9 Family Fun Fall Activities In Ottawa

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year.  The air is crisp, the leaves are changing colours and it's a lovely time to spend outside as a family.

I have put together a list of activities we love to do in the fall!

1. Apple Picking is my #1 favourite fall activity.  Apple season normally starts late august and runs until early October.  Our favourite place to go is Mountain Orchards
   
2. Find a pumpkin patch - there are many to choose from; 
• we always go to Abby Hill Farms (Bankfield and Prince of Whales). It's not a "patch" but there is lots to do and a ridiculous amount of pumpkins to choose from.
• Proulx Farm in Cumberland
• Millers in Manotick
• Fosters 
  
3. Go for a nature walk - Ottawa has MANY trails to choose from.  We have walked through Old Quarry (Kanata) and Jack Pine (Moody Drive); visited the arboretum at the experimental farm. They are all over the city though, and the Gatineau Hills are just a short drive over the bridge.
4. Visit a farm - Valley View and the Central Experimental Farm (Agriculture Museum) are great places to go and spend a day. You can walk around, play on the playground and see some animals.
5. Saunders Farm is a great place to spend some time as a family.  They have daytime hours and nighttime hours - night time can be scary and NOT meant for kids. Daytime has their regular attractions open as well as the haunted hayride and barn of terror (not suitable for kids).  It's a great fall outing and can get you into the Halloween spirit
6. Cannamore Orchard also offers a haunted hayride and Halloween fun.  I haven't been there, but I have heard it is lots of fun
7. Upper Canada Village is a great place to visit. I have only been in the summer and once for the Alight at night in December. However, I have heard that fall is a great time to go because it is harvest time!
8. Fall Colour Races at Cumberland Heritage Museum
9. Checking out the local farmers markets - lots of local goodies available for purchase

9 Fall activities for families in #Ottawa http://t.co/k9yzBoLNKG pic.twitter.com/nUNaq0k3uD

— ashley picco (@tlsofmommyhood) October 6, 2015

BONUS: Clean the yard - so much fun to jump in a fresh pile of raked leaves!

What is your favourite way to spend a gorgeous fall day? If you have anywhere local I haven't mentioned above - please leave it in the comments so I can add it to my list of places to check out!