season is far from over and it's always a thrifty route that's well worth looking into. Check out 8 of the best fall festivals (in the world!) for the whole family:

1. Keene Pumpkin Festival - New Hampshire, Oct. 20

Enormous towers of glowing lanterns, music, fireworks, food vendors, children's programing and community participation draw in huge crowds for this Guinness World Record holding event.

2. Day of The Dead - Mexico, last days of Oct. and the first days of Nov.

For all of it's misconceptions, Day of The Dead has become an internationally celebrated event. The biggest misconception is that it is a cultish celebration of death, when in fact it is a loving celebration of family and friends who have passed on through elaborate traditions of cuisine, art, colourful harvest and culture.

3. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - NYC, Nov. 22

A great parade of giant ballons depicting many of the fictional and animated characters that children love, draws in families from all over. There are tons of activities for the kids, live music and great food vendors too.

4. Diwali Festival of Lights - India, Nov. 13

A world re-known, family orientated festival of traditionally lighting small clay lamps and candles to make city-wide, ornate displays. Firecrackers, AMAZING food (sweets in particular) and music accompanied by fabulous family and children activities make this a highly.

5. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Oct 6 - 14

Over 750 hot air balloons, ranging from the traditional to the very unique - take to the skies all day, to light up at night for a magnificent display. Attendees enjoy live music, fireworks, The Ballon Discovery Centre (great for little kids!) live chainsaw carving and much more.

6. Spirit of Our Nations Pow Wow - Saskatoon, Canada, Oct. 26 - 28

Pow Wows are a cultural celebration of the Native way of life. With a focus to Native singing, dancing, crafts, food and music; the Spirit of Our Nations Pow Wow is unique in that it happens slightly off of the 'Pow Wow Trail'; as in off-season. Still, it's one of the largest and impressive First Nations celebrations in Central Canada.

7. Chigagoween - Oct. 6 - 30

Chicago's famous Halloween Festival is known for it's free attractions, Daley Plaza turned 'Franken Plaza', tasty Farmer's Market and exciting Midnight Circus. Locals and visitors alike enjoy masquerading around in spooktacular costumes and taking in the great Children's Programming with something for all ages.

8. Central Park Pumpkin Festival - NYC, Oct. 27

This Festival is all about the little kids. With marionette performances, walk-about characters, pumpkin decorating, arts and crafts, not many age groups are left out. Live entertainment, New York's impressive Farmer's market and Live Quidditch matches (Hogwart's people! For those that don't know), will be sure to keep the older ones (and you) entertained with full and happy bellies.