If you live or plan to visit the East Coast, there are plenty of fall activities for families. At this time of year, apple picking and pumpkin carving are great bonding activities. As Halloween approaches, haunted houses and hayrides appeal to older children, teenagers and adults. Not all haunted attractions are appropriate for very young kids, so be sure to research in advance.
Here are some ideas for fall activities you and your family can enjoy.
Apple Picking – New York
There is much more to New York than the city, and now is the perfect time to see that for yourself. There are plenty of apple-picking farms which cater to families with young children. Best of all, you don’t have to travel far to get to them.
One example is Demarest Farms, which is about an hour from Manhattan. Visitors can pick Gala, Fuji, Cortland and Golden Delicious apples, among others. Some are sweet, others are tangy, and others blend the two. Be sure to make a reservation.
Further afield is Apple Ridge Orchards in Warwick, NY. Younger children can do their own apple-picking, thanks to the dwarf trees.
Pumpkin Picking and Carving – Maine
As summer gives way to fall, the foliage in Maine changes color. This provides an idyllic setting for the pumpkin season.
If you want the pumpkin and apple-picking experience in Maine, check out Brackett’s Orchards. There’s also a pumpkin patch at the aptly named Pumpkin Valley Farm. Aside from the pumpkins, kids can access the corn maze and play with farm animals.
While you’re in Maine, be sure to stock up on pumpkin-inspired products like soap, pies and even soda.
Fall Festivals – Washington D.C.
Take the family to one of the fall festivals going on in the U.S. capital. The DC Bike Ride on September 9 concludes with a family-friendly festival. On September 16, there’s the H Street Festival with live music and scores of food vendors.
From September 21 to October 8, take advantage of Theatre Week, which includes performances for younger audiences.
Haunted Houses – New Jersey
There’s no fall without Halloween, and New Jersey offers plenty of spooky attractions.
Haunted House Paramus offers a haunted house experience that appeals to kids and adults. There aren’t actors or jump scares and each of the rooms has a theme. Check out the Glow in the Dark Room, the Trick or Treat Room, and Dracula’s Lair.
In Passaic, Brighton Asylum is best suited for older teenagers and adults. The three chief attractions are Brighton Asylum, the Bleeding Grounds and Subculture. If you want an enhanced spooky experience, choose the “contact” option, which allows the actors to physically interact with you. It’s also possible to have a fun experience without being touched.
Brighton operates outside of the Halloween period, as well. There are events for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.