Fall Bucket List - Essential Autumn Activities

The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are slowly turning colors, and pumpkin everything is on the shelves. No other season packs in so many quintessential things to do: pumpkin picking, Halloween costumes, hayrides, wineries, fall activities for kids – to name a few. Do it all and more in the Hershey Harrisburg Region with this fall “to-do” list that's easy as pie to complete.

Fall Little Buffalo

1. Go Trick or Treating 

We’re the neighbors with the good candy! At Hersheypark In The DarkSM, children can get dressed up for Halloween and follow the Trick or Treat Trail. The fun begins in Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction and continues into Hersheypark where you'll find life-sized candy bars in capes! The trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood are counting on you to bring home some delicious sweets from Hershey. At the candy store at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction, you’ll find an incredible selection of chocolate. Give the ‘Best Costume’ winner a 5-lb Hershey’s Chocolate Bar!

Hersheypark in the Dark Treatville

Hersheypark in the Dark Roller Coaster

2. Ride "roller ghosters"

Some of Hersheypark’s coasters go “lights out” for a new kind of night riding experience during Hersheypark In The Dark. Bonus activity: Bring your flashlights for a special tour of the Creatures Of The Night® in ZooAmerica®. 

3. Go ‘leaf peeping’

There’s no doubt fall is the most colorful time of year, and our foliage is a feast for the eyes! Enjoy it on your drive into town, on a city stroll, or from the top of the Kissing Tower®. Enjoy the crisp fall air from the top deck of The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, offering weekend cruises through October!

Pride of the Susquehanna Fall

smores

4. Have s’mores by the campfire

There’s no better place to enjoy everyone’s favorite campfire treat than in the place that made s’mores possible – Hershey, PA. Stay overnight under the stars! Our campgrounds have tent sites, RV hookups, and cozy cabins to meet anyone’s level of camping expertise. If you’re taking your s’mores to go, impress your friends at home when you break out unique s'more mix-ins, like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, York Peppermint Pattie, or a Hershey’s Cookie Layer Crunch, for an extra crispy bite! 

5. & 6. Visit a pumpkin patch & go apple picking

Local farms like Strites Orchard invite families to their fields to pick a plump pumpkin from the patch or collect apples straight from the branch. What will you do with a bushel of apples? Well, you can make pies, apple cider, apple donuts, caramel apples… The list goes on!

Fall Pumpkin Picking

Fall Flavors Millworks

7. Indulge and enjoy fall flavors

Fall pies > pies other times of the year. Using the best of the aforementioned apples, pumpkins, and seasonal fruit, our bakeries serve up little slices of heaven. Pick your favorite flavor at The Hershey Pantry or get a flash-frozen pie from Strites Orchard to take and bake at home! Some people wait all year long to enjoy pumpkin spice season! Stop by one of our region's cozy cafes and coffee shops for a pumpkin-spiced drink to keep you warm while you sightsee!

8. Visit a vineyard

Did you know winemakers harvest their grapes in the fall? This time of year is perfect for touring our region’s plentiful vineyards and wineries and taking in picturesque countryside and mountain views. Enjoy live music, toss a blanket down onto the sprawling lawns, or find a warm spot near the outdoor heaters and fire pits. From new seasonal releases to your classic whites and reds, wineries and vineyards in the Hershey Harrisburg Region will offer a tasty variety. We recommend stocking up on some bottles for winter!

Vineyard Cornucopia Wine

ZooAmerica Creatures of the Night

9. Learn about cool creatures

Many animals are more active in cooler weather, and there are a few places to learn about some incredible creatures. Bring your flashlights to ZooAmerica® for a special tour of the Creatures Of The Night®, or take a safari tour around Lake Tobias Wildlife Park to see a variety of wild animals roam the rolling hills. 

10. Do some fall shopping

Find rustic décor and treasures to give your home that cozy fall feel or purchase local artwork that’ll bring the season’s colors into your living room. Pick a fall candle, browse sweaters and boots, or start your holiday shopping at one of our small shops, antique stores, malls, and outlets.

Fall Shopping Knock Knock Boutique

Fall Hike

11. Take a hike

There’s no better place to enjoy the multi-colored masterpiece than under a canopy of falling leaves. From challenging day hikes that culminate in gorgeous panoramic views to nature walks where spotting the wildlife is just as exciting as the pretty leaves, take a hike while you're here.

12. Drink pumpkin beer

Just like the chefs, our brewmasters have seasonal selections on tap that’ll have you taking a big swig of fall. Tröegs Independent Brewing released Master of Pumpkins, an impressive 7.5% ABV brew that’s naturally fermented and subtly spicy with notes of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg. Zeroday Brewing Company has a Chai Novelty IPA, brewed with chai spices and milk sugar that reminds us of a creamy, delicious chai latte, but in beer-form!

Fall Troegs Pumpkin Beer

Fall B&B

13. Stay at a B&B

There’s something about B&Bs that elicit cozy, warm feelings that pair well with the cool, crisp fall air. Find a modern bed & breakfast in the city or a countryside abode near a stable. For those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of a hotel, a quaint B&B is a perfect choice for your getaway.

14. Visit a farmer’s market

Skip the supermarket and bring home farm-fresh produce, essential ingredients for any fall-flavored dish. Look for PA Preferred products which are our state’s highest, quality agricultural goods. Some of our favorite markets are Broad Street Market (Thurs. through Sat.) and Farmers Open Air Market at the Farm Show Complex (Tues. & Fri.)

Fall Broad Street Market

Fort Hunter Fall Leaves

15. Take your holiday card family photo

While the leaves are pretty and your family’s wearing their best outfits, arrange a quick photoshoot to get the perfect portrait for your holiday greeting cards. Hershey Gardens and Fort Hunter, are great starting points, and here's a list of our favorite photo op spots.

 

16. Take a fall bike ride

Cooler weather and beautiful scenery combine for the perfect conditions for a bike ride. Challenge yourself on an advanced trail or take a family-friendly ride along one of the many scenic pathways around Hershey & Harrisburg. Find the route that best suits your skills on the Hershey Harrisburg Adventure Trail.

Fall Biking2

Hershey Gardens Pumpkin Glow

17. Stroll through Hershey Gardens for Pumpkin Glow

Get your “glow” on at Hershey Gardens! This year’s event is during daytime hours, but that won’t stop us from featuring 100 carved and painted pumpkins, a scavenger hunt, performances in the amphitheater, food trucks, puppet shows, and more! The new "Glow House" will feature family-friendly jack-o-lanterns, scarecrows and other glowing Halloween fun. Costumes welcome! Kids will receive a pre-filled bag of delicious Hershey’s candy.

(Saturdays and Sundays - October 23, 24, 30 & 31 from 9 AM - 5 PM)

Safe Together