Pumpkin Patches
Nothing else puts you in the fall mood quite like a pumpkin patch, and there’s no shortage of those in Northwest Indiana. Here’s a list of some fun pumpkin patches that the whole family will enjoy:
- Country Line Orchard may have the word orchard in the name, but it’s also a huge pumpkin patch that has hayrides, a shopping area, a petting zoo, and the best apple cinnamon or pumpkin donuts you’ll ever taste.
- Harvest Tyme is an amusement park and pumpkin patch rolled into one. If riding rides, getting lost in the family corn maze, and exploring the after dark pumpkin glow trail sounds like something your kids would go crazy for, this might be the best place for them to exert some energy.
- Johnson’s Farm Produce is all about the fun family activities. From the iconic corn box to their new pedal karts, there is something for all ages. With all that fun, don’t forget to take a ride on their trams to pick your own pumpkins in the fields.
- Coulter’s Produce can be recognized by their giant pumpkin right out front where everyone driving past can see. If you stop by it’s a must to take a family picture in front of it before enjoying all the other attractions. There’s a kid and adult corn maze, pony rides, face paintings, and a self-picked pumpkin patch.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is a great excuse to appreciate the vibrant fall colors and crisp air, but also a great way to spend time with your family. While your kids are picking every apple they see, think about all the apple pies, caramel apples, and apple cider you’ll be able to make for the next month. Just like pumpkin patches there’s plenty of apple orchards in Northwest Indiana, here’s just a few:
- Radke Orchards opens early September for all the eager family’s ready for fall. If you’re worried about not finding your favorite kind of apple, don’t be. They have over 20 varieties throughout the orchard, so you can get apples for eating, baking, and more!
- Garwood Orchards is a family owned orchard located in La Porte, Indiana. Go out to their fields and pick away. When you get back stop by their farmer’s market to grab a snack or other fruits and veggies that are grown at the farm.
- Kercher’s has u-pick apples, hay rides, a farmers market, and an activity area where the whole family can hang out. While you’re there it’s a great place to teach your kids the ins and outs of farming by taking them to a Kercher’s educational tour.
Festivals
The list of fall festivals could go on forever, but that means your family can pick and choose which ones to attend during the busy months of September and October. From the small Pumpkin fest in Westville, Indiana to the Harvest Fest in Crown Point, Indiana, there’s something for every family. To make it easier to find all the different festivals, look up your local event calendars online. Here are some festivals to keep an eye out for:
- Duneland Fall Festival in Porter, Indiana
- Scarecrow festival in Wanatah, Indiana
- Fall Harvest Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana
- Fall Fire Flannel Fest in Lowell, Indiana
- 6th Annual Fall Family Fest in Dyer, Indiana
- Fear Fest in Portage, Indiana
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when it comes to all the fall activities that Northwest Indiana offers. Besides all the pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and festivals, your family could admire the beautiful landscape during a hike or drive, have a bonfire on a chilly night, make Halloween decorations for your home, or cuddle up for a cozy movie night. Overall, this season is the best time to create long lasting memories and spend time with the people you love most.
