Fall Family Activities That Get You Outside

WRITTEN BY KATY REASONER

If you’ve ever spent time in the Midwest or northeast, you know that the onset of fall can be BIG. Pumpkin patches, donuts and cider, changing leaves, the list goes on and on. There are fall rides and fun activities for families everywhere you look.

While Montana doesn’t have a cider mill on every corner with a pumpkin patch, we do have many opportunities to get out and celebrate the seasonal changes.

A Hay or Corn Maze:

• THE BOZEMAN MAZE is located at 1340 E. Valley Center Rd. They have lots of activities and special events throughout the season.

• ROCKY CREEK FARM offers hayrides and a pumpkin patch, and they will even turn your apples into cider for you. Located at 34297 Frontage Rd. in Bozeman.

• THE MONTANA CORN MAZE is located at 4605 W. Cameron Bridge Rd. in Manhattan.

• EDGEWATER FARMS CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH is located in Townsend, about 6 miles south of town on the west side of the highway.

• THE BEAVERHEAD MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH is located 4 miles north of Dillon on Hwy 41.

Color Cruise:

Deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall after changing to brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red. Take a drive through Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman or through the Lewis and Clark National Forest near Helena and enjoy the contrast between the dark pine trees and the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. The best time of the year for this is typically October.

Fall Hikes:

Fall is an excellent time to continue getting outside and going on walks or hikes with your family. As always, stay safe by being aware of bears as they prepare for their long winter nap. Also, late fall brings hunting season in Montana, so it’s a good idea for people and pups to wear some orange.

Apple Cider Donuts:

Apple cider donuts are always a good idea and easy to make. This recipe from the New York Times for baked donuts can be made in either a donut pan or a muffin pan: cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019593-baked-applecider-doughnuts

Now, you just have to decide how your family will celebrate this incredible season. Have fun!

Katy Reasoner is a CACFP Coordinator at Child Care Connections. Child Care Connections is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for the well-being and quality care of children. Learn more and get resources at cccmontana.org.