12 Activities You Can Only Do in October
Having trouble making your fall bucket list? Too many options to fit in one season? Here are twelve activities you can only do in October.
There are three months of fall, and October is the best. Why? Because it’s the only month that you can do these activities:
1. Halloween!
October is best known for Halloween and all the associated activities like pumpkin carving, costume parties, haunted house tours, and trick-or-treating. You only have one month to pack all of this in, so you better get started.
2. Pumpkin Patches
While pumpkins are a fall mainstay, pumpkin patches often close at the end of October. (You don’t make jack-o-lanterns for Thanksgiving, after all.) Before the month ends, find a local pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins for carving or decorating.
3. Colorful Fall Foliage
Depending on where you live, the weather probably isn’t cool enough to make the leaves change color until October. And then they’re gone in a flash. October is a prime time for leaf-peeping in many regions as the trees change color. You can go for hikes, drives, or bike rides to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. (You can also try these fun crafts to preserve the leaves you collect.)
4. Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is another holiday that only happens once a year. I mean, October is even in the name. Many places, especially those with German heritage, host Oktoberfest events featuring beer, food, music, and dancing.
5. Apple Picking
Apple and cinnamon is one of the iconic tastes of fall. But apples only grow once a year, and for many, it lands right in the middle of October. You can turn this sweet fall treat into a family activity and visit apple orchards to pick your own apples. Plus, it can lead to delicious homemade apple pies and cider.
6. Haunted Houses, Hayrides, and Corn Mazes
October is the only month in the year when it’s fun to be scared. If you enjoy it—or like scaring others—visit a haunted house for a thrilling experience.
If not a haunted house, many farms create elaborate hayrides and corn mazes for visitors, often with themed designs for the Halloween season.
7. Halloween Decorating
There are fall decorations, and then there are Halloween decorations. You can keep the former up all season long, but you can only have the latter up for October. (Otherwise, your neighbors might give you some funny looks.) Whether you choose cute Halloween or spooky Halloween, decorate your home with wreaths, jack-o-lanterns, your favorite Halloween characters, seasonal candles, and anything else your heart desires.
8. The Monarch Butterfly Migration
October is a prime time to witness the remarkable migration of monarch butterflies as they travel south to Mexico. Look for them in parks and along migration routes.
However, Monarchs aren’t the only animals migrating for the winter. In various parts of the world during October, you can witness the migrations of birds, whales, and other wildlife species.
9. Ghost Tours
Ghosts are one of the most popular creatures of the spooky season. Cities with a rich history often offer ghost tours that delve into spooky tales and haunted locations. These tours are particularly popular during the Halloween season, when everything just feels spookier.
10. Scary Movie Festivals
Many film festivals, especially horror and suspense film festivals, take place in October, showcasing new and classic movies. Keep your eye out for local festivals and showings to get your scary movie fix.
11. National Pizza Month
October is National Pizza Month in the United States, so you can celebrate by trying different types of pizza or making your own creative pizza recipes. When else would you have the excuse to eat your favorite food every night of the week?
12. OktoberFit
No, that isn’t spelled wrong. I really mean OktoberFit. If fitness is something you love, or something you want to get into, this is your month. Some fitness centers and organizations host special events, challenges, or free classes during October, combining exercise with Halloween fun.
Books That Are Best in October
Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in editing and publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.