Autumn is my favorite time of year to take afternoon outings with my kids. The weather cools down but the sun still shines, the leaves change color, and in the rural Midwestern region where we live, it’s harvest time—and that means lots to do, see, and taste.

Here are a few ideas for places to take kids in the early fall:

Corn Mazes. Popularized in the late 90s, these are still a staple of rural Midwestern life and guarantee a fun way to burn off some energy and spend a pleasant fall afternoon. The mazes offer experiences from spooky to goofy: some are geared toward older kids and adults, while others are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Check CornfieldMaze.com for a searchable database of corn mazes across the country.

Fruit Picking. Even little kids can reach, grasp, and pull an apple off a dwarf tree—a staple at many orchards. Check PickYouOwn.org to find a U-pick farm near you.

Hay Rides Many orchards, farms and pumpkin patches offer hay rides, each with their own unique flavor and fun: you might ride behind a pony, a tractor, or even a mule. Check Pumpkin Patches and More to find a farm near you that offers hay rides.

What if you don’t live in a rural area or within an easy distance to farms? Try these cooler-weather city outings:

Walk on the beach. A stroll along the shore can be just as fun in the fall as the summer. Instead of splashing in the water, dig in the sand, skip stones or collect shells.

Go on a leaf hunt. Take your child around the neighborhood and try to see how many different kind of leaves you can find.

Watch the birds fly south. How many flocks of birds do you see heading for warmer climates? Can you identify the birds using a book or the Internet?

What are your favorite things to do with your kids in the fall? Tell us in the comments below!

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