The leaves are starting to change colour and it’s much cooler than it was a month ago! I love this season! There are lots of affordable and even free things to do this Fall with your family in and around Vancouver.
Apple Picking
There are a couple great U-Pick Apple Orchards in Abbotsford that are very family friendly:
Taves Family Farm, 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford
The Apple U-Pick opens in September and you can pick your heart out! This beautiful farm also has some really fun attractions and activities. They have a petting barn, pony rides, a zip line, a HUGE jumping pillow, playground, corn maze and more. Get more info at tavesfamilyfarms.com
Willowview Farms, 288 McCallum Rd, Abbotsford
The Apple U-Pick starts in September, keep an eye on their website to see what kind of apples are available. On top of the U-Pick, you can say hi to the farm animals, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, have a picnic in the picnic area and play in the playground.
Make some s’mores!
Most of Metro Vancouver’s fire ban has been lifted and the fire danger rating is low. Call your local fire department to confirm. You can only burn beach bonfires in designated Metro Vancouver fire pits. I know there are a few at Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen, so bring your blankets, bundled firewood, pack a picnic dinner and have s’mores for dessert! More info at http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/ParksPublications/GeneralParkGuidelines.pdf and at metrovancouver.org
Go to a Fall Festival
Fort Langley Cranberry Festival, October 6, 2018
This is a huge festival that runs from 10 am to 5 pm. The Fort Langley Historic site will have free admission. Bring your rubber boots to stomp in some cranberries and bring your market bag to take some freshly picked cranberries home!
UBC Apple Festival, October 13 & 14, 2018
Organized by the UBC Botanical Garden Members, this event is on its 27th year! Sample all kinds of different apples and even buy an apple tree. For the kids, there is face painting, games, learn about bees, and jump through the giant leaf pile. More info at botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/news-events/events-activities/apple-festival-2018/
Corn Maze
The Bose Farms Corn Maze, 64th ave and 156th st, Surrey
Work your way through the corn maze by answering trivia questions along the way that will help you get to the end. May your way to the fire pits and roast marshmallows before heading home. More info at bosecornmaze.com/bose-farms-corn-maze/
The Chilliwack Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm, 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Make your way through this huge Corn Maze and when you’re finished, enjoy the jumping pillows, tricycles and climbing spider web.
Explore the Woods
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Pick a trail and go to for a bike ride! Stop at the park along the seawall or explore the hollow tree.
The George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta
$3 will get you a bag of birdseed to feed the ducks and birds that live at the Sanctuary. Pick a trail and follow it all around the wetlands. Keep an eye out for all kinds of birds and admire the changing colours of the trees.