Fall has arrived, and the leaves have started changing into glorious colors. This is such a beautiful time of year with so many fall activities to get out and enjoy. Let's take a look at what you and your family can do to make the most of autumn!
I love living in the north and celebrating all four seasons; autumn is one of my favorites. My cousin agrees. She grew up in Montana but has lived in the D.C. area for 20+ years. She just moved to Wisconsin to enjoy more of the four seasons. I can only imagine how colorful the autumn leaves are near her. Let's look at some of the wonderful fall activities and splendor you can enjoy this time of year.
Changing of the Leaves
As the temperatures drop in the north, we love watching the leaves change from green to yellow, orange, and red. You can't beat walking through the crunchy leaves, smelling autumn all around you, and enjoying cooler temperatures. In Montana, we're fortunate to walk along the river, with the mountains as a backdrop, as we enjoy the vibrant fall colors. If you want to see some of the most beautiful fall colors, consider visiting any northern states. Don't forget to lower your cell phone or camera once in a while to fully experience the glorious autumn colors without being behind a lens!
Photo by Janelle Dauenhauer. Black Walnut tree with yellow foliage in Montana.
Caterpillars
If you love autumn, why not take the kids (or your partner) on a caterpillar scavenger hunt! In Montana, we see a variety of caterpillars. We especially like seeing the Woolly Bear, Cecropia, and Monarch caterpillar, among others. Using your cell phone, you can quickly take photos of any caterpillar you're unfamiliar with, then use Google Lens to identify it. Don't forget to share the images on social media to entice your friends and family to get outside and find caterpillars too.
Photo by Janelle Dauenhauer. 4-6” Polyphemus moths produced from Polyphemus moth caterpillars.
Oktoberfest
Although Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, numerous cities celebrate across the U.S. in October. Wherever you live in the U.S., you'll likely find an Octoberfest nearby!
Leavenworth, an old-world Alpine-style city in Central Washington, really gets into the Octoberfest celebration. Not only will you enjoy Bier (beer), but you'll also enjoy traditional brats, local artists and crafters, and many other bavarian-style goods. We hope you'll get out and enjoy an Oktoberfest celebration in your area this fall!
Pumpkin Patch
Do you have a pumpkin patch in your city? We have numerous options for picking pumpkins in our area, which makes for great family time and photo opportunities. Pumpkins are great as decorations, for jack-o-lanterns, and baking. Bring home a variety of sizes, and you can enjoy pumpkins all the way to Thanksgiving!
Corn Maze
Have you ever walked through a corn maze? Some mazes stretch for 10-20 acres! We have a corn maze called the "Field of Screams ."The maze includes winding paths through 5 acres of corn stalks that keep you guessing at every turn. Corn mazes typically offer daytime and evening visits and optional escape rooms. We hope you check out a corn maze this autumn!
Pumpkin Baked Goods
Fall brings us everything "pumpkin" flavored. Now is the time to get out and enjoy pumpkin treats in your area. Visit a local bakery and try the latest pumpkin baked goods like muffins, cheesecake, pie, and pumpkin coffee beverages. Jump on Pinterest or pull out your favorite cookbook and create a delicious pumpkin treat for you and your family. You could even sprinkle a little pumpkin spice on your coffee, tea, or oatmeal to enjoy the fall flavor.
Conclusion
Autumn is a beautiful season and an excellent time to get out and enjoy its beauty. Whether you walk through the colorful leaves, experience an Oktoberfest celebration, stroll through a corn maze, or sit back and enjoy a pumpkin frappe and a pumpkin muffin, we hope you make the most of fall!