Can you smell the fresh apple cider, feel the slight chill in the air, and spot the green summer leaves slowly turning into vibrant oranges and reds? Fall must be here once again in Central Mass!
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always looked forward to fall. New England just gives the season a special magic you can’t quite find anywhere else. Now that I’m a mom, the changing of the leaves means a host of new, seasonal activities are waiting for my family to enjoy together.
Last year, my daughter was still a little too small to really experience what fall offers in Central Mass. So this year, to make the most of the season, I’ve come up with a fall bucket list of our top five things to do in Central Mass. From pumpkin picking to checking out all the local fall fairs, there is something she — and your little ones too! — are sure to love.
1 | Picking Apples at a Local Orchard
In Central Mass, we’re blessed with so many family-friendly orchards to choose from. Most orchards in the area offer different varieties of apples for you and your family to pick from and other fun fall activities, like hayrides and corn mazes. Tougas Family Farm, one of my personal favorites, even offers a playground for littles to burn off some excess energy and farm animals to visit for no additional cost.
Before you leave, remember to stop by the orchard’s farm store and try out some delicious fresh apple cider, or pick up a bag of warm cider donuts to bring home.
Can’t decide which orchard to visit this fall? Visit the Central Mass Mom Farms & Orchards Guide to find some of our top picks.
2 | Check Out the Local Festivals & Fairs
From Northborough’s annual Applefest to Marlborough’s Food Truck Festival, it seems like there is something fun to every weekend this fall in Central Mass! At the many festivals and fairs popping up around the area, you can find tons of good food, new local vendors to shop from, and fun activities to keep the kids busy.
If you’re willing to make the drive, The Big E — New England’s largest interstate fair — is also a perfect way to spend the day with your family and enjoy some fall weather.
3 | Go on a Nature Walk or Hike
One of the best ways to truly appreciate all the beautiful fall foliage in New England is to get out and experience it for yourself. All around Central Mass, you can find bike paths and walking trails that will take you right through the gorgeous yellow, red, and orange fall leaves.
My family always enjoys exploring the paths around The Wayside Inn Grist Mill when the fall weather hits. But there is no shortage of scenic State Parks in the area for you and your family to discover!
4 | Explore the Local Farms
Now that the cooler weather is moving in, it’s a perfect time to tour some of the local farms in Central Mass. Most of these farms offer fun fall activities to keep the kids busy, seasonal hayrides, and other amenities. While you explore the grounds, you can learn all about where our fresh fruits and vegetables come from; And, if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet some farm animals along the way.
5 | Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin picking was always the thing I looked forward to most when I was a little girl. And Central Mass has so many pumpkin patches to choose from that it’s hard to pick just one! Places like Parlee Farms and Berlin Orchards offer you the chance to browse their large pumpkin patches and select the perfect gourd to turn into this year’s spooky jack-o’-lantern!
What are some things on your family’s fall bucket list? Still looking for more fun ideas? We have you covered with our FREE Fall Bucket List Printable. We love seeing what our community is up to so be sure to tag Central Mass Mom this fall as you check off your list.
