Living in Wisconsin, we find ourselves embracing every ounce of tolerable weather possible. We are granted limited months with warm weather and activities we can enjoy outdoors (unless you are brave and spend significant time in the bitter cold. In which case, we applaud you). But for those of us who appreciate feeling our feet and are content with not seeing our breath the second we walk out the door, we feel a sense of urgency when our calendars flip to the fall months. This seasonal change highlights the inevitable march to winter and strikes fear in those of us who find winter far too long. We only have so many days left before the snow starts to fall, so how can we take full advantage of the beautiful fall weather still in our grasp? Where should we adventure, and what activities should we embrace?
Keep reading for Five Fall Festivities for Your Family!
Enchanted Valley Acres: Located just outside of Madison in Cross Plains, Enchanted Valley Acres is your ultimate family destination for fall. Offering activities that appeal to every age, this farm will become a favorite. Enchanted Valley Acres opens for its fall season this weekend and extends until the last weekend in October. Admission is $11 per person and includes access to hayrides, a pumpkin patch, corn mazes, and several games. To learn more and plan your weekend with Enchanted Valley Acres, please visit: (https://www.enchantedvalleyacres.com/).
UW-Madison Arboretum Trail: Embrace the fall colors in Wisconsin and enjoy some fresh air at the UW-Madison Arboretum Trail. Free admission makes this destination friendly for families of all sizes and friends of any budget. The diverse landscape–which includes woodlands, wetlands, ponds, prairies, and gardens—will provide breathtaking sites and numerous photo opportunities. There are 20 miles of trails, making it possible to spend the whole day there, if you so choose. For more information and routes for the trails, please visit: (https://www.visitmadison.com/listings/uw-madison-arboretum/180451/).
Henry Vilas Zoo Run Run: Bring your energy to the Zoo Run Run on September 30th! There are two routes for adults (5K and 10K), and two for children (half-mile and full-mile), making the event family-friendly. Registration includes a t-shirt, medal, and free beer, if over the age of 21. The event costs $35 for adult participants, and $20 for children. There will be a party following the event at the Henry Vilas Zoo. As a reminder to those who simply want to visit the zoo, admission is always free! To register for the event, please visit: (https://vilaszoo.org/zoorunrun).
Fall Harvest Festival at Madison Children’s Museum: Join the Madison Children’s Museum for their Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 29th. Children in attendance will create art, dance, play with animals, and participate in fall-related activities. The agenda for the day includes farm animal meet and greets, gourd decorating, cooking, square dancing, wheat straw weaving, and cabin crafts. Festivities begin at 10:00 AM and will conclude at 4:00 PM. Admission to the event is included with museum admission. More information can be found on the museum’s website: (https://madisonchildrensmuseum.org/event/fall-harvest-festival/).
Oktoberfest: Grab your friends, or spend a weekend with your partner sans kids at Oktoberfest in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Experience German traditions and sample a variety of craft beers. Events begin Thursday, September 27th and continue until Sunday, September 30th. You can enjoy one of two parades, tour the Oktoberfest grounds, or simply bar hop from a multitude of La Crosse bars. To plan your trip, please visit (https://www.oktoberfestusa.com/).