We’ve planned your autumn perfectly in Coquitlam with activities to keep your family entertained all season.
Visit nearby pumpkin patches from September at Laity in Maple Ridge and Aldor Acres in Langley, then head to Mackin House in Coquitlam on October 4, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m. for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, featuring lanterns, cultural activities, and seasonal treats like mooncakes.
Over 100 kilometres of nature trails give you brilliant fall walks around Mundy Park and Minnekhada, while Mackin House Museum’s exhibits and Place des Arts’ cultural programming offer indoor options when the weather changes.
We have loads more happening across our neighbourhoods this autumn, all easily accessible by SkyTrain.
Arts & Cultural Events for the Whole Family
Coquitlam’s autumn arts scene gives your family both entertainment and cultural enrichment without the downtown Vancouver hassle. We get spoiled here with the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival bringing free family activities at Mackin House with lanterns and cultural activities, where you can learn about the festival’s traditions
Mackin House Museum features exhibitions that capture deeply personal experiences and diverse perspectives, highlighting the complexity of the community’s cultural tapestry. Place des Arts opens its doors for local artist workshops and performances. These events show exactly why our arts community stays active all year long, right here in the Tri-Cities.
Seasonal Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
Our arts scene isn’t the only thing that makes autumn special here. While Coquitlam doesn’t have its own pumpkin patches, nearby farms bring exactly what your family wants this season. Laity Pumpkin Patch in Maple Ridge features Western “Pumpkin” Town, a Pumpkin Launcher, Glow Gardens, a Goat House and Rabbit Village, a Farmer’s Obstacle Course, a Family Games Area, a Right Turn Only area, and a two-acre maze, all just 20 minutes from the Coquitlam Centre.
Aldor Acres Family Farm in Langley is open from September 20 to October 31, offering 80 acres of farm animals, nature, sunflowers, pumpkins, hayrides, hay jumping pile, and forest walks. These nearby patches offer engaging activities for kids that make autumn memorable for Tri-Cities families.
Nature Trails and Outdoor Adventures
When autumn arrives and colours our local forests, Coquitlam’s nature trails give your family the perfect setting for weekend walks. You’ll find great options like Mundy Park’s self-guided autumn walks, where forest paths keep your children busy in safe outdoor spaces.
Minnekhada Regional Park’s trails leading through dense forest and out to Addington Marsh create special moments during fall. If you want outdoor activities beyond hiking, Colony Farm has organised trail walks, while Lafarge Lake offers year-round walking loops with mountain views. These Coquitlam parks provide exactly what we locals love: great nature trails combined with activities that your whole family will enjoy, all accessible by transit.
Interactive Museums and Educational Exhibits
When cooler weather brings families inside, we head straight to Mackin House Museum for engaging exhibits. The museum features a few exhibits each year that captivate children. Mackin House was home to the General Manager of Fraser Mills, and the building features period-specific furniture and wallpaper from the Edwardian era.
We enjoy exploring the variety of programs and events, including workshops, book clubs, and seasonal celebrations. Place des Arts highlights work from local artists and offers hands-on creative workshops. As of early 2025, Mackin House is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, on Thursdays from 2:00 to 8:00 pm, on Fridays from 3:00 to 9:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is by donation.
These educational spots keep your family entertained while building community connections through shared cultural moments.
Heritage Sites and Historical Experiences
Right here in Coquitlam, we’ve got some fantastic heritage spots that make history come alive for your family. At Mackin House, located on the corner of Brunette Avenue and Marmont Street, this 1909 heritage home continues to be an enduring symbol of Coquitlam’s rich history. Your kids get hands-on experience of Edwardian-era life – it’s way more engaging than any textbook.
The exhibitions examine identity shaped by culture, heritage, and lived experience, featuring a wide range of artists from Coquitlam’s rich cultural diversity, offering your family a new perspective on how our community has grown.
Historic Stewart Farm Tours
While most families head to typical autumn attractions, we’ve found that Mackin House gives you a glimpse into life when Fraser Mills was the largest mill of its kind in the British Empire. Multiple days per week, enjoy free heritage home visits and let your family experience authentic Coquitlam history from 1909 in the beautiful Maillardville neighbourhood.
What makes these autumn activities special for your family?
- Hands-on heritage experiences that naturally engage children
- Family-friendly activities suitable for all ages
- Programs and events, including workshops and seasonal celebrations
Museum Heritage Exhibits
When you’re ready to move indoors from outdoor activities, Coquitlam’s cultural spaces offer equally engaging autumn experiences for families wanting to connect with local history. We love how Mackin House Museum creates memorable moments with yearly exhibits running from September to June.
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival includes cultural activities celebrating traditions that fascinate children. You’ll find the rotating exhibits particularly interesting – they bring local stories to life through authentic period pieces that engage visitors of all ages.
These cultural experiences complement your outdoor adventures perfectly. Whether you’re learning about Edwardian-era living or discovering local artistic traditions, we believe these museum visits provide meaningful activities for families seeking genuine cultural connections in Coquitlam.
FAQ
What to Do With Kids Near Coquitlam?
We’ve found some brilliant local spots for you! The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival keeps children engaged with lanterns and cultural activities, while Mackin House Museum offers exhibits and heritage experiences. Nearby pumpkin patches in Maple Ridge and Langley offer seasonal fun, and Lafarge Lake creates magical memories with easy walking trails and mountain views.
Is Coquitlam, BC, Worth Visiting?
Yes, Coquitlam is absolutely worth a visit.
You’ll find fantastic hiking trails like the Coquitlam Crunch, vibrant cultural festivals at Mackin House and Place des Arts, and beautiful parks like Mundy and Minnekhada that we locals truly love. Coquitlam’s authentic community feel and varied attractions make it a real hidden treasure for you to experience with friends and family, all accessible by SkyTrain.
What Is the Nicest Part of Coquitlam, BC?
Maillardville takes the title as one of the finest areas, particularly around Mackin House and Place des Arts on Brunette Avenue. You’ll experience the perfect blend of cultural heritage, excellent parks like Mackin Park, and the family-oriented atmosphere that makes this neighbourhood special for residents. Town Centre offers urban convenience with parks and shopping.
What Is Coquitlam, British Columbia, Known For?
Coquitlam stands out for its perfect blend of urban and natural spaces. We love how you’ll find Mundy Park’s massive trails minutes from Coquitlam Centre, all connected by SkyTrain. Our community celebrates cultural diversity through events like the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and Festival du Bois, making our neighbourhoods come alive with traditions from around the world. The Coquitlam Crunch and Lafarge Lake are local favourites that show off why we’re the perfect Tri-Cities destination.
