In Phoenix, (not only does winter never hit) but it doesn't really feel like fall and I tend to feel super bitter at everyone around the country gets to start bundling up and jumping into piles of dumb leaves. I don't like leaves anyway!
Okay, I kind of like leaves, especially when they're changing colors and giving me that cozy, fall feel and making for great photographs. You win.
We may not get to experience that here in Phoenix, but we do have a bunch of fall activities that I look forward to nonetheless. These are my top three this year:
1. Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party
This one is my favorite, tried and true. Schnepf Farms not only let's you experience fall in Arizona, but you also get to feel like you've traveled back in time and get to experience the pumpkin patch like your grandpa did when he was a little boy. Vintage fall experience, sign me the heck up right now.
We love to take a hay ride with the boys, gets lots of fall-y pics, go pet all the farm animals, eat homemade chili, and ride the spooky train through the haunted fields when it gets dark! (It actually is pretty spooky, so you may want to skip it if you think it may traumatize your little one. We learned that the hard way one year). But seriously best fall activity to do with the kids. There are also rides for older kids as well as playgrounds for all ages.
Details:Oct. 1-Nov. 2.10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. $17; $15 at Fry's Food Stores. 480-987-3100, schnepffarms.com.
From their site: "Experience a rare, up-close look at Western history at this FREE, family friendly culinary event. Using historic cooking methods, authentic 1880s chuck wagons from around the Southwest compete to cook up the best meals fit for the trail. Wagon teams win prizes in various food categories, and the public can purchase these unique chuck wagon meals. Enjoy a Campfire Glow, live music, Western history and cooking demonstrations, and much more!"You had me at free. And again at food.I know my boys will love seeing cowboys. I would suggest going on either Saturday or Sunday when they have gunfighter shows and hayrides to the AZ Railway museum.Details: Nov. 7-9. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tumbleweed Ranch, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler. Free; $12 Saturday lunch tickets; $10 Sunday breakfast tickets. 480-782-2751, chandleraz.gov/chuckwagon.
3. Dia de los Muertos Festival
Most festivals that are held at the Mesa Art Center never fail to disappoint; they're always entertaining as well as educational. I think this Dia de los Muertos festival would be so fun!! There's face painting, stilt walkers, food, music performances, and a community altar with a closing procession.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Free admission and parking. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.
So that's what we'll be up to this fall, besides just enjoying the cooler weather when it finally starts, usually around late October for us. What about you, what are your plans for the fall?
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