I’m so excited to share this year’s Kathy’s Fall Activities List—for the very first time from my new home at B101!
This tradition started years ago when my cousin and I would take our boys out each week during the fall—visiting farms, haunted houses, workshops, restaurants, and everything in between. As I shared our adventures, people began asking where we were headed next and looking for recommendations for their own families. That’s when I decided to turn it into an annual guide.
Over the years, my Fall and Holiday Activities List has become a Philadelphia tradition, and it makes me so happy to know it’s helped families create seasonal memories together. Now, I’m thrilled to keep that tradition alive here at B101—the perfect place to celebrate all the fun fall has to offer.
LISTEN TO THE FULL LIST OF KATHY'S FALL ACTIVITIES
I fell in love with Arader Farm last holiday season, so I wanted to head back this fall to find out about their Pumpkin Fest. This adorable farm is located in Collegeville, and delivers an authentic, family-friendly fall experience.
Open Thursday through Sunday from September 25 through October 26, this charming farm offers a delightful blend of traditional autumn activities including scenic tractor rides, an engaging corn maze that challenges visitors of all ages, and HoneyBee Hayland—a specially designed play area where little ones can burn off energy while parents soak in the fall atmosphere.
The farm’s commitment to local craftsmanship shines through their on-site shop, which features beautiful fall décor, freshly pressed apple cider, warm apple cider donuts, homemade jams and jellies, and their signature Arader Honey produced by the farm’s own beekeeping operation. The season culminates with Pumpkin Fest on October 18, a special celebration featuring live music from 2-5 PM and a beer tent hosted by Troubles End Brewery, a beloved local Collegeville establishment known for their craft brews.
With weekend food truck service and early Christmas decorations and ornaments available for holiday enthusiasts, Arader Farm creates a welcoming environment where families can enjoy the simple pleasures of farm life while supporting local agriculture and artisans. Once you experience the warmth and charm of Arader Farm during the fall season, you’ll definitely want to return for their magical holiday activities, including reindeer photos and cut your own fresh Christmas tree.
The annual Doylestown Witches Ride on October 25th at 10:15 AM offers a uniquely festive way to celebrate Halloween while supporting a great cause in the community. This enchanting 5-mile cycling event welcomes riders 18 and older to wear their best witch costumes and pedal through beautiful Doylestown Borough.
Proceeds from the event benefit Bike Doylestown and the Doylestown Pump Track rebuild project. Participants should expect a leisurely-paced ride with multiple stops and starts through open streets. Creative costume decorations are encouraged as well as safety measures—securely fasten witch hats to helmets, remember that your bike serves as your broomstick. This beloved Halloween tradition creates a memorable experience and seasonal fun.
I have become obsessed with Cape May, NJ over the past few years. This charming Victorian shore town has a distinctive vibe that’s unlike anywhere else along the coast, and after experiencing its magical holiday transformation last year, I knew I had to see what fall brings to this gem.
The Jersey Shore during autumn is simply stunning—all the beauty with none of the summer crowds. So, I’m heading back this season for all of the beautiful things Cape May has to offer but mostly for the scary drinks being offered at Harry’s Boo Bar. From October 3rd to November 1st, Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille is transforming into a haunted pirate’s den for a Halloween themed pop up bar. Step into a thrilling world of pirate decor, eerie lighting, and haunted surprises wherever you turn.
Sip on spooky signature drinks that are as fun to admire as they are to consume. Some of the cocktails on the menu include Blackbeard’s bucket of blood made with Captain Morgan, the Zombie Smash made with Gin and Vodka and the Afterlife, which I will be ordering, that is made with tequila and a black lava salt rim. With a menu full of frightfully delicious food and cocktails, this is the Halloween hangout you won’t want to miss!
As someone who’s passionate about floral and plant workshops, I’m always on the hunt for new creative spaces each season. This year, I discovered an absolute gem that exceeded every expectation. The shop itself is breathtaking, the workshop space is stunning, and the staff made me feel like we had been friends forever from the moment I walked in—(Hey Kurt!).
StudioFlora in Berwyn is a stunning creative sanctuary that seamlessly blends artistry, nature, and community in the most beautiful way imaginable. Founded by local native Chrissy Piombino, this thoughtfully designed space features custom floral arrangements, rare plants, unique planters, and curated gifts spread across multiple gorgeously decorated rooms, including a dedicated plant shopping area and an inspiring upstairs workshop space that feels like stepping into a floral artist’s dream studio.
Their fall workshop series offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and reconnect with creativity through hands-on experiences that celebrate the season’s natural beauty. The Wine & Floral Design workshop on October 3rd teaches basic design techniques while crafting gorgeous seasonal centerpieces with gourds and autumn accents, complete with cocktails and light fare for a perfect evening out.
Plant lovers will adore the Ceramic Pumpkin Planter workshop on October 17th, where expert designers guide participants in creating charming mini gardens while sharing plant care wisdom. The Halloween Cupcake Decorating class on October 29th with Jenny’s Cakestand adds a sweet twist to the season, teaching buttercream piping techniques that result in four “boo-tiful” take-home treats. Each workshop includes all materials, refreshments, and the option to BYOB, creating an atmosphere where flowers, art, and people truly flourish together.
Skippack Village is one of my absolute favorite places. My love affair began when I discovered Floral & Hardy Garden Center—a little heaven right here in Montgomery County. That initial enchantment has blossomed into a deep appreciation for everything this charming village offers: incredible restaurants, fantastic community events, and of course, Floral & Hardy’s delightful pumpkin succulent workshop.
Skippack Village transforms into a charming autumn wonderland that showcases the very best of small-town community spirit, making it a must-visit destination on this year’s fall activities list. The season began on September 20th with “Scarecrows Abound,” an enchanting community-wide initiative where local businesses and residents display creative scarecrows throughout the village, each featuring QR codes for public voting that continues through Halloween.
The real magic happens during Skippack’s three themed Friday Night Markets from 6-9 PM in October, each offering unique family-friendly entertainment and late-night shopping with restaurant specials. The Pumpkin Festival on October 10th features beloved characters like Cinderella with her pumpkin carriage and Halloween Mickey and Minnie, plus a competitive pie baking contest, a pumpkin pie eating competition, s’mores, fire pits, and an outdoor screening of “The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”
Witches Brew on October 17th brings magical encounters with Wicked’s Galinda and Elphaba alongside the Sanderson Sisters, complete with oracle card readers, fire performers, and a “Hocus Pocus” movie night with craft beer. The festivities culminate on October 24th with Village Wide Trick or Treat, where costumed visitors collect candy from participating businesses while enjoying Wednesday Addams character meet-and-greets and “The Addams Family” under the stars, plus the exciting announcement of scarecrow contest winners. Don’t miss catching “Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Story” at Skippack Playcrafters, playing all three market nights at 8 PM for those seeking theatrical thrills.
6. Valley of Fear Haunted Attraction
In my opinion, Valley of Fear in Feasterville is the most terrifying haunted attraction in our region! They’re celebrating their 35th year of spine-chilling entertainment. This is the perfect destination for teens and thrill-seekers craving an authentic Halloween scare this season.
The experience features three attractions that deliver the maximum fright factor: the Original Haunted Hayride (one of the most horrifying hayrides I’ve been on), the intensely scary Miles Manor Haunted House with theatrical sets designed to startle, and Captain Willie’s Shipwreck Cove—a haunted forest walk with a Caribbean pirate theme that adds unexpected thrills to the terror.
Beyond the scares, Valley of Fear has transformed into a full festival experience with Pumpkin’ Head’s Picnic Grove featuring food trucks, vendors, and entertainment, plus adult beverages available through the Phoenix Club for those who need liquid courage before facing the frights. They’re open on select dates from September 26 through November 2. Valley of Fear delivers the kind of heart-pounding, genuinely frightening experience that separates the serious scare-seekers from casual Halloween visitors.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort is an excellent family getaway that’s not a far drive. Of course we love skiing and snowboarding in winter (and the outdoor hot tub after tons of runs down the slopes) but their grounds are also gorgeous during the Fall. Bear Creek Mountain Resort offers exciting fall festivities perfect for the entire family and adults!
The season kicks off with Halloween Family Fun Night on October 23rd, featuring a spooky buffet dinner with free meals for kids 12 and under, trick-or-treating throughout the lodge, and costume contests with prizes for scariest, funniest, most creative, and best character costumes.
For a spirited celebration on October 31st, the Halloween Bash promises live music, signature cocktails, and wicked costume contests including categories for best couple, group, and villain costumes. The fall festivities culminate with the popular Harvest Wine & Spirits Festival on November 23rd, where guests 21 and older can sip and savor a variety of wines and spirits while enjoying live music, seasonal crafts, and mountain views.
VIP packages include scenic chairlift rides, holiday treats, encounters with Santa and live reindeer, boozy hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and s’mores by the firepit, making it an unforgettable autumn celebration in the mountains. Of course guests can spend the night at the resort for any of the events. Packages that include tickets to the Halloween festivities are also available.
8. Craftsman Row Nightmare Before Christmas
Craftsman Row Saloon at 112 S. 8th Street transforms into a spectacular Halloween destination through October 31st with their “Nightmare Before Christmas: Spooktacular Movie Mash theme.”
This immersive theatrical dining experience goes far beyond typical Halloween decor, featuring floor-to-ceiling decorations including hundreds of floating witch hats, 500 additional feet of cobwebs, countless spiders and skeletons, plus elaborate movie-themed installations like life-size “IT” imagery at the entrance, a massive 20-foot Beetlejuice sandworm suspended above the bar, and interactive elements such as a retro phone asking “what’s your favorite scary movie?”
The culinary experience matches the over-the-top atmosphere with frighteningly delicious themed food, cocktails, and elaborate milkshakes featuring intricate decorations and garnishes, including the return of their popular Vampire Burger alongside new seasonal dishes. The milkshakes alone are worth a reservation at Craftsman Row.
Just know that once your kids see one milkshake pass by you will have no choice but to order one. Open Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours, this restaurant quickly transitions from Halloween to their celebrated Christmas pop-up in early November, making reservations through OpenTable essential for experiencing one of Philadelphia’s most creative seasonal transformations.
Shadybrook Farm is one of my all-time favorite farms! It’s very nostalgic for me because I remember going to the farm as a child. Shady Brook has grown tremendously over the years and they continue to elevate the family farm experience with exciting new additions for the 2025 season that make it an even more compelling destination for Philadelphia-area families.
The farm’s crown jewel this year is a brand new 4-acre Sesame Street-themed corn maze, celebrating the beloved children’s series’ 56th season as part of their Road Trip Across America tour. This interactive maze features photo opportunities, music, prizes, and educational games that test visitors’ knowledge of iconic characters like Big Bird and Elmo, making Shadybrook one of only 35+ farms nationwide to offer this special collaboration.
Beyond the maze, new attractions include a vibrant Zinnia Garden for stunning fall photos, an entertaining Bubble Station that delights kids of all ages, and the wildly popular Goat Fishing experience where children can feed goats using carrots attached to sticks.
The spectacular Eerie Illuminations Halloween Light Show—featuring synchronized music and dazzling displays without any scary surprises—is now included with FallFest admission rather than requiring a separate ticket, adding even more value to an already packed day of apple picking, pumpkin selection, wagon rides, bonfires and s’mores, live music and more family-friendly fun. They still have two no-scare haunted houses which are perfect for kids who may like the scary stuff but aren’t quite ready for the big scares. Fallfest is open weekends in September, Wednesday through Sunday starting October 1st and all week the last week in October.
10. Sesame Place
Speaking of nostalgia, if you grew up in Bucks County, like I did, chances are you had a season pass to Sesame Place. Many even worked there once they were old enough. Today, Sesame still delivers the magic, offering a fun fall experience for kids and their families.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular is taking place weekends now until November 2nd. They offer the perfect balance of Halloween fun without the frightening scares that make it ideal for families with young children. This beloved seasonal celebration encourages guests to come in costume and immerse themselves in silly, not-too-spooky festivities throughout the park’s Halloween-themed transformation.
Families can enjoy trick-or-treating in the whimsical Big Bird’s Beach area, participate in the cheerful Sesame Street Halloween Parade, dance at energetic costume parties, and embark on the engaging Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt that takes them throughout the park’s Halloween decorations. The all-new “Count-Along Castle Maze” invites brave little explorers to step into Count von Count’s playfully spooky castle, where they can practice counting skills while navigating winding hallways filled with silly surprises.
Beyond the special Halloween attractions, guests can still enjoy all their favorite Sesame Street-themed rides and games, shop for exclusive seasonal merchandise, and capture magical memories with photo opportunities featuring beloved furry friends dressed in their own adorable Halloween costumes. This event is perfect for families with little ones who love celebrating Halloween.
Bonus: Pumpkin Glass Blowing
My activity lists usually include 10 activities, but I always sneak in a bonus one that’s just too good to leave out. This time, it’s glass blowing!
WGK Glass Art in Toughkenamon is hosting a pumpkin glass-blowing workshop from October 23rd-26th where you’ll get hands-on with the art form.
Using a blow pipe, you’ll gather glowing hot glass from the furnace, roll it into your chosen colors, and press it into a mold. Then comes the fun part—blowing into the pipe to shape your very own glass pumpkin! You may need to repeat the process a few times, reheating and blowing until your pumpkin is just right. I once tried a glass ornament workshop and loved it, but I’ve never done the pumpkins—so I’m especially excited about this one!
Bonus plus: Hill Creek Farm
After more than two decades of creating family memories across South Jersey, Hill Creek Farms opens its gates one final time this season. While most attractions are closed, visitors can still enjoy tractor rides to the sunflower fields and pick fresh Janigold apples, Fuji apples, and Asian pears. The stunning sunflower field provides perfect photo opportunities for this bittersweet farewell. Next year, MC Farms will continue the tradition just a few miles up the road.
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