It’s fall, which means you may be looking for fall family fun on the farm (say that five times fast!).
Luckily, there are tons of great options in Central Indiana for pumpkin-picking and corn maze exploring. Here are some great ways to enjoy fall without going far:
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more in Indianapolis area
Waterman’s Family Farm: This southeast Indianapolis farm, at 7010 E. Raymond St., is a local option offering many autumnal activities for families and date night alike. The farm also has a second location in Greenwood, at 1100 IN-37.
The fall festival is in operation from Sept. 24 to Halloween. Both the Indianapolis and Greenwood locations will have hay rides and other autumn activities. Hours and additional offerings may vary depending on which Waterman’s farm location you visit.
More information and hours are available online: watermansfamilyfarm.com
Stuckey Farm Orchard & Cider Mill: Stuckey Farm, located at 19975 Hamilton Boone Road in Sheridan, has both apples and pumpkins to encompass the two iconic flavors of fall.
There are apple orchards as well as pumpkin patches — both worthy of pies, and a country store filled with fall products to rival Trader Joe’s.
Oct. 8 and 9 mark Pumpkin Week at Stuckey Farm. Buy tickets for events here: farmmarketapp.com/stuckey/public/tickets
More:Fall apple picking: Where to find orchards around Indianapolis
Spencer Farm: Spencer Farm, located at 7177 E. 161st St. in Noblesville, is ready for fall!
The you-pick patch has pumpkins, red raspberries and grapes ripe for picking. There’s also free hayrides on Saturday and Sundays until 5:30 p.m.
For more information and hours, go to spencerberryfarm.com.
Russell Farms: This farm is located at 12290 E. 191st St. in Noblesville with tons of fall activities.
There’s a pumpkin patch, as well as 5- and 10-acre scavenger hunt mazes. The country store selling everything from apple butter to fudge is the cherry — or, apple — on top of your your countryside fall outing.
There’s also a petting zoo. More information on admission and hours available online: russell-farms.com.
Hogan Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze: There’s corn but nothing corny about spending a fall day in Brownsburg at Hogan Farms.
The corn maze’s 2022 theme is the Wizard of Oz, because truly “there’s no place like home.” Hay rides and trips in the corn maze are $5, though children under 36 inches can explore and ride for free.
Pumpkin prices will vary. See hours and more online at brownsburgcornmaze.com.
The farm’s address is 8900 East County Road 1000 North in Brownsburg.
Spooky and spook-free haunted houses
The Children’s Museum Guild’s annual Haunted House “Game Night Fright” offers options for both those seeking frights and people simply looking to get into the (slightly) spooky spirit.
For young kids who want to embrace Halloween but are too young for a true fright night, there are “lights-on hours,” which have all the spooky vibes without the scares.
Lights-on hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, though the exhibit is open from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
The “frightening hours,” with lights out and eerie music, are 4-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Museum general admission is not required. Tickets are $9 for non-members and $8 for members. Tickets are available online: childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/haunted-house.
Conner Prairie also has a haunted attraction, the spooky Headless Horseman hayride through the living history museum’s grounds. Part of the Headless Horseman festival, the experience runs Thursdays through Sundays from Oct. 6-30.
In addition to spooky hayride fun, the festival will feature a train ride for younger attendees, as well as a haunted corn maze, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
Tickets for the Headless Horseman festival are available online: connerprairie.org.
Contact IndyStar trending reporter Claire Rafford at crafford@gannett.com or on…
Read More: From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, enjoy fall in Central Indiana