When I start to feel a chill in the air, it’s when I remember I’m alive. There’s nothing better than when the indecisive Midwest temperatures begin to drop and the leaves on the trees start to shine beautiful rays or warm reds and browns. After this year’s strenuous summer, we could all use a little fall festivities to settle into the changing season. Here are some fun and exciting ideas for how to spend your time over the upcoming fall break that go beyond just celebrating Halloween.

Go to an Orchard or Apple Picking

Whenever fall approaches, I love to gather with family and friends at an orchard. There’s lots of fun and beautiful orchards in Indiana with lots of activities for you and your loved ones. Apple picking and pumpkin patches, hayrides, fall scenery, as well as orchard markets where you can purchase things like honey. My favorite orchard is Beasleys in Danville, they love to host lots of fall events and activities.

Go to a Festival

This is a good opportunity to connect with friends and the community. Fall festivals will usually pertain to things like eating and drinking fall favorites; apple cider and such. Festivals are a fun way to show off cool or exciting costumes and trade goodies between yourself and others, in a way that is more suited for older kids as they may not want to trick or treat while still being fun for all ages.

Fall/Halloween Shopping

Going shopping for costumes with your friends is something that everyone should have the delight of experiencing! It’s a rite of passage for teens in America, and it’s a fun activity to deepen bonds with friends and make memories. If you don’t celebrate Halloween, that’s okay too! Shopping for fall treats, decorations, or activities can also be a great hangout with friends and family, or even just by yourself. Spirit Halloween locations start to pop up around September/October and they house lots of costumes, fall festivities, and halloween paraphernalia that you can purchase.

Get a Treat with a Friend

Lots of places like cafes and shops have fun and fall festive drinks and foods–going to a cafe with an acquaintance is a chill and pleasant way to spend free time for fall. Cozy up with some pumpkin spice or whatever suits your fancy and catch up with your loved ones.

Make scarecrows/play with leaves

One of the most fun interactive fall activities to do with your friends and family is making scarecrows from leaves that have fallen off the trees. Rake up the leaves in your yard and gather some old clothes to stuff with leaves. If scarecrows aren’t your thing, you can rake up the leaves and jump into them. (Pets also love to play in the leaves!) Not only are you cleaning up the yard, but you’re biding your time while making memories.