Fun Fall Activities If You're Tired of Pumpkin Picking
Fall and pumpkins go hand in hand, and for good reason—the popular orange gourd is in season during the autumn months, making it an ideal choice for drinks, snacks, pies, decorating, and, of course, pumpkin picking. Heading out into the fields of a farm to find the perfect pumpkin (or pumpkins) for your front porch or Halloween jack-o'-lantern carving is a classic fall activity, but it's not the only thing to do during October and November. There are plenty of other fun fall activities if you want to try something new.
The autumn months are usually a pretty great time of year, weather-wise. In most places, sunny days tend to be warm enough for a light jacket, with a crisp chill in the air that feels good after a long summer. Bright foliage is the perfect backdrop to just about anything, and there's still enough sunlight to make the days long enough for activities. Make the best of this by spending as much time as possible outside before winter arrives and makes that nearly impossible. Read on for 12 fun fall activities to try if you've gotten your fill of pumpkin picking.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Look up "scenic train rides" in your area to find an option that works for you—you'll most likely find something. A cozy train ride is a wonderful way to see the amazing colors of fall foliage. You don't have to worry about driving, so you can enjoy a drink or a snack, and you'll get a cool perspective on the landscape that you may not see on a normal walk. It's a fun family activity too.
Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is a fun activity for early fall when apples are at their peak. Go to an orchard for the most authentic experience and spend a few hours wandering through the apple trees, picking and trying different varieties. While some orchards offer only picking, you can find others that have kid-friendly activities or a shop where you can get apple cider donuts or hot cups of apple cider. Bonus: Now you have tons of apples at home for apple pie.
Head to a Ski Resort
Ski resorts are obviously more popular when snow is on the ground, but they're also an underrated fall destination. Many big ski resorts are open in the autumn months so that guests can take in gorgeous views of the mountains and foliage on a scenic ski lift or gondola ride. Some resorts have restaurants or bars at the top of the mountain for even more fun—and maybe you can even get in some fall skiing in some places.
Make S'mores
Yes, s'mores are often thought of as a summer activity, but they're actually better in the fall. Chilly nights are the best time to make a warm fire, and you can bundle up in blankets with mugs of hot chocolate while toasting marshmallows. Tell ghost stories around the fire for a spookier Halloween vibe.
Go on a Hayride
A hayride is a quintessential fall activity that's especially family-friendly. You can usually find one at a nearby farm. Around Halloween, a haunted hayride can be really entertaining and a little scary, but you can also find kid-friendly options that allow them to get a glimpse of animals and cute autumn scenes.
Have a Scary Movie Marathon
Even if Halloween has passed, the months of October and November are the perfect time to watch scary movies. Set yourself up on the couch with some snacks and blankets to spook yourself while watching old classics or newer options. Even more fun? Put together a projector and screen and grab some blankets to watch the movies outside. It adds a whole other element of creepiness.
Go to a Football Game
If you're going to go to a football game, the best time to do it is during autumn. It won't be as cold as the winter part of the season, so it's a little more comfortable. Get some friends together and buy tickets, tailgate in the parking lot, buy some overpriced snacks, and cheer on your team for a fun day.
Go Camping
Camping is another activity that's often associated with summer, but it's a wonderful option for fall too. It's not as hot or sunny, so you might feel a little more comfortable—just make sure to stock up on sleeping bags and blankets. It's easier to secure a great spot in a less-crowded campsite, so you'll get a front-row view of the fall foliage and maybe even see some wildlife.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Just because you can't make it to Germany doesn't mean you can't celebrate Oktoberfest. Plenty of breweries, German restaurants, and local community organizations offer Oktoberfest fun. It's always a cool thing to take part in, especially if you're a big beer fan. Go all-out with friends and dress up with huge pints, or make it family-friendly and just enjoy the jovial atmosphere.
Find a Fall Festival
Some towns and cities offer a different all festival every single weekend, so there should be no shortage of them within driving distance. Fall festivals are a great time to get tasty goodies like fresh-baked pie, apple cider, donuts, and kettle corn. Families love these fests—kids will have fun seeing the animals, doing crafts, or just running around outside.
Go to a Brewery or Cider Mill
If there's a cider mill near you, visiting one in the fall is fun and a little bit different than just going to a brewery. Cider mills sometimes let visitors actually see the apples being pressed and turned into cider, which can be interesting and fun for kids and adults alike. They usually have fall treats, like pies and donuts, and may offer apple picking too. Or find a brewery nearby that offers snacks or food and make a fun afternoon of it.
Scare Yourself at a Haunted House
Into spooky things? Haunted houses are all over the place around Halloween. Find one nearby and head out in the dark to really make it as scary as possible. You can have a bonfire afterward or go right into a scary movie marathon to keep the spookiness going.
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