The arrival of October means that 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 Preseve’s patch is turning prehistoric this year. 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 through 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
Visit Mrs. Heather’s pumpkin patch through 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

NewSong Community
Church Pumpkin Patch
This year, NewSong Community Church’s pumpkin patch will be doubling in size. Join them through October 30 for plenty of playtime and pumpkins. Open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from Noon-6 p.m. 18465 Old Perkins Place Ave, Prairieville, LA 70769.
newsongcommunity.church

Fall Events

Boo at the Zoo
Go trick-or-treating with the animals at Boo at the Zoo! On October 22, 23, 29, and 30, you and your family can show up at the Baton Rouge Zoo in your best costumes for a (not-so) scary good time. The zoo is open from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Regular admission rates apply. 3601 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70807. brzoo.org

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 through October 31 at 9596 Sentell Road, Shreveport, LA, 71107.
dixiemaze.com

Fall Fest at The Chapel
The Chapel on Siegen Lane will be hosting a fall festival that’s fun for the whole family on Sunday, October 30 from 4-6 p.m. Compete at the game booths, snack at the food tents, and show off your costume at trunk-or-treating. 9611 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA, 70810. thechapelbr.com

Family 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. Join them October 23 from noon-1:30 p.m. at Progression Church. progressionbr.com

Grand Coteau
Sweet Dough Pie Festival
Enjoy food, art, and music on October 29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All sweet dough pie makers are encouraged to enter, and the public is encouraged to judge. 231 Burleigh Lane, Grand Coteau, LA, 70541. (337) 331-6352

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

Louisiana Renaissance Festival
Fall back in time at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival this year. Throughout November and December, the streets of 16th-century England will be just a short road trip from Baton Rouge. Check out all the unique and educational shops, activities, and entertainment. 46468 River Road, Hammond, LA, 70401.
larf2022.org

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 2-5 p.m. at 7510 Vincent Road, Denham Springs. angelwingtubies@yahoo.com

Tailgating
For many, fall is the best time of the year because it’s also football season. No matter which team you’re cheering for, fall is a beautiful time to visit campus on game day with your friends and family. Check out the game times on your favorite team’s website so you can join the fun and, of course, eat plenty of food.

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

Farmers Markets

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 Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. (225) 291-7473

Red Stick Farmers Market

Go to 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 Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA, 70817. themarketattheoasis.com

Classic Halloween Movies for Mom and Dad

Beetlejuice (1988)

Children of the Corn (1984)

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Psycho (1960)

Scream (1996)

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Family-Friendly Halloween Movies

Casper (1995)

Coco (2017)

Frankenweenie (2012)

Ghostbusters (1984)

Halloweentown (2004)
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

The Adams Family (1991) (2019-animated version)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Twitches (2005)

Louisianians know that fall is one of the only times of the year where they get a break from the hot weather. So, take some time this year to appreciate the cool air by visiting one of the many pumpkin patches, corn mazes, or fall-themed events. After all, it’s one of the only times of the year where it’s socially acceptable to wear cool costumes in public and marathon every Halloween movie ever. Happy fall, y’all!