7 THINGS I AM EXCITED ABOUT THIS FALL (that aren’t apple picking)

(picture above from our friends at Diggerland!)

A lot of our favorite farms don’t have apple picking this year due to weather affecting the crop but that doesn’t mean we don’t have other reasons to be super excited about the Fall!  Check out a few things we are looking forward to!

1. Grounds for Sculpture

Walk the grounds with your family, check out larger than life Sculptures and take in the beautiful changing foliage.  This is an easy outdoors day trip with fresh air and beauty in droves! (more info click here)

2. Diggerland’s Season Pass Deal and Diggerfest Fall Festival

I’m a boy mom, and I don’t think you can even BE a boy mom in NJ if you don’t know about Diggerland.  Spend a day this fall riding REAL construction equipment and enjoying a whole host of Fall activities at Diggerland.  Ride a fire truck, trick or treat, visit the petting zoo and get a balloon animal at select dates for this Fall Festival.  If you have a little one who LOVES trucks and construction– you are also going to want to get a Season Pass while you are there.  This is a seriously good deal right now!  Get Diggerland’s 2027 Season pass and get access to the park for the rest of 2026 also!  If you grab this now, you’ll get 2 fall seasons, 2 holiday seasons and all of Spring/Summer 2027.  (more info click here)

3. Waterfall Hike to Hemlock Falls

My little guy and I love a good walk in the woods and he has been asking to go find a waterfall.  This hike is in the South Mountain Reservation with parking on the side of Route 510.  It’s a 25 foot waterfall and apparently easy to pick longer or shorter hiking routes.  We can’t wait to check it out and share more.  (Here’s more info about the Reservation)

4. Argos Farm

Argos does fall SO well!  Seasonal coffees, pumpkins, corn mazes, music, farm animals, games– it is the BEST time to visit Argos!  At night, they offer the Jacks and Lights Glowing Pumpkin Trail too!  Walk thru their light displays before trying out the corn maze in the dark with only a flashlight! (more info click here)

5. Hershey Park

I think Fall and Spring are the BEST times to visit any amusement park.  I’ve got our Hershey trip planned for the first weekend in November and I can’t wait for us to get our picture with a Hershey Bar, make our own massive Reeses cups, and enjoy the rides and other attractions! (more info click here)

6. Painted Pony- Horseback Riding Lessons

We just started these lessons and I couldn’t be more thrilled.  If your little one is in love with horses, you don’t need to wait for the next county fair to get your littles a pony ride!  Painted Pony in Colts Neck is a great option for Horseback riding lessons that are affordable and flexible with your ever changing busy family schedules. (more info click here)

7. Historic Smithville Irish Festival (Oct 10-11)

I’ve never been to this before but I just added it to my list.  As an Irish lass myself, I love the Irish culture and the vibrant music and art that comes along with it.  Smithville is great for an afternoon stroll and shopping— but add some Irish food and step-dancers?  And you have yourself a really fun and unique fall day! (for more info click here)