5 Fabulous Reasons to Get Outside for “Fall” Fun

By: Martianne Stanger

Although summer is not technically over for about another month, most people are considering it done as back-to-school sales scream, “Fall!” Regardless of whether you consider early September “fall” or the final days of summer, there is plenty of fun to be had outdoors in the next few weeks. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the great weather — so good for the body as well as the soul!

Need some ideas for making the most of this spectacular season? Why not look into:

Beautiful Spots and Butterflies

Image Credit: Training Happy Hearts

Beaches are less crowded. Trails are perfect for wandering. Weather is ideal for catching sunsets and even butterflies! Indeed, all it takes to enjoy this season for FREE is to step out into any park or conservation area. Not sure where to go? Check out Wildlands Trust or Mass Audobon to get ideas. Places like the Audobon’s Allen’s Pond even offer free butterfly tagging programs.

Apple Picking

Photo Credit: Training Happy Hearts

Like to connect fun with food? Try apple picking! There are orchards right here on the South Shore where you can enjoy this timeless fall tradition. Or, if you don’t mind a little driving, you could head out to Honeypot Hill in Stowe. It is my family’s favorite apple picking spot and offers cider donuts, hay rides, a petting zoo, a hedge maze, a box maze, low-picking and picking that includes ladders to climb. Plus, if you pick up on the back hill, you can take in gorgeous, sweeping views!

Festivals and Fairs

Image Credit: Training Happy Hearts

Every September weekend, local businesses, community groups and others seem to offer both free and paid fairs. If you have some entertainment money in your budget, I’d recommend King Richard’s Faire. My family has been going to this local renaissance faire for several years and the kids have already asked to go back again when it opens on Labor Day weekend.

Elephants

Image Credit: Martianne Stanger, Signature Moms

Elephant Appreciation Day is in September and makes a perfect time to go visit local zoos. For a few years running, my crew enjoyed the festivities over by elephants Ruth and Emily’s exhibit at Buttonwood. There, we did crafts, made elephant enrichment and played a super-sized game all about elephants.

A-Maze-ing Corn

Image Credit: Training Happy Hearts

Keep an eye out for local corn mazes. Our family has thoroughly enjoyed the maze, sensory bin, cow carts, games and more at Saucheck Farm for the past several and cannot wait to go join friends for fun there this year, too!

Of course, there are plenty more ways to enjoy outdoor “fall” fun in the next few weeks, too! I’d love to hear about some of your favorite venues and locations for enjoying the September shoulder season outdoors.

One thought on “5 Fabulous Reasons to Get Outside for “Fall” Fun”

This is cute! It inspired me to look for fun fall activities in MN!

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