The typical response to “What should I do this fall?” usually includes a mix of “pumpkin spice lattes,” “jump in the leaves” and “carve pumpkins.”
If we’re being honest, there are only so many fall-flavored drinks a person can handle, no one really likes jumping in a pile of dead plants, and carving pumpkins is just a emergency trip waiting to happen.
So, the question becomes: what are fun things to do this fall? Here are a list of 10 inexpensive and enjoyable things to do with your family and friends this fall.
Visit a pumpkin patch. Some recommendations are Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, or Vesperman Farms. Schuster’s is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the corn maze costs $4 for adults, and the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch is $2. Vesperman’s is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; their overall admission is $8 for ages 6and up.
Have a baking day. Get some friends or family together and see how many apple, pumpkin and cinnamon flavored drinks, breads and treats you can come up with! (Pinterest is a great resource).
Decorate Pumpkins. An easy way to avoid a sliced finger is to stay away from the knives and grab some paint. This way you can get the pumpkins sooner, and they’ll last longer!
Watch ABC’s 13 days of Halloween. It’s a great way to take a break from the Physics’ test you’re avoiding studying for, and anyone who says they don’t like watching Hocus Pocus, Twitches and Halloween Town are lying.
Go on a hike. Okay, this one is a cliche, but no one can deny that the Mines of Spain, Swiss Valley, or Heritage Trail aren’t a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
Have a game night. Invite some friends over and tell them to bring their favorite board game. This way you can take a break from the chilly outdoors and try something new!
Volunteer at the Humane Society. Cute puppies, fluffy cats and your only responsibility is to play with them? It’s a perfect way to spend a day this fall.
Go camping. Before it gets too cold, grab some friends and a tent and head over to Swiss Valley (or your backyard). Roast some marshmallows and enjoy the great outdoors.
Get Betty Jane’s caramel apples. This is another stereotypical fall activity, but are you really a Dubuquer if you don’t have one (or five) of these delicious treats?
Go on a scavenger hunt. Get a big group of friends together and divide into two groups. Make a list of things to find or do around town and see who gets the most done in the allotted amount of time!