As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to explore the vibrant fall spots around Indianapolis! Anyone who knows me is well aware that autumn is my absolute FAVORITE time of the year. Pumpkin spice, caramel apples, sweaters, boots, candles, and best of all, Halloween. Every year, I go all out with my Halloween costumes. Yes, that was plural. Costumes with an “s.”
Whether you’re looking for a perfect fall day with your family or seeking out art activities that capture the essence of the season, Indy has something for everyone.
Festive Fall Spots to Visit Around Indy
Apart from Halloween, a fall tradition I love is checking out the local festive spots, such as fall festivals, pumpkin patches, apple festivals, haunted houses, festive exhibits, and more. We always make it a priority to visit at least a few of these every year. Indy is so lucky to have so many farms and orchards in the area, and I’ve made a list of some of my favorites that you should definitely check out before the fall season ends!
Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard
This is probably my all time favorite way to spend a fall day! Indianapolis is so lucky to have so many family farms and orchards in the area, and I’ve made a list of some of my favorites that you should definitely check out before the fall season ends.
Anderson Orchard or Beasley’s Orchard are great options, and Tuttle Orchards is probably one of my favorites in the area. It is also where all of the photos there in this post were taken by Rachel Giese Creative. It is the perfect place to go if apple picking is your goal. There are rows and rows of every different type of apple you could think of. One of my favorite pumpkin patches would have to be Dull’s Tree Farm or Spencer Berry Farm.
For my complete guide on pumpkin patches and apple orchards, you can check out my Indy Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch Guide.
The Apple Store and Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie – Fishers, IN.
No, not that Apple Store. This one has all the fall goodies you could imagine including apple cider slushies, apple cider donuts, caramel apples and more. Speaking of Conner Prairie, they also have the Headless Horsemen event going on Thursday-Sunday for the remainder of October. You can find out more info here.
The Headless Horseman is a staple Halloween tradition in the Indianapolis area. It is a great fall festival complete with a haunted hayride, carnival rides, a barrel train ride, corn maze, arts and crafts, Sleepy Hollow shows, live music, seasonal treats and more.
Learn more about the Apple Store and Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie here: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/headless-horseman/
Harvest Nights at Newfields
Harvest Nights at Newfields has become a very popular spot to visit during October each year in Indianapolis. Guests can wander through gardens full of glowing jack o lanterns, experience interactive art, and enjoy seasonal treats from local vendors. With live music and family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect way to embrace the magic of fall.
Note: Newfields is currently only doing Harvest Nights this season, and not currently holding the previously done Harvest Days event also shown.
Learn more about Harvest Nights at Newfields here: https://discovernewfields.org/harvestnights
Visit a Haunted House
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a good haunted house! I typically visit at least one or two each October to get in the spooky season spirit, and Indianapolis has some of the best haunted houses around. From chilling attractions to immersive experiences, there’s something to satisfy every ghost hunter’s cravings. Venture into eerie settings filled with spine-tingling scares, live actors, and jaw-dropping special effects that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Indy Scream Park is always a top choice in the Indy area with it’s six attractions all at one location, including a Monster Midway and Bonzo’s Beer Garden. Some other great options include Thirteenth Hour, Necropolis, and Hanna Haunted Acres. Should I make a full Indy Haunted House Guide next? I think so!
Whether you prefer classic horror themes or innovative storylines, Indy’s haunted houses promise to deliver a night of screams and excitement.
View the Fall Foliage at One of Indy’s Parks
Fall is a magical time to explore the stunning fall foliage at Indy Parks! As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow, the parks become a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures. Located on the city’s northwest side, Eagle Creek Park is a popular spot to enjoy all the fall colors, and you can enjoy them from a different perspective by booking a ziplining experience at Go Ape there here.
You could also take a stroll through Fort Harrison State Park’s walking paths and immerse yourself in the fall foliage, or see the ruins surrounded by the foliage at Holliday Park. Many parks host family-friendly activities and events celebrating the season, making it a perfect time to gather with loved ones.
For a complete list of Indy parks to visit this fall, visit: https://parks.indy.gov/
GermanFest at The Anthenaeum
Take in the German culture at GermanFest at The Athenaeum in Downtown Indianapolis. This lively festival is a celebration of German culture. This event features family-friendly activities, local vendors with crafts and goods, and delicious food such as bratwurst, pretzels, and strudel that you can pair with a German beer. Whether you’re a long-time fan of German culture or just curious to join in the fun, Germanfest is the place to be. Bring your friends and family for a day filled with laughter, great food, and unforgettable memories.
Learn more about GermanFest at The Athenaeum in Downtown Indianapolis here: https://athenaeumindy.org/event-guide/germanfest/
ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
Head to the Indianapolis Zoo this fall for Halloween activities, amazing animals, and pumpkins galore. This beloved annual event transforms the Indianapolis Zoo into a whimsical Halloween wonderland, perfect for families and little ones. Guests can explore creatively themed areas, enjoy not-so-scary attractions, and participate in fun activities like trick-or-treating and costume contests. The zoo’s animals are also part of the fun, with special exhibits that celebrate the season.
With live entertainment and plenty of festive treats, ZooBoo is the ideal way to celebrate Halloween while enjoying the magic of the zoo. ZooBoo is a fun family experience and the cooler fall weather means more active animals and colorful foliage.
Learn more about ZooBoo at The Indianapolis Zoo here: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
Get ready for a spooktacular time at the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival in the Historic Irvington neighborhood on Indy’s Eastside. This festival is a week-long celebration with daily and nightly event including a Halloween Ball, parade, a pumpkin carving contest, movie night, street fair, and more! Whether you are a fan of the spookiness or looking for a day of fun, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival is a must-visit.
Learn more about the Irvington Halloween Festival here: https://www.irvingtonhalloween.com/
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Discover the magic of fall at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, where seasonal events bring fun and learning together! This autumn, the museum is filled with exciting activities that celebrate everything from Halloween to harvest time. The Children’s Museum Guild’s Annual Haunted House is the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds go directly to The Museum Fund, supporting the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in its mission to inspire joy, wonder, and curiosity through unforgettable learning experiences for all ages.
For those families with older children, Twilight Fright is the perfect event for you! This fun, energetic event takes place outside in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience.
Learn all about the Children’s Museum’s events here: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/
As you venture out for some fall fun, embrace the beauty and excitement that Indianapolis has to offer. From colorful autumn landscapes to the lively atmosphere of local events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re savoring delicious treats, fall festivals with food trucks, participating in art activities, or simply soaking in the season with loved ones, each experience is a chance to make cherished memories.
Better hurry and get yourself to one (or more) of these festive fall spots around Indianapolis before the majority of them close at the end of the season. I would love to know what fall festivals and spots around Indy are your favorites!
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