Fall Favorites for the Whole Family
Atkins Farms
Photo by Lynne Graves
Here in Hampshire County, fall is in full swing. Burnt oranges and brilliant reds are popping up in the trees, pumpkins and gourds adorn every farm stand, the days are crisp and the nights are chilly, and thoughts are turning to Halloween and (gasp!) Thanksgiving. Take advantage of all that autumn has to offer with Hampshire County happenings for the whole family.
Four Family Favorites for Fall
1. Art in the Orchard
A Pioneer Valley favorite, Art in the Orchard is a half-mile self-guided walking trail of 30 sculptures and installations on a working fruit farm. It’s a great choice for families with little ones who need room to run and explore. Make a day of it and pick your own apples while taking in stunning views of Mount Tom. And don’t leave without sampling a refreshing cider slushie! Open daily through Thanksgiving.
2. Flayvors' Fall Festival
Flayvors of Cook Farm’s free Fall Festival serves up fun for all ages. Get the full farm-to-table experience with Flayvors’ delicious homemade ice cream and a visit with the cows that made it. Take a wagon ride around the property, check out a milking demonstration, get your face painted, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy live music. Saturday, October 12, 12-4pm.
3. Look Park's Pumpkin Festival
Celebrate the season with Look Park’s Pumpkin Festival. Sip cider while painting a pumpkin, try your luck at carnival games, get the wiggles out in the bounce houses, and watch balloon artists at work. If you need a break, relax by the pond or take a leisurely stroll among the park’s 150 acres. Saturday, October 12, 10am-4pm. And for families with older kids (5+) looking to get in the Halloween spirit, check out the Haunted Train and Light Display featuring ghosts, ghouls, and zombies! Friday to Sunday, October 18-20 and 25-27, 5pm to 9pm.
4. Get Spooky in Amherst
Amherst’s Halloween Fest offers family-friendly fun in the heart of downtown. Kick things off with trick-or-treating at noon followed by a costume parade, a haunted house, games, and more. Sunday, October 28, 12pm to 3pm.
Get creative with the family at Atkins Farms’ Scarecrow Workshops. Parents and kids alike will love working together to build life-size scarecrows. Celebrate a job well done with lunch at the deli followed by Atkins’ famous apple cider donuts for dessert. Weekends through October 20, 11am to 4pm.