More Than Pumpkins: Making the Most of Fall

Sometimes all you need is a pumpkin patch, something warm to eat, and a reason to stay outside a little longer.

Leah Cooper · October 21, 2026

Every October, there's something about the cooler air that makes us want to squeeze in all the fall things. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple cider, haunted houses, and those little traditions that somehow make the season feel complete.

For the past three years, we've made our way to a fall harvest farm in Exeter, Missouri. And every year, they've added something new while managing to hold on to everything we love about an old-fashioned pumpkin patch.

There are giant corn pits to jump in, mazes to get lost in, apples to launch at bullseyes, pumpkins to pick, and a few haunted attractions for different ages. This year, they even had archery tag and a handful of carnival rides.

But what I appreciate most is that none of it has taken away from the farm itself.

There's still plenty of room for kids to run around, get a little dirty, and find their own fun. It's the kind of place where you can spend hours without feeling like you need to be entertained every second.

A Chilly Night, Courtesy of October

Of course, we managed to pick the one evening when the temperature was dropping into the 50s, with a good bit of wind.

Fortunately, Yellowstone had already prepared us for that.

After years of visiting the park in all kinds of weather, I've learned to keep a cold-weather bag packed with warm, wind-resistant jackets, beanies, and gloves for everyone. So when the forecast called for a chilly evening, I simply grabbed the bag.

The list I keep ready is on one page here →

And wouldn't you know it? It wasn't until the very end of the night, when everyone was mostly just tired, that I finally heard someone complain about being cold.

I'll count that as a win.

Chili Around the Fire

One of my favorite things about Exeter is that they allow you to bring your own food and build a fire.

And if there's anything that makes a chilly fall evening better, it's a warm meal around a fire.

I brought my white bean and lentil chili in the Instant Pot, doubling the chicken and lentils to feed our group of more than 20 people. We also brought turmeric sourdough bread, which disappeared before I even thought to take a picture.

The kids had plenty to keep them busy, from running through the corn maze to trying their hand at launching apples. There was something for nearly every age, which is especially nice when you're gathering with a big group of family.

And in between all of it, we had a fire to come back to, a warm bowl of chili, and a place to sit and visit.

Nothing fancy. Just good food, fresh air, and a fall evening spent together.

More Than Just Picking Pumpkins

I think that's what I love most about these kinds of outings. The pumpkin patch is really just the excuse to get everyone outside.

You don't need a big harvest festival or a farm full of attractions to enjoy it, either.

Maybe there's a little pumpkin patch nearby where you can pick out a few pumpkins before heading to a local trail. Maybe it's a farm stand followed by hot chocolate at a park. Or maybe you bring dinner outside, light a fire in the backyard, and let the kids play until the sun goes down.

There's something about fall that makes even the simplest things feel a little more special.

The smell of a fire. Cold hands wrapped around something warm. Leaves crunching under your feet. Kids asking for just one more turn before it's time to leave.

And sometimes, the best part is simply having nowhere else you need to be.

A Few Things Worth Keeping Ready

If there's one practical thing I've learned from years of getting our family outdoors, it's that a few reliable essentials go a long way.

A cold-weather bag, a couple of favorite soups that can feed a crowd, and folding chairs that are easy to grab from the garage.

We use these same things for Yellowstone trips, evenings around a fire, and outdoor family gatherings.

Having them ready means we can say yes to more of these little outings without making a production out of them.

And that's really all the planning I want to do.

The Pumpkin Doesn't Have to Be the Memory

When I think back on our evenings at Exeter, I doubt I'll remember which pumpkin we picked or how many times someone went through the corn maze.

I'll remember the kids having a great time, everyone enjoying a warm meal, and getting to spend a few hours together without much of an agenda.

Those are the little things that make a tradition worth repeating.

So before October slips away, find somewhere to enjoy a little fall. Pick out a pumpkin, wander through some trees, bring a thermos of hot chocolate or a pot of soup, and stay outside a little longer.

It doesn't need to be elaborate to be memorable.

Sometimes all it takes is getting everyone together and letting the evening unfold.

Plan enough to let go.