Autumn is a magical time of year in Vermont.
The weather may be cooler, but there are so many outdoor autumn activities that your whole family will love. The colorful leaves make a wonderful backdrop for pictures. Grab your sweaters and your boots and try some of these outdoor activities.
Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a great outdoor activity for the entire family. They range in size and difficulty, so you can pick what level is right for your family. If you have teenagers, check out the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville. It bills itself as the largest maze in New England. If you’re looking for something a little less involved, try the corn maze at Sam Mazza’s in Colchester. Another favorite stop is Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins and Corn Maze.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is another classic autumn activity. I love picking a bunch of apples and then coming home to bake an apple crisp. Many apple orchards offer wagon rides, which adds to the fun. My kids really like going to Hackett’s Orchard in South Hero. They have a large playground and sell delicious apple cider slushes and apple cider doughnuts. Across the street, Allenholm Farm offers a petting zoo as well as apples. My children also enjoy Chapin Orchard in Essex. Besides picking apples, my children enjoy watching the cider press in action. For my favorite cider donuts, check out Boyer’s Orchard in Monkton.
Hiking
Autumn is the perfect time of year for hiking. It’s neither too hot nor too cold and the colorful leaves are incredibly beautiful. One of my favorite hikes with small children is Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte. It’s an easy hike to the top, where you are rewarded with gorgeous views. If someone is unable to hike at all, you can also drive all the way to the top. If your children are a little older, Snake Mountain in Addison also offers fantastic views.
Outdoor Movie
It’s so fun to snuggle under a blanket and watch an outdoor movie. In early autumn, you can watch a movie at one of the four screens at the Sunset Drive-In Theatre in Colchester. There are also several smaller, local options for outdoor movies, such as ones every Friday night in September at Maple Street Park in Essex Junction. Check with your local rec department.
Hot Air Balloon
For a splurge, try a hot air balloon ride. Autumn is the perfect time so you can get an eagle’s eye view of the foliage. Above Reality, Hot Air Balloon Rides offers different packages. While hot air balloon rides are expensive, they are also an experience that you’ll never forget.
Pumpkin Patch
Head out to a pumpkin patch this autumn. Many of them offer wagon rides to the patch, where children can roam around and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Two of our favorite pumpkin patches are at Sam Mazza’s in Colchester and Isham Family Farm in Williston. After picking out your pumpkins, take them home to decorate them outdoors. Smaller kids can paint pumpkins or add stickers, while older children can carve them.
Bonfire
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a bonfire! They are so warm and cozy on a cool night. Even if you don’t feel like making a bonfire, children will still enjoy making s’mores and hot dogs over a small fire pit. If you don’t have a yard, many parks have grills or fire pits. The best part of cooking and eating outdoors is that you don’t have to worry about making a mess in your house.
What fun outdoor activities are in store for your family this autumn?
