As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to turn, it may be tempting to snuggle up in a blanket and stay inside. But there may be a better way to take advantage of the crisp weather.
Instead, create a personalized fall bucket list that’s full of apple picking, pumpkin carving and leaf peeping for you and your friends and family.
Luckily, metro Atlanta is one of the best places to partake in some fun autumn activities, so start checking off things to do with the help of this fall roundup.
Buford Corn Maze
Since 2009, Buford Corn Maze has been providing autumn fun for families throughout October and November. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the 5-acre corn maze, find the perfect pumpkins for decoration or view the animals on the farm.
This year, the site is introducing the combine slide, a new attraction for the Kid’s CORNer.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, October. 6-10 p.m. Fridays, noon-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, November. $15 for corn maze; $15 for haunted forest; $25 combo ticket. 4470 Bennett Road, Buford. bufordcornmaze.com.
Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival
Billed as Atlanta’s only hot air balloon festival, the fifth annual event gathers more than 50,000 people to Kennesaw State University’s Sports and Entertainment Park. Expect to take an exciting balloon ride, dance to some live music and rock your best Halloween costume.
Don’t forget to stop by the Beer Garden and check out some amazing work from local artists. VIP attendees can even dine on exclusive meals from Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
6-11 p.m. Oct. 27, 4-11 p.m. Oct. 28. General admission, $14; $6 for children (aged 3-12). VIP, $79; $49 for children. 3200 George Busbee Parkway NW, Kennesaw. owl-o-ween.com.
Uncle Shuck’s
If you’re looking for a place to go on an adventurous hayride, you’ve found it. Head to Uncle Shuck’s for a nighttime excursion through the farm, and end your trip with a cozy bonfire, where you can munch on some roasted marshmallows.
You can also explore the corn maze and pumpkin patch and go on a goat walk.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, October. 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, November. Free admission. 4520 Highway 53 E., Dawsonville. uncleshucks.com.
Glamping at Stone Mountain
At Stone Mountain Park's popular campground, yurts are the perfect option for first-time campers or visitors looking for a different thrill known as glamping. Made of wood and insulated canvas, the smoke-free, furnished yurts are located on a scenic lakeside and feature large windows, skylights, a potable water spigot and charcoal grill. The heating and air conditioning and lighting and electricity make the adventure even more comfortable.
Various prices. 4003 Stonewall Jackson Drive, Stone Mountain. stonemountainpark.com.
Fall Farm Day
Bring the entire family out to experience life on a 19th-century farm. Delight in some arts and crafts, hit up the petting zoo featuring farm animals and get your face painted.
You can even take a lunch break to fill your belly with yummy hot dogs and hamburgers.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 14. Archibald Smith Plantation Home, 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. roswellgov.com.
Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta
The kids will have a blast at the zoo’s annual Halloween event. Dress to impress in your best costume as you walk the grounds checking out more than 1,000 animals from around the world.
Find your way through the inflatable corn maze and meet some of the most popular storybook characters including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Corduroy Bear and Ladybug Girl.
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29. Free for members. $22.99; $16.99 for children (ages 3-11). 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. zooatlanta.org.
Atlanta World Kite Festival and Expo
Want to learn how to fly a kite? Now is the time. The annual Atlanta World Kite Festival and Expo is back for the sixth time, bringing family and friends together to celebrate outdoor fun. Pack your own kite, and watch it soar through the clouds.
Food trucks will be on-site for feasting, and live music will be blasting to keep you moving.
1-6 p.m. Oct. 28. Free. The Meadow at Piedmont Park, Atlanta. atlantaworldkitefestival.com.
Train or Treat at Southeastern Railway Museum
Celebrate Halloween at the museum by putting on your scariest outfit and trick-or-treating at the decorating stations around the exhibits. Take a wagon ride and chomp on some light, fall-themed refreshments during your visit, too.
10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 28. $10; $8 for seniors (ages 65 and up); $7 for children (ages 2-12). 3595 Buford Highway, Duluth. southeasternrailwaymuseum.org.
Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Throughout October, visitors can take in 100 kooky scarecrows handcrafted by businesses, schools, organizations and individuals. Trek through the trails to spot the wildest and wackiest designs, and choose your favorites. The crows are competing for prizes in professional and nonprofessional divisions.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. $21.95; $15.95 for children (ages 3-12). 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. atlantabg.org.
Apple picking at B.J. Reece Orchards
Spend your day snagging some delicious apples and peaches, but the orchard doesn’t offer just fruit picking. You can also go for a pony or wagon ride, milk a cow or zip line through the sky.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Saturdays, October. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. Sundays, November. Various prices. 9131 Ga. 52 E., Ellijay. reeceorchards.com.
