October is a great time to travel abroad with kids: no midsummer heat, and much of East Asia offers fall colors and crisp weather. These October family trips from Korea keep flight times short — unless you have a week or more, there’s no need to fly all the way to Europe.
Here are five nearby destinations that shine in October, from a family travel point of view: Hokkaido and Fukuoka in Japan, Taipei, Shanghai and Hanoi.
1. Hokkaido, Japan
For autumn foliage abroad.
If fall foliage is the goal, start with Hokkaido. In Japan, leaves turn first in the north and at higher elevations, and Hokkaido is among the earliest — a perfect match for October.
Go beyond Sapporo to Biei, Furano and Jozankei for foliage, lakes, mountains and hot springs in one trip.
It also lets you lean into nature, which helps kids who get bored of long city sightseeing.
Don’t expect Korea’s early-autumn weather, though: October in Hokkaido can get quite chilly, so pack warm jackets.
- Suggested length: 5–7 days
- Route: Sapporo → Biei and Furano → Jozankei
If foliage matters most, Hokkaido ranks highest among these October family trips.
2. Fukuoka and Yufuin, Japan
A short October getaway.
If you can’t take a long vacation, Fukuoka is the realistic choice: a short flight from Korea and an easy airport-to-city transfer, ideal for a first independent trip abroad with kids.
Three or four days in the city works, but in October I’d add Yufuin or Beppu.
In Fukuoka, explore Canal City, Tenjin and Momochi Beach, then take a day trip out of the city. Beppu is fun with kids — the “hell” hot spring tour is all about sightseeing, not just bathing. Yufuin suits parents who want a slow stroll through cafés and shops, and a night at an onsen ryokan lets the whole family relax.
- Suggested length: 4–5 days
- Route: Fukuoka → Yufuin or Beppu → Fukuoka
Considering flight time and difficulty, it’s a very practical short trip with kids.
3. Taipei, Taiwan
Great for food and family activities.
Taiwan is hard to leave off any list of October family trips. In October, Taipei’s summer heat eases, but hot days and typhoons are still possible, so check the forecast before you go.
There’s plenty to do with kids: the National Palace Museum for Chinese history and culture, and Taipei Zoo with the Maokong Gondola as a full-day combo. Add a night market in the evening.
Picking street food at a big market like Shilin is a fun family experience. With 5 days, add a day trip outside the city.
- Suggested length: 4–5 days
- Route: Taipei city → zoo and Maokong → a day trip
For a balance of sightseeing, food and activities, Taiwan is a great pick.
4. Shanghai, China
With kids, add Disneyland.
Among October family trips, Shanghai is close to Korea and big enough for varied family itineraries — and Shanghai Disneyland is a major draw.
Spend a day at Disneyland and the rest at the Bund and Yuyuan Garden.
On family trips, I prefer showing kids a city’s history and culture rather than just a theme park, and Shanghai makes that easy: compare Yuyuan’s traditional Chinese buildings with the Bund’s modern architecture.
- Suggested length: 4–5 days
- Route: Shanghai city → Shanghai Disneyland → Yuyuan and the Bund
If Disneyland is the main goal, check tickets, ride availability and daily hours on official channels.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
In October, head to northern Vietnam.
For October family trips to Vietnam, region matters.
Vietnam is long from north to south, so climates differ even in the same month — don’t assume “October weather is good in Vietnam.”
My pick is Hanoi in the north. The Old Quarter connects easily to Hoan Kiem Lake and historic and cultural sites, and the food alone can fill 3–4 days.
With kids, mix in places that show Vietnamese history and daily life, not just photo spots. With more time, add northern destinations.
Excursions to Halong Bay mean long drives and tours, so with young kids, pick one key area per day.
- Suggested length: 5 days or more
- Route: Hanoi → a day trip → Hanoi
If you want Southeast Asian atmosphere without intense heat, consider Hanoi in October.
Which October Family Trip Is Best?
- Foliage and nature: Hokkaido
- Short trip, easy transport: Fukuoka and Yufuin
- Food, sightseeing and kids’ activities: Taipei
- Disneyland as the main goal: Shanghai
- A more exotic Southeast Asian feel: Hanoi
Choose by how much time your family has rather than the number of famous sights. For 3–4 days, Fukuoka, Taipei or Shanghai cut travel time; with 5+ days, consider Hokkaido or Hanoi.
When planning October family trips, compare not only airfares but flight time, local weather, activities for kids and travel time between cities to make the most of a short trip.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Yufuin Day Trip from Fukuoka: 5 Best Family-Friendly Spots & Kids Travel Tips
- Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan with Kids: Complete Guide to Popular Attractions and Areas
Schedules and prices can change, so check the Japan National Tourism Organization website before you go.