Sep

7 Family-Friendly Things To Do in October (2021)

Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.

Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.

Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.

Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.

October Is Upon Us

It’s a beautiful time of year, when the sunshine is a little more golden, the plants begin to take a bow, and the oppressive heat stands down.

Milwaukee families soak it all in with trips to the apple orchard, picking pumpkins at local patches, winding their way through corn mazes, and spooking themselves with local decorations and glowing Halloween events.

Here are 7 things that will make you love October:

There is still time to pick perfectly ripe apples right off the tree at local orchards. Our favorite spot is Peck & Bushel, where apple-seekers pick organic apples of exotic varieties in a vineyard style orchard.

1. Pick Apples at Local Orchards

Sure, it’ll cost you more to pick apples at the orchard than to buy them at the supermarket. (We’ve heard you loud and clear, Instagram meme-makers!).

Still, who can deny the allure of a sunny drive to a local farm, wandering through fields – instead of aisles – on the search for the perfect fruit.

You’ll leave with a giant basket of apples, and one thing on your to-do list: making something out of them.

For details on our favorite local orchards, click here.

2. Find the Perfect Pumpkin

With their hues of orange and amber, unexpected textures, and surprising sizes, pumpkins proclaim themselves the unofficial symbol of Autumn.

Local pumpkin patches invite the public to choose their favorite, either with a wagon and off the vine the old-fashioned way, or less messy in a pre-picked area.

Often you’ll find much more than just pumpkins. Games, photo opps, and barrel trains make pumpkin picking an adventurous, nap-inducing affair.

For details on our favorite local pumpkin patches, click here.

Local pumpkin farms often offer pick-your-own and pre-picked options. Photo by Calie Herbst.

3. Meander Through A Maze

After the corn stalks have grown taller than the average male, they can be cut down, curated, and transformed into a maze of epic proportions.

Some farms choose a theme for their maze every year, and others add trivia questions to help you find your way through. There are even interactive checkpoints if you’re the techy type.

For all the details on local corn mazes, click here.

FALL FUN IS HERE

4. Spook Yourselves

The nightmare before Christmas takes hold in October, when playful locals put up impressive Halloween decorations that are worth a trip just to walk or drive by.

And local business and organizations host events for families to Trick or Treat, dress up in costumes, and boo-gie down.

For must-see local events and decorations, click here.

Bayshore Town Center, partner of Milwaukee With Kids, is hosting the Bayshore BOOgie Bash & Costume Contest at The Yard on Saturday, October 22nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. There will be a hay maze, a live DJ, prizes, food trucks, and more. Find all the details here.

5. Climb an Observation Tower

For absorbing the splendor of the autumn leaves, there’s no replacement for a mighty observation tower.

There are a few of them dotting the Southeastern Wisconsin landscape, each with impressive views and plenty of steps.

Find all the details here.

6. Take a Hike

Milwaukee families who love to hike will not be disappointed in Autumn. After a buggy and muggy summer, fall hikes sit better with young children who can last a bit longer without the hot sun beating down on them.

See our favorite Fall Hikes here.

7. Stroll Through a Farmer's Market

Most local Farmer’s Markets bid farewell in late October or early November. In October, their fall produce, honey, and artistry is on full display for one last hurrah.

See a full list of Milwaukee area Farmer’s Markets here.

Photo Credit: Instagram, @abovemke

HOLY HILL OBSERVATION TOWER

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