7 ‘Eye-Roll Resistant’ San Antonio Area Fall Activities for Teens

Remember those days of dressing up the family in (temperature inappropriate) outfits, consisting of coordinating shades of orange and brown corduroy and flannel, then carefully planning around nap times and feedings to visit the local pumpkin patch in the hopes of getting that perfect fall photo of your precious babies that you could then post all over social media for your parents, aunts, uncles, and former high school besties to ooh and ahh over? I certainly do and it truly feels like yesterday. 

However, these days, with a preteen and a full-blown teen in the house, most of the fun activities that I suggest are met with exaggerated eye rolls. If you’re like me and want to get out to enjoy our fall weather with the family but know that your days of pumpkin patch photo shoots are far behind you, here are a few (only moderately cheesy) fall activities in our area. Some are a bit of a drive, but, hey! No more worrying about road trips with potty training toddlers or packing enough snacks and Disney movies on the iPad to keep babies happy, right? 

Traders Village Corny Maze

October 3-November 29, 2020

Featuring 10 acres of fun, test your teen’s mettle at navigating the Corny Maze. Maze options range from easy to hard, to keep your teens occupied for an hour or so. Traders Village is also advertising a new Corny Cannon this year. We’re not sure exactly what that is, but if it involves projectiles, your teens might be interested. 

Graff 7A Ranch

Hondo, Texas

Open Now through November 28, 2020

A 7-acre maze among the 12 foot high sorghum at Graff 7A Ranch will challenge even your most know-it-all teens. In addition to the maze, trick roping, and helicopter rides, Graff 7A Ranch has tons of fun to be had after dark as well, such as campfires and a dance barn. 

Devine Acres Farm

Devine, Texas

Open various dates throughout October

Wholesome, family fun in nearby Medina County, Devine Acres Farm features music, fishing, and theater performances. A special Magical All Hallows Eve event, held on Friday, October 30 is fun for all ages and includes a yummy brisket dinner. 

13th Floor Haunted House 

San Antonio, Texas

Open now through November 7

If you want to really kick Halloween up a notch and scare the snot out of your older teens, make plans to go to the scariest haunted house in San Antonio. Voted one of the Top 5 Most Terrifying Haunted Houses in the USA by USA Today, your teens will surely have an evening to remember–or at least an evening that will haunt their dreams. 

Rocky Creek Maze

Moulton, Texas

Now through November 15

Located 14 miles southwest of Schulenburg (between San Antonio and Houston), Rocky Creek Maze boasts 2.5 miles of paths in an 8 acre field of tall corn, in this carefully designed and tricky maze. After the sun sets, the haunted fun begins at Rocky Creek Maze. Stick around for the haunted hayride and hear bone chilling stories that will keep your teens up at night. 

Splashway Woods of Torment

Sheridan, Texas

Weekends now through October 31

Take a pass through this haunted house, located about two hours from San Antonio, if you dare. Located adjacent to the popular waterpark in the small community of Sheridan, Texas, Woods of Torment is a horrifying attraction for ages 13 and up. 

Six Flags Hallowfest

San Antonio, Texas

Weekends Now through November 1

During the day, Hallowfest is a (somewhat) family-friendly event with photo opportunities and a Trick-or-Treat Trail. After the sun goes down though, all bets are off as the ghouls and zombies come out in force. There is something for everyone at Hallowfest, so ride some rides and get your spook on, all at the same time. 

A word of warning: due to COVID-19, many of your favorite fall festivals have been canceled or rescheduled so please do your research before heading out. Many attractions are operating by reservation only, to keep capacity in check, so think ahead when planning your fall adventures. Also, masks are required for many of the activities so plan to arrive prepared and have a spooktacular good time! 

Jenny
Jenny is a 40-something, married mother of two (Anna, 2007 and Jack, 2009), who migrated to the Hill Country after doing a 14 year stint in Houston. When Jenny isn’t walking her slightly neurotic (and completely beloved) rescued Weimaraner, she enjoys writing, making to-do lists, and folding laundry (and sarcasm). Jenny holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, and completed graduate coursework in Guidance and Counseling. She is a freelance writer who writes a weekly pet column for a Houston newspaper, and is a contributor at Dog Friendly San Antonio, New Braunfels Monthly and San Antonio Woman, as well as assorted other publications. You can also find her on Instagram (introvertsguidetosobriety). Favorite Restaurant: Bohanan's Favorite Landmark: The Alamo (duh) Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Wurstfest (not technically SAT, but closer to Jenny's stomping grounds).