Autumn Splendor

Autumn and apples… the two go hand in hand! Kids love taking a trip to local farms to pick their very own fruit, and moms love the prices, which are significantly less expensive than at the local grocery store. In the fall, enjoy apple picking at Alldredge Orchards in Platte City, Schweizer Orchards in St. Joseph, Cider Hill in Kansas City Kansas or the Wagon Wheel Orchard in Gardner. For a behind-the-scenes apple outing, visit the Louiburg Cider Mill, where you can watch cider and apple cider donut making while enjoying autumn attractions, including farm animals, a corn maze, the pumpkin patch and country store.

            Enjoy the crunch of crisp autumn leaves beneath your feet at local nature centers, many of them offering terrific fall events. Make it an annual tradition to attend Magic Woods at Lakeside Nature Center, or visit Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary, where the forest comes to life at night with costumed characters. Powell Gardens hosts an annual jack-o’-lantern walk. Participate in an educational program at Burr Oak Woods, or hike through the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. Take a starry night hike at George Owens Nature Center.

            Step back in time for a pioneer fall festival experience at Watkin’s Woolen Mill, Shoal Creek Living History Museum, the Shawnee Indian Mission or Missouri Town 1855, all offering wonderful hands-on history programs to engage and enrich your love of the past and celebrate fall traditions. Contact each site for event details.