Summer is over and you’re feeling blue? As the weather starts to cool off, the days get shorter and the sun doesn’t seem to shine as brightly, you might already feel like it’s time to go back indoors. Not so fast! Autumn is a beautiful season and Massachusetts is full of amazing attractions to keep you outdoors!

To help you plan some amazing fall outings, here are a few of our favorite activities during this time of year:

1. Pumpkin Patches

Nothing screams autumn in the US like pumpkins! Pumpkins are part of Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving delights, special drinks from your favorite coffee shop and even the scent of candles and air fresheners. What better way to start off our list than with a beautiful walk to pick pumpkins with your loved ones?

This is a tradition throughout New England and in MA, we have plenty of options. Every farm has its unique offerings and special attractions, but we are happy to report that all have fresh products to choose from, diverse harvests to pick through, amazing tours and beautiful scenery to enjoy.

Below are some noteworthy favorites:

  • Tougas Family Farm: in Northborough; you can also pick apples and blackberries and they are happy to give you all the expert tips to prepare your pumpkins for Halloween!

  • Hanson’s Farm: located in Framingham; in addition to pumpkins, there is a tractor ride for the children and a corn maze, which is a winding maze through a cornfield!

  • Pankeen Farm: in Canton; this farm offers a variety of products from their own harvest, as well as donuts and hot cider in the open air.

  • Marini Farm: located in Ipswich, this farm has a variety of rides and activities for the whole day, including mazes, tractor rides and a famous jumping pillow.

There are countless other farms around the state with the most diverse attractions. A quick Google search is all it takes to find the perfect location for you and your family to locate the best pumpkin patch to explore this fall season. 

2. Apple Orchards

Did you know that Massachusetts is home to some of the best apple trees in the US? They are called apple orchards and are a great touring option during the fall season.

If you enjoy fruit, a walk among the many rows of apple trees is sure to make your mouth water.

Here are just a few of the many orchard options you can visit in Massachusetts:

  • The Big Apple Farm: located in Wrentham; in addition to apples, this farm also grows apricots, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, hops, pumpkins and assorted vegetables – but don’t miss out on their peaches, which are picked every morning.

  • Red Apple Farm: in Phillipston; you can pick a wide variety of other fruits and plants – including your own potatoes. There’s even a meal included in the tour!

  • Smolak Farms: located in North Andover; they have a wonderful farm store and also provide educational tours. There are about 20 varieties of apples, including apples that are no longer produced for commercial purposes.

  • Echo Hill Orchards and Winery: located in Monson; this farm is not just for apples, there is a winery and a distillery on site offering autumn drinks and other tastings.

You do not want to miss out on this traditional, family-friendly activity. This fall, be sure to check out the nearest orchard and enjoy an entire day outdoors!

3. Go On a Picnic

Enjoy the still-friendly temperatures and spend as much time outdoors as you can. Whether alone, as a couple or as a family, a picnic is an excellent option, even on the laziest days.

Cities in Massachusetts are packed with urban parks and gardens to enjoy without too much effort, but if you’re in the mood for hitting the road, you can stretch your checkered tablecloth in front of lakes, mountains and incredible views.

Choose your favorite snacks, a cooler with cold drinks or even a thermos with coffee/tea, a good book, board games and you are all set! Enjoy your day!

For your convenience, we’ve already created a list of some perfect picnic spots in our Picnic Day article!

4. King Richard’s Faire

King Richard’s Faire is a large Renaissance fair that takes place in the town of Carver every year. 

Here you can see acrobats, trapeze artists and jugglers, minstrels, fire eaters, knight jousting and forest fairies. Even the food is inspired by the Renaissance.

The fair is open on weekends and holidays and runs until the 24th of October.

Fun + History!

5. See the Autumn Foliage

Autumn in New England is exactly the fall we grew up seeing in movies. What makes it so iconic is the change of color. The different shades of orange, red, and yellow make the trees an attraction all on their own.

Going out to see foliage in the woods, parks and forests of Massachusetts or neighboring states is a visual spectacle you’ll see in few parts of the world, so don’t miss this opportunity!

Visit New England has a great list of scenic drives in MA so you can enjoy the very best this fall season has to offer!

We know that being an immigrant can be very difficult and we tend to focus so much on working and saving money. We have to ask, however– what is the value of leaving our country and staying away from the family if we can’t enjoy some of what our new home has to offer?

Not everything costs money, just a few hours of your time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones! Is there anything on our list that you haven’t tried yet this fall season? Go for it!