7 Colorful Family Outings that Highlight the Best of Fall

Just because school is back in session and summer will have to wait until next year, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Fall has plenty of charm – from autumnal leaves to harvest time, pumpkin patches, turkey dinners, and apple pie.  The season is ripe with warm hues and lots of fun in store. So pick up your parka and galoshes, and set out for a few family adventures this fall.

Corn Mazes

You don’t have to live in the boonies to enjoy a good corn maze. Local farms, amusement parks, and even empty neighborhood lots transform into golden labyrinths that make for hours of laughter. Play chase, go for hide-and-seek, or just try to find your way out. Who knew getting lost could be so fun?

If you shop at a farmer’s market regularly, the vendors will likely know if a corn maze has been set up in your area. You can also check the local papers for your nearest location.

Hayrides

If your kids have never been on a hayride before, give them a taste of old-time Americana. A hay-stuffed wagon parade through farmlands will make for a special weekend treat. If the closest your child has ever been to livestock is on Farmville, a hayride is a must!

Harvest Fests

 Thought country fairs were a thing of the past? Think again. All across America, the old-fashioned harvest festivals continue – and with modern updates.  There’s plenty of fun on offer for the whole family with petting zoos, BBQs, games, rides, and other family-friendly events.  It’s an exciting fall-themed way to spend a Saturday morning!

Color Tours & Hikes

Think fall and it’s all about the leaves. In some areas – particularly in the North – the changing colors can be truly spectacular!  Take advantage by signing up for a color tour and take your family through some pretty amazing fall scenery.  Many of these color tours are done in aid of local charities, so it gives you a chance to give back to your community as well. 

No color tours in your area? Make up one of your own. Sit down with the family and choose a route you’d like to take, then go for a spin through the countryside on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the changing leaves. Head to a state park or natural area with the family.  It’s a great way to spend time together on a weekend and it’s just begging for an outdoor picnic to truly enjoy the full effect. Be sure to bring the camera!

Pumpkin Patch Visit

Any kid who’s ever seen It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! will be thrilled with a field trip to a pumpkin patch. Many farmers will often let families wander through their patches to pick a pumpkin of their own right off the vine.  Some will even run small produce stands selling farm-fresh treats like pumpkin butter or pumpkin bread.

Be warned, though: once your kids have gone to an actual pumpkin patch, they won’t settle for buying a pumpkin at the store.

Apple Picking Time

Nothing says fall like an apple.  And every fall, orchards across the country welcome families to pick apples by the bushel or barrel. So if you have a hankering for America’s favorite pie, take your family picking! Keep the kids safe by having them pick low-lying fruit so there’s no need for ladders – but that doesn’t mean they’ll be short on fun. 

Some farms will also have apple products like apple jelly or apple pie available for purchase – so be ready to stock up. Many will also make their own cider and kids can watch it being squeezed from a cider mill.  

Ghost Walks

In the fall, many historical societies offer “ghost walks” to get people interested in local history.  Often, these will take place in local cemeteries or in historical sections of towns and while the title implies that they’re scary, they’re often more focused on history rather than on scaring the pants off your kids! 

What are some of your family’s favorite fall activities?