“It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” (Winnie the Pooh, Pooh’s Grand Adventure). Maybe you are too old to leap into leaves, and your grandkids are too young to rake the leaves into a neat pile, but you can still leap into autumn (or fall into fall [I can’t believe I said that]) with some local activities. Contact the venues for up-to-date information, ages, hours, cost, etc.
Autumn is a lovely time to enjoy outdoor activities. This year, it’s a chance to forget about the Valley’s record-breaking high temperatures and dual heat waves. It’s a time to think about piling on the sweaters, and piles of snow, and piles of post-holiday bills—OK, we just ruined the mood. So, get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature.
If you are the hiking type, take the kids to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton. Here, it’s not an insult to say, “It’s for the birds!” because “the view from Hawk Mountain offers beautiful vistas and great looks at raptors, some of the largest and most charismatic birds in the world.” Birds and butterflies, plants and pond dwellers, and conservation studies and coloring books make the walks worthwhile. Their website has a special Kids section with facts, fun activities, and nest cams! hawkmountain.org/ | [email protected] | (610) 756-6961.
If you are looking for a lot of fall fun in a one-stop location, Bear Rock Junction rocks! Located in New Tripoli, BRJ offers mini golf, go karts, train rides, Glow Golf, a pumpkin patch, hayride—Did we leave anything out? Probably! For pet-, family-, and budget-friendly fall fun, head up Route 309 to Bear Rock Junction (bears not included)! bearrockjunction.com/ | [email protected] | (610) 298-8888.
There is nothing grim about Grim’s Fall Festival & Corn Maze. This popular event runs from September 7 through November 3. The entire Grim’s experience includes hay rides, corn maze, goat snuggling, play corral, apple, veggie, flower, and tatie picking, apple cannon, paintball, and the joy of spending time on a farm in the fall! Prices, times, and packages vary, so give ‘em a call or go online for reservations. 9875 Schantz Rd., Breinigsville 18031 | 610-395-5655 | [email protected] | grimsorchard.com.
Seiple Farms in Bath is celebrating “OVER 40 YEARS of PUMPKINS!” On weekends, you can enjoy a hayride to their 40-acre pumpkin patch, 20-acre BIG corn maze, visiting farm animals, a straw maze, pony and amusement rides, food trucks, Pumpkin Barn & Gift Shop, vendors, and so much more! 5761 Nor Bath Blvd., Bath | [email protected] | 610-837-0847 | seiplefarms.com/autumn.
For those colder days, when the outdoor festivals are closed and the holidays approach, gather around the fireplace or electric heating element and — educate the kids! Once the groans subside, initiate the fun with an age-appropriate activity from WHAT DO WE DO ALL DAY?, a “favorite source for screen-free fun!” Find them at whatdowedoallday.com.
No need to fall into the school-daze blahs; try some activities that autumnake them happy!
