Exciting Fall Activities In and Around Providence

As the weather gets cooler, the leaves start to change color and about every restaurant starts to try their hand at pumpkin-spice-flavored products, there’s no doubt that autumn is upon us. Summer has come and gone, and now it is time for hayrides, apple picking and pumpkin carving. 

I love being here in Providence because we get all four seasons! Fall is my favorite season. I love the changing colors of the leaves on trees, the fall recipes and, most important, the weather. Fall weather is perfect because it’s not too hot and not too cold. You wear a sweater and jeans and feel comfortable. Yep, sweater weather is finally upon us!

Another thing to get excited for is decorating your living space for fall. You can go to all of your favorite stores and make it a group trip with your friends and have fun shopping. You can also decorate on a budget and get into the fall spirit! 

Fall wooded scene on a lake

Even better, if you happen to find yourself in Providence this fall, you'll know exactly where to go, thanks to this list of "spooktacular" fall activities to take part in while you're here. (I shared my summer recommendations earlier this year — there's always something to do here!) As a student at JWU, I love to explore the city of Providence and find new activities to take part in. Here are some of my favorite fall activities around the Providence area.

Fun at Farms 

Apple Picking 

One of my favorite fall activities is visiting local farms and going apple picking, pumpkin picking or just enjoying what the farm has to offer. It’s a perfect activity to do with family or friends and a great way to get out of the house. Some of the best farms to visit for your apple-picking needs are Jaswell's Farm and Sunset Orchards. Jaswell’s also has some great desserts like fresh-baked pies and apple cider donuts for that sweet tooth of yours.

hands holding fresh-picked apples

Pumpkin Patches and More 

If you're looking for somewhere to pick pumpkins, you can try Adams Farm. Adams Farm has the largest pumpkin patch in Rhode Island and was voted the best place for pumpkin picking in the state. They also have tons of fun activities for kids and adults alike, such as an animal petting area, a 5-acre corn maze, hayrides and more. 

field full of pumpkins at sunset

Another great farm in the area is Simmons Farm. Simmons Farm has many exciting activities but one of the most interesting they offer is their goat hikes. It’s essentially a tour of the farm as you walk around the area, but you are accompanied by a goat that you will be walking on a leash.

Corn Maze 

Salisbury Farm has some fantastic activities as well, which include an intricately designed corn maze. Every year Salisbury Farm creates a brand-new design for their maze, and this year it features a person riding a horse. They also have a moonlight maze where you can visit at night if you are looking for something a bit scarier.

Fall Events 

Homecoming and Family Weekend 

If you happen to find yourself in Providence in the fall, one event you should definitely not miss out on is JWU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend. It is sure to be a blast with a walking tour of Weybosset Street, Food Truck Extravaganza, and a game show experience event. 

Family Weekend Painted Pumpkins

Confreda Fall Fest 

Also happening in the fall is the Confreda Fall Fest. The event typically takes place from September up until the end of October. Stop by and participate in the corn maze and pick your own pumpkin from their farm.

Some Spooky Fun 

Another major reason I love fall that I didn’t mention earlier is Halloween. I love Halloween. It is one of my favorite holidays because I enjoy dressing up and eating candy, even now as an adult. I also enjoy all of the spooky activities available to take part in this time of year. 

Haunted Tours 

A chilling event happening right here in Providence that is sure to cause a fright is the Haunted Boat Tour of the Providence Marina. Boat tours last for about an hour and are recommended for adults and children 10 and up. They are also offering special Booo-zy boat tours for people 21-plus on certain nights. Be prepared for a night full of screams as you explore downtown Providence and learn about the spirits that roam free in Providence.  

Jack O’Lantern Spectacular  

Another scream-worthy event here in Providence is Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack O'Lantern Spectacular. Every fall Roger Williams Park Zoo hosts this exciting Halloween event made for all ages. Walkthrough and view thousands of Jack O'Lanterns on display as you are taken through time by hearing songs from the past 150 years. 

carved pumpkins at night

Best Haunted House in New England 

One last Halloween activity that I absolutely love to go to is visiting Spooky World. Now I will say this is not in Rhode Island and is a little way away but, if you have a car and love haunted houses this is a must. Spooky World is located in Litchfield, New Hampshire, which is about an hour and a half out from Providence. I’ve been a couple of times with family and friends and it is always a good time, just make sure you’re prepared to scream. The park offers several horrifying events including a haunted hayride and three vastly different haunted houses. Spooky World also offers fun rides and games for guests to participate in. 
  chandelier with cobwebs
I hope hearing about these activities inspires you to go out and enjoy this fall with the people closest to you. Fall in Providence is always an enjoyable time, and this season should be enjoyed. So, go out and explore this fall and make sure to take in the beauty and color that it has to offer.

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