Ready to make the most of what Floridians call “fall weather” around the Orlando area? While it may be tempting to sit inside and sip your favorite iced pumpkin spice latte (PSL), our area is bustling with activities to do this time of year — especially for families! Check out these seven healthy family-friendly events this fall to move you all toward your activity goals. Once you’ve tried all the activities, you can return to your A/C and PSL.
Until then, it’s time to explore the great outdoors and check off these ultimate fall bucket list items!
1. Get Lost in a Maze
Want a real step challenge? Put on your favorite fitness wearables and set out as a family to meet your steps goal in a local corn maze. Head to Mount Dora’s Great Scott Farms maze adventures, where you can trek across a 6.5-acre corn maze! Kids can burn off energy by bouncing down a 60-foot super slide and bounding through the pumpkin patch in search of their great pumpkin. Love nighttime activities? Then don’t miss the Flashlight Corn Maze on Lake Pickett Road at Painted Oaks Academy.
2. Hang Out and Do Goat Yoga
Take the family to Alaska Farms & Co. for a mini goat yoga class for pure stress relief and fun. Yep, you get to exercise while hanging out with baby goats. Classes are held in a group setting with yoga mats included. Your family will undoubtedly get some good stretching in and enjoy belly laughs while the goats nuzzle and hop about during your family yoga session. Classes are offered multiple times a day throughout the weekend and take place in a renovated enclosed studio on a quiet 10-acre farm. Get away from the city and take in nature for a day out your loved ones won’t forget.
3. Wander Orlando Farmer’s Market
Are you tired of paying those premium prices for produce at the grocery store? If yes, it’s time to explore the farmers market as a family. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., head to Lake Eola Park to stroll the Orlando Farmers Market. Whether you need to pick up a few items or plan a full meal, farmers’ markets are perfect for sourcing local produce like squash, carrots, kale, and other veggies. Use the produce colors of the rainbow to make a veggie hash, spaghetti squash, or a favorite casserole.
For Some Extra Family Fun: If you have kids old enough to cook, have a competition for the whole family. Give everyone some cash and set a timer to shop the market. Everyone should know the main course before setting out to get ingredients for side dishes. Once home, get into the kitchen and cook a family meal using the items you purchased from the farmers market!
4. Stroll Farm Grounds
Family fall fun always must include a trip to a local farm with a pumpkin patch! Stroll around Amber Brooke Farms to get your hefty dose of fall feelings. Whether you go during the fall festival (Sept. 23-Oct. 29) or stop by for photos in the pumpkin patch, you’ll be able to get your 10,000 steps in wandering this beautiful piece of property. In addition to the enchanting pumpkin patch, the farm offers a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as a thrilling crop maze, a delightful petting zoo, and the chance to pick your very own sunflowers and zinnias. For those seeking some action-packed adventures, there’s even a Gel Blaster Range and an archery range. And of course, no fall festival would be complete without special entertainment, fall photo ops, food trucks serving delicious seasonal treats, and live music to set the perfect autumnal mood.
5. Runaway Run
Fun runs are an excellent way to get the whole family out exercising together. Best of all, the themed runs allow for dressing up and making a full day out of the event. Running is especially beneficial for kids as it helps with cardiovascular health and bone strength. Fall runs are also a bit cooler in Florida, making the outdoor time more enjoyable. Families can sign up for various races this autumn, including the Groveland Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day.
6. Bike the Day Away
Get the family out on two wheels at your favorite local parks and get your hearts pumping. Sundays are ideal for a cruise right after the farmers market; take the easy 1.1-mile Lake Eola loop, where you can take in the sights of local birds taking flight, massive Magnolia trees, and gorgeous water views. At Goldenrod Park in Winter Park, hit the fully paved Cady Way Trail for a longer trek at 13.1 miles.
7. Explore Nature’s Theme Park
Do you love the water but want to avoid driving to the beach? Explore the stunning Emerald Cut of Rock Springs Run in Apopka by kayak on a 2-hour guided tour. No kayak experience is needed, and you can paddle your way through emerald waters and jungle-like canopies of trees. Paddle upstream to burn calories, and on the way back, relax and let the river float you through the rest of the scenic Rock Springs Run.
***********
That’s a wrap. It’s fall, y’all. Get out and enjoy some activities with this less-humid Florida air and embrace Central Florida’s version of fall. You’ll be glad you did.