It’s that time of year again! Time to start thinking about packing up the swimsuits and beach towels and break out the sweaters and boots. As the weather starts to cool down in New England, suddenly what was once a go-to weekend activity is now off the table. Lucky for us, we live in one of the most beautiful regions to experience Fall and there are plenty of fun activities to go along with it.
Here are some different things that can take your weekend from the usual Netflix binge to something the kids will want to share with the class! There is a mix up of New England classics, for those new to the area, as well as more exciting out-of-the-box activities for your adventurous side!
Apple Picking
This is something that almost everyone can agree cannot be skipped! There are orchards all around the state of MA and New England in general that offer pick your own apple picking. Somehow the apples just taste better when you pick them yourself. Inevitably, people always pick far too many apples than they could eat on their own, but that is where PIE comes in. A home-baked apple pie with hand-picked apples is not only delicious but a fun activity to do with the whole family!
Pumpkins on the Pond
Frog pond in Boston is famous amongst tourists, but for one night a year, October 19th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, pumpkins take over! The pond is filled with glowing floating pumpkins; they will even add a light to your own home carved jack-o-lantern and float it for you! There are refreshments, music and activities for the kids to play as well.
https://bostonfrogpond.com/pumpkin-float/
Winery & Breweries
It’s tough to beat enjoying a glass of wine or pint of beer on a beautiful Fall day with friends. New England is filled with so many incredible craft breweries and tons of wineries so there is always something for everyone. Most offer different tastings, you can do and tours of the facilities, as well as different fun lawn and board games.
https://www.treehousebrew.com/
Mount Washington Cog Railway
If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air outside of the city, a trip to the Mount Washington Cog Railway should definitely be on your list this Fall. The 3-hour round-trip train takes you on a scenic ride to the summit of Mount Washington. It is a beautiful way to experience the fall foliage that really makes you appreciate New England!
Corn Mazes
Corn mazes can be fun for every age and always manage to stump us just when we think we’ve got life figured out. New England is even home to a corn maze that one couple literally had to call 911 in order to find their way out. That’s not to say that every corn maze is that difficult, some are made strictly just for fun, like the one dedicated to retired Patriots Player, Rob Gronkowski, that says “Thanks Gronk!” At the end of the day, an afternoon at the farm with a corn maze can be a fun story to laugh at down the road and a great way to spend time with your kids.
https://www.connorsfarm.com/cornmaze
https://www.westendfallfestival.com/
https://www.vermontcornmaze.com/
Maine Pumpkinfest & Regatta
Have you ever wanted to see someone row across a river… in a giant pumpkin? That is exactly what you can find at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta in Maine. They have a whole range of different events and activities for both kids and adults, the majority of which occur over Columbus Day Weekend in October. Events include a giant pumpkin drop, a kid’s pumpkin hunt, a giant pumpkin slingshot, and plenty of live music. The famous Pumpkinboat Regatta kicks off on October 15th this year.
http://www.mainepumpkinfest.com/
Leaf Peeping
There is nothing quite like a drive through New England at peak foliage season. One of the best spots to take in incredible sights in the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains. It is so astounding, that on a peak day more than 4,000 vehicles travel through some portion of the awe-inspiring route. You can drive along the highway or make stops at different sites like the Sabbaday Falls or the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/kancamagus-highway-the-fearless-one-1601014
http://www.kancamagushighway.com/
Chatham Oktoberfest
Just because the summer has come to an end doesn’t mean you can’t go to the Cape! Enjoy the sea air at the Beerfest at Chatham’s Oktoberfest! It has something for the whole family from live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, and kids’ games.
https://chathammerchants.com/oktoberfest
The Big E & Topsfield Fair
Two of the most famous fall fairs in New England are the Big E and Topsfield Fair. The Topsfield Fair specifically is known as America’s Oldest County Fair! The Big E typically runs for a few weeks only in September while the Topsfield Fair usually runs in October, this year going from October 4th through 14th. Both offer tons of rides and attractions, including agricultural shows with cattle and animals galore. There is plenty to see and even more to eat at these famous fairs that people drive hours to visit! Be prepared for a long and fun day that everyone is sure to remember.
https://www.topsfieldfair.org/