The arrival of October means there are plenty of fall activities for the family to enjoy together. From frightful adventures to leisurely strolls through pumpkin patches, there is bound to be something that the whole family can enjoy!
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Barn Hill Preserve
Barn Hill Preserve’s patch is turning prehistoric this year! Every two hours on Saturday and Sunday, guests can get up close and personal with dinosaurs via interactive shows, and fossil digs. The pumpkin patch is open every Saturday and Sunday, September 24-October 30 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 11342 Highway 955 E, Ethel, LA, 70730. (225) 286-3003
Cajun Country Corn
This corn maze has non-haunted and haunted admission for witches and scaredy cats alike. Wander around the corn fields, pet the animals, or enter the haunted maze–if you dare. Open October 15-November 14. Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 40833 LA-16, Amite City, LA 70422. cajuncountrycorn.com
CM Farms
Starting October 1, CM Farms will be open for visitors to check out its 12-acre corn maze, meet friendly farm animals, and search for the perfect pumpkin. CM Farms will host its fall festivities until November 20. Open Saturdays in October 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays in November 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays Noon-5 p.m. 252 CM Farms Road, Dry Creek, LA 70637. cmfarmsllc.com
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Corn Maze
Join the LSU AgCenter every Friday and Saturday from September 30 to October 29 for a fun-filled day including pumpkins, sunflowers, hayrides, and, of course, the corn maze. Session times are 9-11 a.m., Noon-2 p.m., and 2:30-4:30 p.m. 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809. (225) 763-3990
Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch
Mrs. Heather is inviting everyone to visit her pumpkin patch from September 24-November 6 this year. There will be plenty of activities such as zip lining, face painting, and duck racing. 11215 Lee’s Lane, Hammond, LA, 70401.
(225) 567-3493
Farmers Markets
Fall & Christmas Market
Experience one of the best Louisiana arts and crafts shows in Louisiana.Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping while also enjoying all things fall. Pontchartrain Convention Center, October 8-9. 4545 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70065. steinhauerproductions.com
Fresh Pickins Market
Get your fresh fall pickins here, where all the produce is locally grown and made. Fresh Pickins Market is open every day of the week from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 10375 Coursey Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. (225) 291-7473
MCA Holiday Marketplace
Shop local art, crafts, handmade items, and more at the MCA Holiday Marketplace. Mount Carmel Academy’s Mother Thérèse Chevrel Assembly Center at 9 a.m. on October 22. 7027 Milne Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124. mcacubs.com
Red Stick Farmers Market
Visit Red Stick Farmers Market for locally grown and made produce, meats, baked goods, and, of course, pumpkins. Thursdays at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 8 a.m.-Noon. 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808. Saturdays at Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-Noon. 5th and Main Streets, Baton Rouge, LA, 70801. breada.org
The Market at the Oasis
Spend your Saturday morning shopping for homemade goods at The Market at the Oasis. Open Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 13827 Coursey Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA, 70817. themarketattheoasis.com
Fall Events
Boo at the Zoo
Celebrate Halloween with your little ghosts and goblins at Boo at the Zoo, benefitting Children’s Hospital New Orleans and Audubon Zoo. This family-favorite Halloween tradition is a daytime celebration providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Audubon Zoo from October 21-23. 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.
events.audubonnatureinstitute.org/boo
Boo Carré Halloween Haunt
Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, trick-or-treating in the French Market District, and the beloved Spooky Second Line. Dutch Alley on October 15. 1916 N. Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. frenchmarket.org
Brews and Boos
Make it a date night for you and your special someone, and visit New Orleans City Park for an adults-only event. Enjoy the amusement park, a costume contest, DJ, and drinks. Ages 21+. October 28-29 from 9 p.m.-midnight for both nights. $35-60. 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124.
neworleanscitypark.com
DixieMaze Farms Fall Festival
In the spirit of choose your own adventure, DixieMaze Farms is offering both haunted and unhaunted walks through their corn maze and pumpkin patch! Haunted nights include a murder mystery dinner and other haunted attractions. This festival runs from September 24 through October 31 at 9596 Sentell Road, Shreveport, LA, 71107. dixiemaze.com
Fall Fest
Experience a beautiful fall afternoon filled with harvest crafts, lawn games, and trick-or-treating at the many doors of Longue Vue, plus individual and family costume contests. Longue Vue House and Gardens at 3 p.m. on October 29. 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124. longuevue.com
Fall Flower Arranging Workshop
Grab a friend and join them for this relaxing cut flower workshop. Participants will create their own lovely arrangement with flowers and botanical treasures found here in the historic gardens. Longue Vue House and Gardens at 1 p.m. on October 22. 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124. longuevue.com
Fall Garden Festival
Peruse through various plant and garden product exhibits and sales; enjoy educational programs, music, and arts & crafts; and see cooking demonstrations. Botanical Garden from October 8 through October 9. 5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119. neworleanscitypark.com
Family Block Party
Experience an unforgettable day at The National WWII Museum’s Family Block Party! On Saturday, October 8, all kids 18 and under will be admitted free of charge, with accompanying adults paying a deeply discounted price of $10 each. Veterans and active-duty military will also receive free admission courtesy of Boeing. Tickets can be purchased day-of or in advance online. nationalww2museum.org
Family Festival
It’s not Fall without a festival! Families are invited to join for a fun Sunday of food and festival games. It’s all happening right after the morning worship service, and they can’t wait to see you there! Join them Sunday, October 23 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Progression Church at 3800 Highland Road, Baton Rouge. progressionbr.com
Ghost in the Oaks
This fun event features trick-or-treating, arts & crafts, a pumpkin patch, and hot-dog roasting around the campfire. Tickets sold online and in advance. City Park New Orleans from October 20-23, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124. friendsofcitypark.com
Grand Coteau Sweet Dough Pie Festival
Enjoy food, art, and music at the Grand Coteau Sweet Dough Pie Festival on October 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All sweet dough pie makers are encouraged to enter the contest, and the public is encouraged to judge. 231 Burleigh Lane, Grand Coteau, LA, 70541. (337) 331-6352.
facebook.com/townofgrandcoteaulouisiana
Krewe of BOO! Parade
Start your Halloween week with the Krewe of BOO! in New Orleans. The official Halloween parade of New Orleans will roll at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 from the Marigny through the French Quarter to the Warehouse District. kreweofboo.com
Lower 9 Trunk or Treat
Join the Lower 9th Neighborhood Association (L9NA) and the Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association for the third annual Halloween Trunk or Treat. Organizations will be placed throughout the Lower 9th Ward to distribute free candy. Saturday, October 29 from 5-7 p.m. l9wha.org/events
Monster Mash
Monster Mash features a fun and safe Halloween experience, complete with trick-or-treating, music, cookie decorating, crafts, and carnival rides. Bogue Falaya Park at 10 a.m. on October 22. 213 Park Drive, Covington, LA 70433. covla.com
New Orleans Zombie Run
The two-mile run/walk/crawl starts and ends at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant. Make up artists available. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant from 9 a.m.-noon. on October 22. 701 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. eventbrite.com
Northshore Oktoberfest
Enjoy a traditional, German, family-friendly Oktoberfest that is also a fundraiser and awareness event for cholangiocarcinoma on October 1 at the Mandeville Trailhead at 5 p.m. 675 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, LA 70448. covla.com
Pelican Park’s Barktober Fest
Celebrate Howl-o-ween with your furry friends and family members at the Barktoberfest on Saturday, October 29 from 1-4 p.m. at the Bark Park. Includes pet adoptions, vendors, costume contests, photo booth, paw print painting, and tricks for treats. 63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville, LA 70448. facebook.com/pelicanparkmandeville
Rylee Gives Back Special Needs Fall Festival
Enjoy an afternoon of face painting, candy stations, crafts, balloons, games, and food. Join them Sunday, October 23 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 7510 Vincent Road, Denham Springs. angelwingtubies@yahoo.com
ShardWorx Pumpkin Pour Worshop
Decorate pumpkins for the fall season throughout the month of October at The Shard Shop. 3950 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.
the-shard-shop.myshopify.com
The Louisiana Book Festival
The 18th annual Louisiana Book Festival is coming back Saturday, October 29, in downtown Baton Rouge. You’ll certainly find your new favorite book here, and you can even talk with some amazing authors while you’re there. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. louisianabookfestival.org
White Light Night
Mid City’s largest art festival is the perfect place to get started on your holiday shopping. Shop, dine, and meet local artists underneath the white lights that illuminate the streets. White Light Night is located on Government Street and will take place Friday, November 18 from 6-10 p.m. midcitymerchantsbr.org
Spooky Fun
French Quartour Ghost Hunt for Kids
Mischievous ghosts, long lost pirates, confused spirits… this tour has it all. Your kiddos will use ghost hunting techniques and tools to interact with the past in an unforgettable way. French Quarter, New Orleans. Times and dates vary. frenchquarterkidstours.com
New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House
If you have some brave ones in your bunch, consider a visit to New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House, if you dare. Some themes may be too intense for those ages 12 and under. 319 Butterworth Street, Jefferson, LA 70121. neworleansnightmare.com
Looking for more spooky fun the entire family can enjoy? Visit us online at nolafamily.com for all of your fall fun festivities.