From apple picking to hiking, there’s always something exciting happening during Fall in Vermont. Here’s a list of our favorite family activities:

–Cheering on the Panthers and Tigers on their home fields. You’ll find lots of local families at sporting events at both locations. Fall favorites include soccer, field hockey & football.

–Apple picking: Our favorite local spot is Happy Valley Orchard in Middlebury (open daily 9:00-5:30. 217 Quarry Road, Middlebury 802-388-2411). But we had great experiences at Douglas Orchards & Cider Mill (open daily 8:00-5:00. Rt. 74 W., Shoreham 802-897-5043) and Champlain Orchards (they have a bigger store and a playground) (open daily 9:00-6:00. 3597 Rt. 74 W., Shoreham 802-897-2777). The Addison County Chamber of Commerce also has a nice list of pick your own places here. Plus don’t forget to pick up pumpkins, late season berries and more!

-What’s better than hiking with kids? Fresh air, great views, plus kids are exhausted afterward. It’s really a win-win for everyone. A few family friendly ones (starting with the easiest):

1. Walking along the Trail Around Middlebury: age 0 and up, lots of short out and backs to explore, Battell Woods is a safe bet for first timers, also fairly baby jog stroller friendly.
2. The Robert Frost Trail in Ripton: easy enough for new walkers, short nature walk (~1 mile).
3. Spirit in Nature Trails in Ripton: great first hike spot for preschoolers (10 different paths. Each path is 1/2 to 2 miles long)
4. Buck Mountain in Waltham: relatively short and flat with beautiful view comparable to Snake Mountain (our 3.5 year old hiked the whole thing in less than 45 mins),
5. Snake Mountain in Weybridge (probably age 5 and up): plan on two+ hours with kids round trip.

-Harvest festivals and late season bounties from the Farmer’s Market, check out calendar for up to date information about when and where these happen. There’s generally one per weekend through mid October.

-When Halloween rolls around, don’t miss the annual Middlebury Spooktacular! It’s a wonderful day for all ages filled with treats, costumes, and plenty of fun for the family.

What’s your favorite fall past time? Leave a comment below or email us suggestions!