One of the first signs of fall in the South is the appearance of pumpkins. It might be 90 degrees outside, but we celebrate the change of seasons with our decor. This year we made the transition to fall by attending the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival happening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September 22nd through October 28th. Advertised as a “Play by Day & Glow by Night” experience, the Pumpkin Festival provides entertainment for everyone in the family.

Our family attended a Stone Mountain Media Event. All opinions are our own.

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival

“Play By Day” Daytime Activities

Arrive early in the day to take in the slightly cooler weather and enjoy the park attractions with some special fall entertainment thrown into the mix.   Since we have a tiny dinosaur fan, we explored the crossroads to “visit” the dinosaurs, before stopping by the 4-D theater for a showing of “The Lost World.”  This cute story features “Bob,” an overworked and stressed businessman, who wants to relax for a week on a deserted island. His plans are dashed when he discovers “Professor Lizzie” and a herd of dinosaurs are sharing the island with him.

Follow this with a visit to the Dinotorium, a giant four-story playhouse, that allows plenty of climbing and ball activities to satisfy any child. Here’s a parent tip: Anyone in the Dinotorium is fair game to be hit with a flying ball. If you don’t want to experience this yourself, there’s a sheltered area near the door where you won’t be hit.

Of course, all the classic attractions are still available. No visit to Stone Mountain is complete without a trip to the top of the mountain (and back!) on the Skyride or a journey around the park on the Scenic Railroad set aboard a 1940’s era train that takes a five-mile ride around the mountain at a leisurely fifteen miles per hour.  If the weather’s warm, stop by the Geyser Towers, filled with rope courses and net tunnels, for some splashing entertainment. If the weather’s a little nippy, you can still explore on a higher level and stay dry.

But, there’s plenty of pumpkin-themed fun for fall.  Kids will be able to meet Spookly the Square Pumpkin and participate in the dance-a-long party parade.  New attractions for 2018 include the Daytime Mother Goose Reports, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Games, and the Down the Rabbit Hole Dance Party.

“Glow by Night” Nighttime Activities”

Now celebrating its 14th year, Stone Mountain has added a new twist to their festival this year with the “Glow By Night” activities.  This magical event, designed with kids in mind,  lights up the sky each weekend with thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns and twinkling lights brightening the Crossroads area.

Start the evening with a train ride on the Scenic Railroad where you’ll be greeted with special entertainment from Little Red Riding Hood, who introduces guests to some favorite fairy tale characters while keeping an eye out for her nemesis,  the Big Bad Wolf.

Help the kids relieve some of their energy by heading to the Down the Rabbit Hole Dance Party. You’ll be given a set of 3-D glasses at the door and invited in to join some psychedelic fun.  Suitable for anyone from toddlers and up, the kids will be fascinated with the way their clothing lights up, along with the cool scenes decorating the walls.  Every half hour there’s group dances, like the hokey-pokey, for the kids to enjoy.

Other activities sure to please the children include the Mother Goose Evening Reports, where Mother Goose shares stories, opportunities to meet favorite fairy-tale characters, a costume contest, and tea party games with the Mad Hatter.  For dinosaur fans, be sure to stop by the Dinotorium for flashlight Dinosaur Explore tours.  Even the mini-golf course gets into the fun with special glow-in-the dark-effects. Pumpkin Pie fans can participate in Peter Peter’s Pie-light to Twilight contest.  Sadly, I couldn’t convince anyone in our family to join the contest, but it was still fun to watch!

End the evening by participating in the Glow-A-Long parade.  Kids can join with the fun of marching through the Crossroads accompanied by fairy tale characters and led by Mother Goose. The parade is accompanied by lively music, like the theme from Ghostbusters, that will have the entire family singing and dancing along.

And, if you visit on Saturdays, don’t forget to make plans to stay for the spectacular laser show held at 9:30 PM. Lights and music are displayed on the mountain in breathtaking splendor. You’ll want to arrive early for this! I saw people staking their claim for prime seats on the grass before 4 PM. Tip: Bring a blanket or chairs as you’ll be sitting on the ground. Terrace seating is available for an additional fee and reservations are required as seating is limited.

Tips to Enjoy Your Visit

*The Attraction hours are 10:30 AM until 9:00 PM, but you can arrive early to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
*The Glow by Night Experience is held from Dusk until 9:00 PM.
*There is a $20 Parking fee per vehicle. While this does not include the all-attractions pass, it allows you to take advantage of the recreational activities available throughout the park. This includes the hiking and nature trails, the Walk-Up trail, the Grist Mill and Covered Bridge, the playground, and the waterfront.
*Take advantage of the “All Attractions Pass +Free Meal. For only $3 more, you receive a free meal and a souvenir cup with unlimited refills on the day of your visit.
*If you wear a costume to the Pumpkin Festival you can receive $10 off your All-Attractions pass.
*Bring a blanket or chairs, a picnic lunch or snacks if you plan to stay for the laser show.
*You can easily spend an entire day at Stone Mountain as the park encompasses 3200 acres.
*Remember to bring insect repellent. There is a free medical station for minor emergencies.

Make plans to spend a day at the Pumpkin Festival before it disappears! Have you ever attended the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival?