It’s finally October, which means the trees are changing colors and pumpkin-flavored foods are sweeping the shelves. It also means the weather gets a little more comfortable, and I always find myself looking for interesting places to go with my friends or family to celebrate the arrival of spooky season. So, I compiled a list of things to do and places to go to keep your fall weekends fun. 

Six Flags Fright Fest

Everybody knows the classic “Fright Fest,” but in case you don’t, here’s the rundown. This chilling and thrilling Halloween celebration at Six Flags Over Texas lasts from Sept. 21-Nov. 3 and includes multiple themed haunted houses and monsters lurking throughout the park. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, and season passes get unlimited entries.

Texas State Fair

Another well-known Texas favorite is in season! Opening day is Sept. 27, and it runs through Oct. 21. Bring your friends and your family to this massive state fair to see Big Tex, ride the ferris wheel or grab a fried Oreo – or two. Tickets can be purchased online or at the fairgrounds and include admission to hundreds of attractions, concerts, activities and exhibits. 

Frisco Fair

The Frisco Fresh Market is bringing you the fun of the state fair on a smaller, more local scale. The fair runs from Oct. 25-Nov. 3 and includes all the classic boardwalk rides and attractions. Admission to the fair is free for everyone, but food, games and rides can be paid for using tickets that are purchased at the fairgrounds. Parking will also need to be purchased on site as well.

Friscovania

This spooky festival is located at the Toyota Stadium and will be held on Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. There will be a haunted carnival, ghost town, games and everyone’s favorite… a bounce house! At the Hall of Fame there will be mini golf and food trucks with snacks for sale. Admission and parking are both free. 

Coyote Drive-In Movie Theater

This one is a bit of a drive, but the nostalgic experience is worth it. Coyote Drive-In is located in Fort Worth and shows all current movies out in theaters. Pull up in your truck or just chill in the trunk, and bring your cozy blankets. Tickets can be bought online, and food and drinks can be purchased on location. 

Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze

Located in Grapevine, this classic corn maze brings the feeling of fall right to you. Enjoy the cool weather by picking a pumpkin or getting lost in the corn maze, and even enjoy a hayride while sipping on apple cider. The farm is open until Oct. 31, and prices vary based on day and time. Please note that they take cash only. 

Autumn at the Arboretum

Bringing you into the world of the “Peanuts” gang, this year’s Autumn at the Arboretum displays over 90,000 pumpkins as you walk throughout scenes from “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” This makes a  great for a breezy fall weekend or if you need some good photo ops. Head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden from Oct. 2-Oct. 31 to catch a glimpse of this beautiful set-up. Admission ranges from $12-$17.  

Dark Hour Haunted House

If you’re looking for a good scare, then Dark Hour is just the place for you. Filled with horrifying characters and jump scares at every turn, this haunted house takes the screams right out of you. Gather your gang and see if you can survive the night! Dark Hour is located in Plano and is open on select days from Sept. 20-Nov. 2. Pricing varies by what day you attend, so check their online calendar for prices.   

Hopefully this helped you find something new to try for the fall season, and if none of these sound cool to you, maybe staying in and having a scary movie marathon is right for you. Happy fall!