BEST Things to Do in October in Wisconsin – Fall, Halloween & More!

Cool days and even colder nights. Pumpkins glowing, chocolate lurking around every corner! This is a month bursting with opportunities to make memories and new traditions—from visiting your favorite pumpkin patch to fun Halloween events, there’s a lot of possibilities!

We’ve rounded up some fun things to do this month in Northeast Wisconsin, from Oshkosh to Appleton to Green Bay (and beyond) for your family!

Have a wonderful October, and don’t forget to check our family-friendly calendar for events and more things to do!

Also, check out our Ultimate Guide: 50+ Must-Do Fall Activities for Families in Wisconsin!

Special thanks to our sponsor FVL Schools!

News & Updates

Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton opened its newest exhibit this weekend, Food to Grow! In this new exhibit, kids and their grown-ups can engage in the whole food system as they explore concepts of food choice, food equity, and the cultural significance of food. Check out our pictures on Facebook.

Features include:

Farm – Milk a cow, collect eggs, and harvest crops.
Food Pantry – Pick up some essentials from milk, rice, chicken, and more.
Farm Market – Pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farm Market. Weigh out the produce and pay at the cash register.
Kitchen – Prepare a meal with a healthy variety of ingredients.
Table – Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal around the table.

Apple Picking

Fall memories and traditions are made in the orchards and your kitchen! Pick baskets of apples and enjoy them as many ways as possible, including our kiddos’ favorite—straight from the tree. Wisconsin’s apple season lasts from August to late October, with different apples ready throughout; find out when your favorites are ready with our guide to apple types and the best times to pick. The ever-popular Honeycrisp is ready for picking around mid-September, and one of our favorites, Wolf River, is one of the last of the season in late October.

We’ve got 8 favorite apple orchards to share, including Star Orchard in Kaukauna, which boasts 25 different types of apples! Warm up with a cup of apple cider, or bring a gallon home.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are ready by the end of September into October! We’ve got 10+ Picture Perfect Pumpkin Patches to choose from to enjoy a whole afternoon or day playing before everyone claims their favorite shaped pumpkin to take home.

Each pumpkin farm has its own unique take on fall fun, from animals to petting and feeding to corn cannons—your family might need to visit more than one!

Many locations can help you decorate your fall porch with pumpkins, squash, mums, gourds, dried corn, hay, and more!

Fall Colors

September is the perfect time to start looking for signs of Fall and changing leaves. Fall hikes check all of the boxes.

If you’re looking for well-defined trails friendly for little feet, head to 1000 Islands in Kaukauna, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha, or Bubolz in Appleton.

Visit Mosquito Hill for a hike and a peek at their new sensory garden and sculptures.

Nelson Family Heritage Crossing, the Newberry Trail, and the Friendship/Trestle Trail will give you water views with playgrounds to stop to play. Here are 18+ Fox Cities Trails for Families to Enjoy.

If you’re up for a little more adventure, there are 11 Worth the Drive Hikes About an Hour from Appleton.

Halloween

Halloween is such a fun and exciting time for kids! It’s a chance for them to dress up in their favorite costumes and let their imaginations run wild. Find tons of Trunk or Treats on our Calendar or our Trunk or Treat Roundup! Get in the spooky spirit with these haunted houses, or find the best-decorated houses in the Fox Cities for Halloween!