LANSING, Mich. — You know how beautiful Michigan is during the fall, but did you know about the numerous fall activities for families throughout northern Michigan? Here are a few hidden gems that are worth your time while you visit and explore Traverse City and the surrounding areas. The best part about each of these fall activities is you are not locked into buying tickets or showing up at a specific time. Most of these activities allow you to come and go as it fits into your vacation.
1. Pahls Pumpkin Patch in BuckleyAlthough this is not in Traverse City, it's right outside in Buckley and worth the drive. Just a warning, you may find yourself spending hours following your kids through the corn maze, taking a wagon ride, feeding the goats, visiting the chickens and barn animals, and going for a barrel tractor ride. You can keep going strong with ample donuts, trail mix, and hot apple cider at their concession stand during the weekends.
2. Spooktacular Saturdays at Crystal MountainHave you visited Crystal Mountain? You may know it as a resort and for skiing, but they have fun family events during the off season. Spooktacular Saturdays offer fun fall games, wagon rides, and a petting zoo that are great for kids of all ages. You can also take a haunted lift ride down the hill!
3. Friske Farm Market in EllsworthFriske Farm Market is a few miles from Torch Lake and not far from Elk Rapids. Planning a trip during peak fall colors while driving through rolling hills will ensure great photos. Friske Farm Market has a fantastic outdoor play area for kids, a full cafe, market, and old fashion general store. You can also take a wagon ride around the farm and take in a beautiful view of Grand Traverse Bay!
4. I Spy a Wagon Ride at Moomers in Traverse CityYou may already know how tasty this award-winning ice cream is with fun seasonal flavors. Did you know you can play a fun game of I Spy on a wagon ride? This is a fun way to see the fall colors and tour a beautiful northern Michigan farm, but you must make reservations ahead of time. Even if you can't plan on the wagon ride, be sure to stop by for fall ice cream flavors - they even offer dairy free options!
5. Frankfort Fall Festival on October 12thBesides visiting a quaint northern Michigan town along the water, join the fun with a fall parade, arts and crafts show, wagon rides, pumpkin weighing contest, straw maze, and more! This is one of the few fall festivals in northern Michigan that includes an arts and crafts show.
6. Downtown Trick or Treating | Halloween Party at the State Theatre on October 26thThe last Saturday before Halloween turns downtown Traverse City into a kid-friendly trick-or-treating party. It can be challenging to push a stroller through the crowds, but nearly every storefront participates and you will see countless fun costumes. Tip: After you wait in line and visit stores going east down Front Street, head over to the State Theatre (also on Front Street) for a free Halloween party!
Find more details about all these fall events in northern Michigan and more activities in the Fall Festivals Guide [thecherrylife.com], Fall Farm Guide [thecherrylife.com], and Halloween Events Guide [thecherrylife.com].
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