Fall Activities in Western New York
From the vibrant colors of the changing leaves to the warm smell of an apple cider donut, the cheers at a football game to the scent of a pumpkin spice latte, the sights, smells, and sounds of fall are all around us. The weather isn’t getting any warmer, so it’s important to enjoy everyone’s favorite fall activities before the snow starts to fall. From apple picking to haunted houses, there’s something to do no matter your interests. Here’s our top 10 favorite fall activities in and around Buffalo.
1. Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkins just might be the most iconic symbol of fall. Between Halloween’s jack-o-lanterns and Thanksgiving’s pumpkin pie, pumpkins are everywhere this season. And when it comes to traditional fall activities, nothing beats going to a pumpkin patch. they’re the perfect place to take cute family photos, find some tasty fall treats, and of course pick out the perfect pumpkin for your front porch! Take a look at some of Buffalo’s best pumpkin patches.
2. Explore Fall Foliage
Longer nights and cooler temps mean that Buffalo’s trees are starting to change color. As the classic greens are replaced with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, explore some of the region’s most notable parks and hiking trails to see beautiful changing leaves. One of our favorite spots to see fall foliage is right in our own backyard here at South Park. This amazing arboretum is home to more than 5,000 plants and includes several Olmsted-original trees! You don’t want to miss out on this perfect spot to see fall foliage.
3. Attend Fall Festivals and Fairs
If you want to pack as much fall fun into one day as possible, attending a fall festival might be the best option for you. These fun events are jam packed with fall activities, and can help you make a good amount of progress on your fall bucket list. Take a look at some of the region’s most festive fall festivals.
4. Go Apple Picking
If the first fruit you associate with fall is pumpkins (yes, they aren’t vegetables), the second is definitely apples! There’s so many delicious dishes that can be made with apples. Apple pie, apple cider, apple crisp, apple cider donuts, apple fritters, apple cobbler, the list is endless! Not only does picking your own apples allow you to search for the perfect fruit for your cooking or baking needs, it is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and see some of that classic fall foliage. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this family friendly fall activity.
5. Explore Haunted Houses
Fall isn’t just about cozy vibes and delicious food. For the more adventurous fall fans, the thrills and chills of visiting a haunted house can put you in the perfect mood for Halloween. There’s tons of local haunted houses, including America’s largest indoor “Screampark,” challenge yourself to an evening of fearsome frights (if you dare).
6. Enjoy a Fall-Themed Farmers Market
Eating local, seasonal produce is a fantastic way to support local farmers while fulfilling your body’s nutritional needs. Plus, there’s sure to be treats abound at any farmers market. Fall’s seasonal produce is some of the best around, featuring apples, pumpkins, squash, carrots, broccoli, and more. There’s tons of farmers markets all over Buffalo, it’s pretty likely that there’s on near you. Track one down before they close up for the winter.
7. Visit a Seasonal Exhibit
As the seasons change, so do the collections on display within our conservatory. This fall, the Botanical Gardens is highlighting our creepy carnivorous collection during Mutation Invasion: Flesh-eating Flora! Carnivorous plants from the permanent collection such as venus flytraps, sundews, and pitcher plants as well as some other creepy plants will be on display along with a marvelous collection of bug-snatching sculptures created by local artist, Melanie Fisher. Visitors will not only learn more about these shocking and interesting plants, but they will be taken on an exciting, and action-packed adventure with the help of a plot-twisting comic strip created by local Buffalo artist, Nate Phillips. Larger-than-life sculptures, hungry plants, and an adventure of a lifetime all wrapped into one exhibition! On display daily through October 31, this fall activity is fun for the entire family, and one you certainly won’t want to miss.
8. Attend a Fall Sports Game
By the time the first leaf of the year has fallen, football season is in full swing with hockey right on its heels. Attending a fall sports game can be a great way to distract you from the cold temps, and are a great way to connect with other members of our community and celebrate victories. Check out the Bills’ and Sabres’ schedules, get some friends together, and head out to a game!
9. Take a Winery or Brewery Tour
One of the best parts of fall is the seasonal beverages and foods, and some of the best places to find these drinks and snacks are wineries and breweries. Buffalo has a ton of local breweries that offer behind-the-scenes tours that can show you how the magic’s made. Even if you don’t want to go on a tour, spending an afternoon with friends and family and a brewery or winery is an awesome way to spend a fall day.
10. Attend a Ghost Tour
While they’re often available year-round, fall is the perfect time to go on a spooky tour. While ghost tours can be marketed as a scary outing, they’re also a unique way to learn about an area’s history. Buffalo is a hotspot for ghost tours, check out this list of the city’s best haunted tours for some Halloween fun.