It can be tough to swap swimsuits and sandals for cozy sweaters and crisp, cool mornings, but there are so many reasons to fall head-over-boots for autumn.
This is especially true for those who live, work or play in the Fraser Valley. From fall-themed carnivals and exciting day trips to outdoor fun and frolic on the farm, there’s not shortage of things to see and do this season.
Here’s what’s on our bucket list for fall 2016.
Ready, set, fall fun!
1-See the Stars Under the Stars – We love going to the Twilight Drive-in in Aldergrove, but usually wait until autumn to go. Movies start sooner during the fall months, so it’s the perfect time to bring our whole family and snuggle under the stars. In an ideal world, we’d watch a family flick first and both my girls and pups would fall asleep at the end. Then, a movie for Jason and I would come on – it would be like a date night without having to worry about a sitter. Hasn’t happened yet, but this could be the year. Fingers crossed!
2 – A Berry Good Time – When is the last time you’ve been to Krause Berry Farms? It has been a couple of years for us, so we’ll have to head on over to this Valley hot spot, which is known for it’s u-pick fields, fresh berry pies made from scratch onsite (hot damn, they’re good), sample of tasty fudge, sky-high berry waffles and fruit winery. The farm is located at 6179 248 St. in Langley. During Sept/Oct, crops ripe for the picking include: corn, fall raspberries, everbearing strawberries and blackberries.
3-The Great Pumpkin Patch – It’s not nearly as fun to get our pumpkin from the grocery store, so we’re going to have to plan a daytrip to the Aldor Acres Pumpkin Patch, located at 24990 84 Ave. in Langley. My girls LOVE the tractor-pulled hayride – just don’t go with a full bladder. And, no visit to Aldor Acres is complete without a visit with the animals at the petting zoo.
4-Blast to the Past – We’re going to go back in time (about 100 years) with a trip to the Historic Stewart Farm in South Surrey at 13723 Crescent Road. This picturesque site tells the story of the Stewarts, an early Surrey pioneer family that lived on the site from 1880–1944. A vibrant, family friendly destination, Historic Stewart Farm invites drop-in tours and holds many programs and events. I wonder if this place is haunted?
5-Get Scared Silly – Everyone in our clan, even our wee Valley gals, LOVES to be scared silly. That’s why we are going to head on over to the Potters House of Horrors (coming this October) in Surrey at 12530 72 Ave. This annual attraction claims to be the “biggest, best and baddest Haunted Attraction in the Lower Mainland!” There is both an adult and child- friendly version, which means we’ll have to make two trips. So excited!!!
5- All Aboard! – Speaking of chills and thrills, we’re definitely going to have to board the Haunted Forest Scream Train. Every October, the forest at Bear Creek Park comes alive with ghosts and ghouls intent on scaring you amidst creepy sounds and special effects. With returning characters like Chainsaw Charlie, we might run into the walking dead who roam the platform every Halloween. The park is located at 13750 88th Ave. The kiddies will have to stay home for this one.
7-For Younger Thrill Seekers – There is a pumpkin train during daylight at Bear Creek Park that is far less frightening for my little ladies. With this version, they get to travel through the decorated forest with a special tasty treat to enjoy. Afterwards, children can take part in the crafts and activities under the tent on the platform and play the Halloween games. As tiny travelers depart from their adventure they will be given a child-size pumpkin to take home.
8-To Market, To Market – Market season ends pretty quick, so we absolutely must pay a visit to the Langley Community Farmers Market outside Kwantlen Polytechnic University for some fresh, local and organic goodies before the sun sets on this great event (ends Oct. 12). Fair is every Wednesday from noon to 4:30 p.m.
9-Go Glamping – Did you know you could sleepover in an oTENTik at the National Historic Site in Fort Langley? This is an absolute MUST Valleyties. I’ve done it about a half a dozen times so far, and always have a blast with my family. You get to connect to your cultural heritage and experience life inside the fort as only the Hudson’s Bay Company employees could by spending a night or two in a oTENTik tent. But hurry, the sun sets on this ultimate glamping experience for the season mid-October.
10- Tart Tradition -Living just a hop, skip and a jump from Fort Langley, we really have no excuse not to partake in the Fort Langley Cranberry Festival on Oct. 8. The Cranberry Festival has become a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for families all over the Fraser Valley and beyond for the past two decades. Once again, thousands will gather in historic Fort Langley to celebrate the history and harvest of these delicious little red berries. From unique vendors and free entertainment to a delicious pancake breakfast, food trucks and loads of FREE family activities for all ages.
11-Scary Stories –The popular Grave Tales historic walking tours are back, and it’s a tradition I simply cannot miss. Spine-chilling stories are depicted at night by expert storytellers as you walk through the Fort Langley village. Choose from the youth or adult-only version. Reservations required. Sidenote: I have many of these stories memorized now and often conduct my very own tours with family and friends. If you see me hanging out in the graveyard, that’s probably what I’m up to.
12- Get Crafty – My good friend and co-editor of Urbanique (Shelley Levis) has been one busy bee this fall getting ready for the 2nd Annual Scarecrow Festival at Arts Nursery on 192nd st in Port Kells. We haven’t been yet, but plan to check it out very soon. The month-long festival kicks off on Saturday 24th with local vendors, hay rides, face painting and guest speakers for a jammed packed family fun day. The Build-a-Crow Scarecrow station runs until October 31st, drop-ins and group parties are welcome.
13. Ah-Mazing Family Fun – I’m so excited there’s a pet friendly event here in ‘the Valley’ so our whole clan can celebrate autumn. It’s called Abby Roadside and it’s a family friendly, adult friendly, and canine friendly outdoor event that offers a pumpkin patch, KidsZone play area, beer tasting corn maze, and much more. It’s open the first four weekends in October from 11-6PM, Fri-Sun, and is located just off North Parallel Rd., East Abby. Click HERE for rates.
14. Appleicious!- Of course, no visit to Abbotsford is complete without a visit to the Taves Applebarn.This is such a wonderful spot for families to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, pick apples and enjoy the variety of activities onsite, including a petting zoo, adventure zone, wagon rides, country kitchen and more.
15. Children of the Corn – Another great corn maze that we love to visit is out in Chilliwack. The Chilliwack Corn Maze, located at 41905 Yale Road West is pretty unique and a ton of fun for all ages. You are provided with interactive passports that help lead you through the maze. We also love that there are picnic areas, fire pits, jumping pillow, pedal carts, animal displays & much more!
16. Ultimate Girls’ Day Out – I’m going to grab my best gal pals (will likely be my wee Valley gals and mom) and head on over to the Abbotsford TRADEX and Exhibition Centre Oct 22-23for the 16th annual West Coast Women’s Show. From steamy soap stars, tasty nibbles and delicious sips, to the latest in décor trends, health and wellness, fitness and a wide variety of products and services exclusively for women, this is a must-attend event for women for all ages. I attended the show last year and am looking forward to experiencing all the new additions they’ve added for 2016.
And there you have it — 16 fun-tastick Fraser Valley hot spots to discover, or to fall in love with all over again this autumn (as partially seen in the fall edition of Urbanique Magazine). Make sure to sign up for our newsletter to also view our upcoming Halloween post. We have so many spooktacular local haunts that we can’t wait to share with you.
As always, we LOVE to hear from YOU. Tell us, what’s on YOUR family’s fall bucket list for 2016?
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.thevalleymom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/13621326_10154196499215359_2104428602_o.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]One of Vancouver’s top Mommy Bloggers, Kristyl Clark resides in the beautiful Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada surrounded by lush countryside, urban shopping centers, wineries and parks. This work-at-home mom of two little Valley girls is proving there is nothing bland about the burbs. This adventurous family seems to always be out on some sort of crazy quest, from helicopter rides and wild river rafting, to top-secret paranormal investigations and living the high-life sampling the fine wines and foods of the Fraser Valley region. Kristyl also publishes a monthly column in Black Press publications throughout Metro Vancouver titled ‘Pink Laundry’. The ValleyMom.ca blog inspires her loyal fanbase through the trials and tribulations of suburban family living, guiding readers to local hotspots and hidden gems in her Canadian backyard.[/author_info] [/author]
