Fall means changing leaves, cooling temps and back-to-school time, but it doesn’t mean that the fun of summer has to be over. Here are some ideas to keep the fun going into autumn!

 

1. Carve a pumpkin

The Fort Wayne area is full of family-friendly pumpkin patches to visit. Spend an afternoon picking out the perfect pumpkins before carving your masterpiece. Be sure to pick ones with sturdy stems and cut the lids at an angle when you begin carving.  If you love the smell of pumpkin pie, sprinkle a little cinnamon into the carved pumpkin to make your home and yard smell like fall heaven. Check out some of our favorite local pumpkin patches!

 

Kurtz Pumpkin Patch
Hilger Family Farm
Cedar Creek Produce
DeGrandchamp’s Pumpkin Patch

 

2. Make caramel apples

Visit an orchard like Cook’s Orchard or Advanced Tree Technology and purchase the juiciest apples to take home and make this seasonal favorite. Be sure to pop your apples in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so before washing and covering in caramel. Also, we suggest choosing a higher quality caramel to ensure a smooth coating of your sweet treat.

3. Go to a Fall Festival

The 43rd Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival is the unofficial kick-off to fall in Fort Wayne and  will take place this year on Sept. 16 and 17. Peruse the booths of over 100 handmade crafts and watch your kids’ eyes widen while watching the demonstrations by blacksmiths and potters.

4. Visit a dairy farm

Kids of all ages are invited to the Kuenhert Dairy Fall Festival Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 24 through Oct. 23. Kids will be able to learn about and spend time with the baby calves and play fall-inspired games such as corn hole and pumpkin checkers. Don’t visit without playing in the corn pit play area!

5. Get lost in a corn maze

Waterloo, IN is home to the largest corn maze in Indiana, covering more than 12 acres. Take the trip up to Waterloo to enjoy the 20-30 minute phase of the maze, as well as the phase that lasts a little longer at 50-60 minutes. Your kids won’t forget this fall adventure!

6. Go on a Hayride

Head to Salmon Farm’s Fall Festival Sept. 21 and 22 to enjoy some corn husking, food concessions and a real hayride. Better yet, admission and parking are completely free at this local event!