Best Fall Family Getaways In South Florida

South Florida is known as a tropical destination and fall is usually that time of year when transplants get homesick. After all the leaves don't change colors and the fall weather is relegated to a brief cold snap, not all hope should be lost. There are still fall harvests, even if they are tropical and seasonal activities, that are sure to melt your family's heart. After trying out these fun events, south Florida might be the next go-to fall destination.

Fruit and Spice Park

2801 S.W. 187th Ave.
Homestead, FL 33031
(305) 247-5727
www.fruitandspicepark.org

Price: $8 for adults; $2 for children 6 and up; free for children under 6
Hours: Mon to Sun - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon to Sun - 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. for tram rides

Nothing gets you into the fall spirit like walking through an orchard and sampling the fruits of fall. At Fruit and Spice Park, take a walk and explore fall fruits and vegetables like pumpkins and persimmons and see exotic trees native to Africa and the Carribbean. For the best benefit, take the tram ride. This tour not only explains the history of the fruits and spices, it also allows you to sample them. At the end of the tour, head over to the Mango Cafe and try the fruit sampler.

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National Key Deer Refuge Visitor's Center

175 Key Deer Blvd.
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
(305) 872-0774
www.fws.gov

Price: Free
Hours: Mon to Sun - dawn to dusk for Deer Refuge, Mon to Sun - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Visitor's Center

If you want to transport your family into a fall-like atmosphere without ever leaving south Florida, head down to the National Key Deer Refuge to view the Key deer. There you'll be surrounded by towering trees and free-grazing deer. It's quite the fall wildlife experience. Be sure to arrive either at dusk or dawn to see the deer while their grazing. If you're returning or staying in Key West for the night, stop by Glazed Donuts and have a seasonal pumpkin spice donut, apple almond fritter or a maple bourbon with bacon donut to keep you in a fall state of mind.

Fairchild Botanical Gardens - 72nd Annual Ramble

10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156
(305) 667-1651
www.fairchildgarden.org

Price: Free
Hours: Fri, November 9 to Sun, November 11 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here for calendar of events.

The 72nd Annual Ramble may not be a standard fall getaway but it's a south Florida tradition. In the grand design of fall fairs, this fair celebrates all things garden and sells items like antiques, books and it even has a farmer's market so that you can sample some fall fruits or buy some fall jams and jellies. Your children will be entertained with the onsite games and live music playing as you tour the gardens. End the day by having some tea to get you all warm and fuzzy inside just like snuggling under a blanket on a cool day.

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