Fall is in the air: Fun activities that should definitely be on your list
Ok, so especially this year, fall may not be in the air quite yet. Fall in Arizona historically means much cooler temperatures, gorgeous outdoor weather, and time to officially take advantage of all of the fall activities that summer’s triple digits kept from even creeping into your mind.
And if there’s one thing the valley does right, it hosts a variety of different, fun activities for you and your family to enjoy!
Here are 9 great ideas you, your family, and friends can take advantage of this season – for great activities, food, fun, and the perfect fall pictures!
Take a trip to the Phoenix Zoo
Especially this time of year, the Phoenix Zoo can be an absolute blast – and definitely not just for kids! If you’re looking for a good workout, you’ll find marked workout stations throughout the zoo, with areas to do pull-ups, pushups, and so much more. Not in the mood to break a sweat? Grab a beer and visit some of your favorite animals. You can even catch a camel ride, or rent one of the zoo’s many animal-shaped scooters that you can drive around from exhibit to exhibit. Add to that some of the best weather of the year, and you have the recipe for some pretty solid fun.
Check out the Botanical Gardens
Not only are the Botanical Gardens one of the coolest spots to get your fill of desert plant life, the Gardens host a number of different events throughout the fall. These can include close-up experiences with butterflies, live music shows, and even days dedicated to hanging out with your pup. Add to that the fact that the Botanical Gardens are a perfect date-night or walking destination, and you’ll have plenty of reasons to visit and enjoy.
Schedule a Scottsdale bike tour
Whether you’re feeling adventurous or thirsty, there’s a bike tour for you! With a number of different options, like a party pedal pub crawl, or an e-bike tour through Scottsdale, there’s sure to be a bike tour that will be the perfect fit. I know we keep saying this – but fall in the valley really does bring some incredible weather. Why not take advantage of it with some vitamin D, time with friends, and a little exercise to top it off?
Catch an outdoor yoga class
There’s nothing like connecting with yourself after a long day, and one of Phoenix’s awesome outdoor yoga classes can definitely hit the spot. Oh, and even better? You have options. We’re talking everything from goat yoga (yes, it’s a thing) to booking a private paddleboard yoga class (can you say “balance?”) Either way, you’ll leave relaxed, refreshed, and potentially soaked.
Go for a hike
Arizona is home to some amazing hiking trails, especially across the valley. Between Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, South Mountain, and many more, you’re sure to find a hiking trail that matches what you’re looking for. Hiking can not only give you a fantastic workout, it can be an amazing place to view wildlife, gorgeous views of the city, and can even be a great avenue for spending some family time.
Pick a pumpkin at Schnepf Farms
Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch! Well, Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek happens to be one of the best spots in the valley. With an annual “Pumpkin and Chile Festival”, a pumpkin patch you can visit to find the perfect Halloween jack-o-lantern, and its very own “U-pick” garden, the farm is one of the best places to get some fresh air, get prepped for halloween, and to hang out with friends and family.
Take a trip up north
The valley is pretty well known for its gorgeous non-summer weather. But for some, temperatures in the 80s may not quite give those fall vibes. That’s when it’s time to take a trip up north. Prescott and Flagstaff have beautiful fall weather, and in just a couple of hours, you’ll be up north experiencing a chill in the air. With great shopping, outdoor sports, and yes, even pumpkin patches, you’ll be in a fall mood in no time.
Take a ghost tour
As we get closer to Halloween, why not explore Arizona by signing up for one of many ghost tours? What’s cool about these is that many of the tours happen to center around places of historical significance – doubling as not only a ghost tour, but a history lesson. Plus, it’s hard to think of a better, spookier way to not only learn more about some key Arizona places, but also get your scare on.
Stargazing
With beautiful, clear skies, star watching can be one of the most relaxing and fun activities to do during the fall. You can always pack a few blankets, pillows and a telescope (if you have one) and drive a little ways outside of the city lights to get a great view of the sky. Or, if you’re up for the trip, why not visit Lowell Observatory up north to get a more detailed view of the stars, our galaxy, and the gorgeous fall weather.
Keep in mind that these are only a fraction of the fun things you and your family can do in Arizona during the beautiful fall season. But the most important part? Enjoy the weather, do something fun, and take advantage of the amazing scenery that Arizona has to offer. Whether it’s farm, a ghost tour, or yoga class, you’ll be sure to find a fall activity that you’ll love this season.
