10 family-friendly activities to make this fall a ball!
Are you getting excited about the chilly mornings and changing leaves? Us too! If you’re looking for a fun fall outing for the whole family, we have ideas from Children’s Mercy families. Whether you prefer to get into the fall spirit at home or get out and about in the Kansas City area, keep reading for fun ideas!
Visit a pumpkin patch to pick your pumpkins - plus much more.
Is there an activity that screams “fall!” more than visiting the pumpkin patch? In addition to getting all the pumpkins you need for porch décor and Jack-o-lanterns, many area pumpkin patches have other activities like wagon or hayrides, petting zoos, field mazes and more to keep your kiddos entertained. Popular picks include Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch, Weston Red Barn Farm and Faulkner’s Ranch – but no matter your area of town, there’s sure to be a perfect pumpkin patch near you.
Carve or decorate pumpkins.
Once you’ve picked your pumpkins, you can follow up with this classic fall activity! Pick out a pumpkin for each member of the family and make an event of carving silly (or scary!) faces in them. If you have little ones, or simply prefer to avoid carving, decorating your pumpkins with paint, stickers or glitter is a safe and fun alternative.
Tailgate at a Chiefs game or under the Friday night lights.
Head out to Arrowhead Stadium for a tailgate. Grab your burgers, hot dogs and yard games and make it a Sunday Funday while celebrating our reigning Super Bowl champions. Or check out your local high school’s schedule and catch a game with your family under the Friday night lights.
Make a day of apple picking.
Pack up your basket and head to one of Kansas City’s several apple orchards. Options include Cider Hill Family Orchard, Alldredge Orchards and Weston Orchard. Once you’ve picked your bushel, many of these orchards have games, apple treats and more fun activities – so you can make a whole day of it!
Hang out with Snoopy and friends at the Great Pumpkin Fest.
Every weekend through Oct. 28, Worlds of Fun hosts the Great Pumpkin Fest! There are special Halloween-themed activities from noon to 5 p.m., and Peanuts themed rides in Planet Snoopy.
Have a pumpkin bake off.
Have a taste for all things pumpkin? Get creative in the kitchen with a pumpkin bake off! Let your kids come up with their own ideas – muffins, cookies, pumpkin bars, anything goes. Have prizes for things like most creative, best decorations and fan favorite.
Shop local at an area Farmer's Market.
If you’re looking for seasonal produce, fresh flowers or want to discover your new favorite snack from a local vendor, check out an area farmer’s market. Popular options include The City Market, Parkville Farmer’s Market and Overland Park Farmer’s Market – but no matter what area of town you live in, there’s sure to be a great option close to you.
Shop or DIY your Halloween costumes.
Whether you’re doing a themed family costume or the kids have their own ideas, shop for costumes as a family. Or, gather craft supplies and spend an afternoon in your garage DIY-ing them! A little paint, scissors and sewing can go a long way.
Sip on some fresh apple cider.
Pumpkin not your thing? Give some apple cider a try for a fresh fall flavor. Buy a few varieties at the store for a taste test or visit the Louisburg Cider Mill for an authentic cider experience. They’re open every day and the weekends host extra fun like food vendors, caramel apple making, donuts and more.
Spend a day experiencing life on the farm.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is the perfect place to get in touch with nature. With over 250 animals and birds, a fishing pond and many different varieties of flowers and vegetables, your children can learn while you make family memories. You can even check out their fall-themed events like Pumpkin Hollow and Night of the Living Farm! The farm is open daily and the season runs through Oct. 31.
We hope these tips help spark a fall full of fun and togetherness for your family. And if none of these activities excite your family, you can always stay home and make an afternoon of raking and jumping in leaves before clearing them out of the yard!