My Facebook news feed is getting spooky, and I’m pretty sure Hobby Lobby started prepping for the holidays in July. To be completely honest, I also peeped some pumpkin spice products at Target at the beginning of August. Can we also talk about how the Pumpkin Spice Latte just seems to be debuting earlier and earlier? I get it if it’s not your go-to fall drink, but add some pumpkin to your iced chai if you haven’t tried it yet; it’s a fall must. So let’s get to it. What you are really reading this post for is to help you create ideas for your fall bucket list. Here are some of my favorite fall things to do:
Apple Orchards
Is it even fall without visiting an orchard…or 3? We have always loved visiting these orchards:
Apple Jack Orchards (Delano) – This orchard is a very popular one and has everything you could ever want to keep the kids entertained.
Applewood Orchard (Lakeville) – This is a small orchard, but the orchard itself is FANTASTIC. They have a small shop to get things like pies and apple butter. There are also a few activities for the kids to enjoy, like tractor rides and a small play area.
Sweetland Orchard (Webster) – Another small orchard, but they are the sweetest family-owned orchard. They offer apple tastings and even sell hard ciders.
Explore the Fall Colors
This is on my list every year, but we never seem to get to it in time. Unlike apple picking, this is something you should sneak in right away! Not sure where to start your drive? Check out this list of routes from Explore Minnesota. Another great spot in the Twin Cities to take in the fall colors is Minnehaha Falls. I know my family never gets tired of strolling through Minnehaha, and it’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch while the kids play at the park after a nice walk through nature. If you want to go for a waterfall adventure a bit further away here are 9 more to add to your fall adventure list.
Minnesota Zoo
The Zoo is always a great trip when the weather starts to change, but they have hosted a Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in the past, and it is amazing! The event takes place from 1 October thru 7 November, be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time! They have games and stops along the way to take photos and to just enjoy some quality family time.
Pumpkin Picking
We’ve talked apples, but we can’t forget about picking out pumpkins! You can pick pumpkins at most of the apple orchards you visit, but why not checkout something more pumpkin specific? Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes has a corn maze, pumpkin patch, tasty food, and plenty of activities to keep you busy on a crisp fall day. Waldoch opens September 18th and runs through Halloween.
Anoka, the Halloween Capital of the World
That’s right, Anoka has proclaimed that they are the Halloween Capital of the World, and to celebrate, the town hosts events all month long. Seems like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. There are pumpkin carving contests, parades, bonfires, and even a costume 5k to celebrate. You can check out the list of events here.
Get Artsy
Get the whole family packed into the car to visit the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis, or grab coffee and breakfast to-go in the car and make your way to Franconia Sculpture Garden. Your kids will be in awe of the sculptures at either location, and it’s a great way to get in touch with your creative side.
Explore a new park
Head to Farmington and let the kids enjoy some time at the Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area at Whitetail Woods Regional Park. There are sand, water, nets, balancing areas, and again it’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. Exploring any park in the fall almost always means great fall foliage in the land of 10,000 lakes. So be sure to have the camera ready and maybe get the kids to collect some leaves for some fun fall projects as the week carries on.
Ditch the Kids for a Fall Date Night
Yes, I said it! Head to a Pizza Farm where you can enjoy fresh pizza with farm-to-table toppings, fire roasted. Red Barn in Northfield is a fantastic spot for a pizza farm date night, but be sure to setup a reservation. Want some more options for Pizza Farms? Take a look here. Next, mark your date night calendars for Oktoberfest in New Ulm, 1-2 and 8-9 October. If you are looking for other Oktoberfest options, Explore Minnesota has an Oktoberfest list for you!
Once you have picked your apples and pumpkins, be sure to continue making fall memories at home filled by baking up a storm. Make favorite fall bakes like apple crisp and pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Have a Halloween movie night after carving pumpkins and snack on pumpkin seeds instead of popcorn…or both! Happy fall, friends!
