The leaves are changing, the air is cooling: It’s fall! Fall is a busy time of year in Indy, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. And as we navigate the season post-pandemic, you may be wondering what options are available for family fun.
We’ll give you the lowdown on all the socially distant, family-friendly and fun fall activities happening in the area, so you can make the most of this wonderful season.
Pick apples
There’s just something special about picking your own produce, and fall brings plenty of U-Pick opportunities at local apple orchards. Anderson Orchard in Mooresville is one of the most well-known in the area; their U-Pick season began in early September and typically runs until the first freeze. If you just can’t get enough of all-things apple, check out the Apple Store at Conner Prairie, where you’ll find apple goodies of all types, from candied apples to apple pie to apple cider slushies.
Related Article: Guide to Apple Orchards Near Indianapolis
Go for a hike
Up for a road trip? Then make your way south to Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana, where you’ll be treated to breathtakingly beautiful fall colors all along your hike. Closer to home, Eagle Creek Park, Holliday Park and Central Park in Carmel all offer easy hikes in beautiful settings.
Related Article: Where to Go Hiking with Kids in Indianapolis
Visit a pumpkin patch
Watching your kids trudge across an orange-speckled field of pumpkins is a parental rite of passage. Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield, Russel Farms Pumpkin Patch in Noblesville and Piney Acres in Fortville all boast a beautiful selection of fall’s unofficial mascot.
Related Article: 2020 Indianapolis Pumpkin Patch Guide
Do a fall festival
It just isn’t fall without festivals. Local favorites include Fall Harvest Festival at Waterman’s Family Farm in Indy and Stuckey Farm’s Sunflower Festival in Sheridan. Sit down with your family calendar and plot out your fall festival fun! Be sure to check your favorites for their COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Conquer a corn maze
While you’re planning your fall festival circuit, be sure to include a couple of corn mazes. Conner Prairie’s acclaimed corn maze is a must-visit — and if you hop aboard the 1859 Balloon Voyage, you can view it from the sky! If you’re up for a drive, Exploration Acres in Lafayette is Northwest Indiana’s largest corn maze, at 18 acres and nine miles of corny fun.
Take a hayride
Hayrides are a necessary part of fall, and the wagon rides at Piney Acres are fun for the whole family. And if your kids prefer horseback rides to hayrides, Turkey Run State Park in Marshall takes guests on a picture-perfect guided horseback trek through miles of bridle trails.
Carve a pumpkin
Embrace the mess and get your kids involved in digging out pumpkin guts and designing next-level ‘lanterns. Whether you prepare your masterpieces days before Halloween or the night of, be sure you “carve” out time for this fun fall tradition.
Go trick-or-treating before Halloween
Indianapolis kids have it pretty great — there are tons of opportunities to trick-or-treat before the big night. ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo is always a fan favorite. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Haunted House at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will be reimagined due to COVID-19 concerns, and a new event is in the works that will take place outdoors in the Riley’s Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience during the month of October, so plan ahead!
We’re entering the best time of the year, Indy parents! Grab your family, friends and a Pumpkin Spice Latte and fall for fall.
