From apple picking to cozy campfires, make the most of autumn together.
When the leaves start changing and the air gets cooler, you know what that means: Fall is coming! From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to hikes and hayrides, there are so many ways to celebrate the season with your family. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon outing or a weekend adventure, these fun fall activities will help you make the most of the season.
Enjoy the Fall Colors on a Nature Hike
There’s no better way to experience the beauty of the season than by getting outside. Brown County State Park offers some of Indiana’s most spectacular fall foliage and is well worth the drive. Closer to home, Eagle Creek Park, Fort Harrison State Park, Holliday Park, Marott Park and Central Park in Carmel all have easy trails that are perfect for families.
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Few fall traditions are as memorable as wandering through a pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin. Families can find plenty of pumpkins at Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield, Piney Acres in Fortville, Stuckey Farm in Sheridan and Spencer Farm in Noblesville.
Visit an Apple Orchard
Apple picking is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate the season. Anderson Orchard in Mooresville has been a local favorite for U-Pick apples for many years, while Beasley’s Orchard in Danville has dozens of apple varieties along with family-friendly fall activities. Looking for a scenic drive? The Apple Works in Trafalgar makes a great day trip. If fresh-picked apples aren’t enough, stop by the Apple Store at Conner Prairie for apple cider donuts, cider slushies, caramel apples and other seasonal treats.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a fall tradition for all ages. Conner Prairie’s popular maze offers a fun challenge, and visitors can even view the design from above aboard the 1859 Balloon Voyage. Waterman’s Family Farm features a giant maze, while Piney Acres boasts a fun maze packed with twists and turns. Take a road trip to Exploration Acres in Lafayette, home to one of the state’s largest corn mazes with miles of winding paths.
Hop on a Hayride
Nothing says autumn quite like a hayride. Many local farms offer classic wagon rides through colorful fields, including Piney Acres, Hogan Family Farms in Brownsburg and Kelsay Farms in Whiteland. For families looking for a thrill, Conner Prairie’s Headless Horseman Hayride adds a spooky twist. If horseback riding is more your style, Turkey Run State Park offers guided trail rides through beautiful fall scenery.
Celebrate at a Fall Festival
Festival season is one of the best parts of autumn in Indiana. Favorites like Waterman’s Family Farm Fall Harvest Festival and Stuckey Farm’s seasonal events combine corn mazes, pumpkin patches, live entertainment, food and plenty of family activities. Check out our calendar at www.indyschild.com to find even more festivals and celebrations.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Experience Indiana from a different perspective aboard a train! Nickel Plate Express offers themed family train rides departing from Atlanta, Indiana, while the French Lick Scenic Railway travels through southern Indiana during peak fall color. It’s a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of the season.
Trick-or-Treat Before Halloween
The Halloween fun doesn’t have to wait until October 31. Many Indianapolis attractions host family-friendly trick-or-treat events throughout the month, including ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo and the haunted house at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. There are also many trunk-or-treat events happening all around town. Visit www.indyschild.com to find one near you.
Gather Around a Campfire
Cool evenings are the perfect excuse to end the day around a campfire. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, tell spooky stories and enjoy the crisp fall air together. Many Indiana campgrounds and parks, like Brown County State Park, Fort Harrison State Park and Turkey Run State Park, offer campsites with fire rings for an overnight adventure.
However you choose to celebrate, there are so many opportunities to slow down, get outside and create family memories this fall.
