For those of us who love the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the whisper of cold weather to come as the air turns crisp, now is the time to get out and find fall-themed activities to enjoy with a cup of hot apple cider in hand. There are many such attractions in the Northern Virginia area. One such place is the Pumpkin Playground in Burke.

There’s something for boils and ghouls of all ages at the Pumpkin Playground. For adults, there are autumn goodies such as fig preserves and pumpkin butter, as well as pumpkins of all varieties all sold under the inviting autumn-themed decorated tent at the entrance to the playground.

For those who still sleep in princess or racecar sheets, as well as for the young at heart, there is plenty to do at this playground. Activities include a wheelchair-accessible hayride, a Cherokee storyteller, farm animals, a castle, Miner’s Mountain and Wizard of Oz themed sack slides, a pirate ship and endless other creative constructions to climb up and slide down. All of these activities are available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Oct. 31.

On the weekends the activities extend to include a pumpkin balloon house, face painting and, for additional fees, a moon bounce, pony rides, balloons and a wobble wagon.

The admission price on weekdays is $9 and $12 on the weekends.

There are many other autumn events in the Northern Virginia Area.

There is Cox Farms in Centreville, which is open through Nov. 7 and has similar attractions to the Pumpkin Playground, including “farm chores,” an activity in which kids can milk cows and pump water.

There is also Leesburg Animal Park in Leesburg, open now through Nov. 7, which includes a hay maze among other attractions.

For something for the whole family, Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days are held on George Washington’s estate Oct. 23 and 24. Horse-drawn wagons rides and early-American games make the trip a unique experience.

Whatever there is to do this autumn, be sure to get out there and enjoy. The leaves are turning hues of amber and gold, the air is full of spice and, before you know it, Halloween will be over and it winter to set in. So grab a friend, gather your family and take some time to soak up this wonderful season as it only comes around once a year.

By: Ashley Strobridge

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