Remember those days of dressing up the family in (temperature inappropriate) outfits, consisting of coordinating shades of orange and brown corduroy and flannel, then carefully planning around nap times and feedings to visit the local pumpkin patch in the hopes of getting that perfect fall photo of your precious babies that you could then post all over social media for your parents, aunts, uncles, and former high school besties to ooh and ahh over? I certainly do and it truly feels like yesterday.
However, these days, with a preteen and a full-blown teen in the house, most of the fun activities that I suggest are met with exaggerated eye rolls. If you’re like me and want to get out to enjoy our fall weather with the family but know that your days of pumpkin patch photo shoots are far behind you, here are a few (only moderately cheesy) fall activities in our area. Some are a bit of a drive, but, hey! No more worrying about road trips with potty training toddlers or packing enough snacks and Disney movies on the iPad to keep babies happy, right?
Traders Village Corny Maze
October 3-November 29, 2020
Featuring 10 acres of fun, test your teen’s mettle at navigating the Corny Maze. Maze options range from easy to hard, to keep your teens occupied for an hour or so. Traders Village is also advertising a new Corny Cannon this year. We’re not sure exactly what that is, but if it involves projectiles, your teens might be interested.
Graff 7A Ranch
Hondo, Texas
Open Now through November 28, 2020
A 7-acre maze among the 12 foot high sorghum at Graff 7A Ranch will challenge even your most know-it-all teens. In addition to the maze, trick roping, and helicopter rides, Graff 7A Ranch has tons of fun to be had after dark as well, such as campfires and a dance barn.
Devine Acres Farm
Devine, Texas
Open various dates throughout October
Wholesome, family fun in nearby Medina County, Devine Acres Farm features music, fishing, and theater performances. A special Magical All Hallows Eve event, held on Friday, October 30 is fun for all ages and includes a yummy brisket dinner.
13th Floor Haunted House
San Antonio, Texas
Open now through November 7
If you want to really kick Halloween up a notch and scare the snot out of your older teens, make plans to go to the scariest haunted house in San Antonio. Voted one of the Top 5 Most Terrifying Haunted Houses in the USA by USA Today, your teens will surely have an evening to remember–or at least an evening that will haunt their dreams.
Rocky Creek Maze
Moulton, Texas
Now through November 15
Located 14 miles southwest of Schulenburg (between San Antonio and Houston), Rocky Creek Maze boasts 2.5 miles of paths in an 8 acre field of tall corn, in this carefully designed and tricky maze. After the sun sets, the haunted fun begins at Rocky Creek Maze. Stick around for the haunted hayride and hear bone chilling stories that will keep your teens up at night.
Splashway Woods of Torment
Sheridan, Texas
Weekends now through October 31
Take a pass through this haunted house, located about two hours from San Antonio, if you dare. Located adjacent to the popular waterpark in the small community of Sheridan, Texas, Woods of Torment is a horrifying attraction for ages 13 and up.
Six Flags Hallowfest
San Antonio, Texas
Weekends Now through November 1
During the day, Hallowfest is a (somewhat) family-friendly event with photo opportunities and a Trick-or-Treat Trail. After the sun goes down though, all bets are off as the ghouls and zombies come out in force. There is something for everyone at Hallowfest, so ride some rides and get your spook on, all at the same time.
A word of warning: due to COVID-19, many of your favorite fall festivals have been canceled or rescheduled so please do your research before heading out. Many attractions are operating by reservation only, to keep capacity in check, so think ahead when planning your fall adventures. Also, masks are required for many of the activities so plan to arrive prepared and have a spooktacular good time!
