Fall has reached Wichita once more! The air is crisper, the trees are beginning their slow transformation, and going outside is actually an enjoyable event. The arrival of autumn brings a sense of relief and joy, and there are many ways to celebrate in the Wichita area.

Outdoor Family Fun

Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

Meadowlark Farm, Rose Hill 

The perfect location for some wholesome family fun, Meadowlark delivers some of the best local year-round fruit picking, as well as a seasonal pumpkin patch with a variety of pumpkins. With live music and drinks for the adults, as well as plenty of options for kid-friendly activities, this is the perfect weekend family adventure. Open Wednesday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Entry is $2.50 per person for ages 13 and older. Visit themeadowlarkfarm.com.

Applejack Pumpkin Patch, Augusta 

Applejack Pumpkin Patch offers all the picture-perfect fall moments, with a specialty pumpkin patch and corn maze, as well as a petting zoo, “The Gourdinator,” and much more. Open from the last full weekend of September through Halloween, admission is $12 per person for a day full of fun. Visit applejackpumpkinpatch.com. 

Cedar Creek Farm & Pumpkin Patch, Maize 

Make time in your busy fall schedule for this Maize pumpkin patch. With a corn maze, pumpkin patch, fire pit, barrel train, pony rides, petting zoo — and of course Instagram-worthy photo ops, this adorable little farm will make the whole family happy. Party and group packages are available, but everyday admission is $12 for 2 years and older September 24–October 30. Visit cedarcreekict.com.

Klausmeyer Dairy Farm Tours & Pumpkin Patch, Clearwater 

This family-owned farm is continuing to grow and add lots of fun new fall attractions, including a pumpkin patch and corn maze, as well as a petting zoo, a “Barn of Fear,” and a variety of kid-friendly areas. Additional fees apply for some activities, but come ready to spend a perfect fall day at Klausmeyer Dairy Farm. Admission: $10 per person on weekends, $8 per person on weekdays, various hours available at the website. Visit klausmeyerdairyfarms.com. 

Marietta Farm, Andover

“Marietta Farm Pumpkin Patch is all about family fun,” at least according to their website. With a variety of craft fairs, a hay-bale maze, picture-perfect opportunities, and of course a pumpkin patch with an amazing selection of gourds, this Andover Farm will not disappoint. Admission is free with some activities costing extra. Activities and hours available at website. Visit mariettafarm.com. 

Walter’s Pumpkin Patch, Burns 

Cited as “The Wichita Area’s Favorite Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze & Fun!” this idyllic farm hosts some “spook-tacular” events and an exciting Pumpkinfest. With delicious food and entertainment, as well as the usual exciting fall attractions, including a pumpkin patch and corn maze, Wichitans flock to Walter’s Pumpkin Patch. Various admission packages available at the website. Visit thewaltersfarm.com.

Haunted Houses

Wicked Island, OJ Watson Park

According to the Wicked Island website, “The Campbells have been haunting Wichita and its surrounding areas since 2012. We offer an ever-changing treacherous walk through a wooded area where your nightmares become a reality.” This exciting and spooky walk through OJ Watson Park is a fun twist on the classic haunted house, perfect for thrill-seekers. Visit the website for ticket and admission hours. Visit wickedwoodswichita.com.

Echoes of Fear, Cowtown

Cowtown’s super scary Halloween party is back once more, featuring the usual haunted house, drink and food specials, and live music. For teens and adults, this event is an excellent way to dress up and get out of your comfort zone. Visit the website for dates, rules, and admission details. For more info, check out the Echoes of Fear Facebook event page. 

Field of Screams

CAUTION: Not for the faint of heart, the Field of Screams haunted corn field is the terrifying and thrilling Kansas take on a haunted house, in which visitors are chased and tormented by ‘murderous” carnival clowns, rumored members of the Spurlock clan. The daring are open to visit the haunted corn field on weekends starting September 23 through October 31. Visit the website for the chilling origin story as well as admission information. Visit scaryprairiepines.com.

Fall Festivals

ICT Bloktoberfest, Wichita Union Station

“Raise a pint and celebrate!” Nothing like an Oktoberfest to get you into the autumn spirit, and ICT Bloktoberfest is simply the perfect place to start. Visit Union Station transformed into a biergarten, and check out the excellent selection of live music, food, games, and lots and lots of bier. Free to attend, be sure to visit the website to find additional activities and entry fees. Visit ictbloktoberfest.com. 

Tanganyika, Goddard

Each Saturday in October, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is hosting “Pumpkins at the Park,” an event that offers fun for every member of the family. Most events are free with the price of admission, and the event includes escape rooms, kids’ games, bounce houses, laser tag, hayrides and much more. Make sure to visit the website to plan your next family Halloween adventure. Admission: $20–$35, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Visit pumpkinsatthepark.com. 

Goddard Fall Festival

The long-standing Goddard Fall Festival is held in Goddard every year, and hosts a carnival, games and vendors — and of course food and entertainment for all. This year’s festival, entitled “Back in the Swing of Things” will take place on October 21–23. Visit goddardfallfestival.com. 

Haysville Fall Festival

Taking place the same weekend is the Haysville Fall Festival, which celebrates the changing of the seasons with a carnival and beer garden, car show and fun activities for both kids and adults. This exciting yearly event promises to be a good time on October 21–23. Visit hellohaysville.com/fall-festival. 

Arkalalah

Head down to Ark City for the 90th annual Arktoberfest. Scheduled for October 26–29, this fun annual event promises a high-activity weekend with a 3v3 basketball tournament, cornhole, dodgeball, exhibits, movies, music, carnival, food and more — enough to tempt all for a fun-filled weekend. Be sure to visit the website as events are scheduled. Visit arkalalah.com. 

Trunk or Treats 

More and more churches have adopted a yearly trunk or treat in which church members will dress up and decorate the trunks of their cars, then hand out candy to both children from the church and those in the surrounding community. This is a fun and safe way for parents to take their kids trick or treating, and it has become more and more popular each year. Below is a list of churches offering a trunk or treat event. 

Immanuel Baptist Church

1415 S. Topeka

October 28, 6 p.m.

St Joseph Catholic Church

139 S. Milwood

October 29, 6 p.m.

Wichita First Church of the Nazarene

1400 E. Kellogg

October 30, 3 p.m.

Fancy Fall Foliage 

A quiet, peaceful walk through the fall foliage is exactly what many are looking for. Luckily, Wichita has some beautiful parks and trails in which you can do just that. Make sure to visit each one for some gorgeous autumn reds, yellows and oranges.

Botanica’s Woodland Walks

Chisholm Creek Park and trails

College Hill Park

Museums on the River

Red Bud Trail

Riverside Park

Sedgwick County Park

It is impossible to deny that autumn is a highly anticipated season. No matter your feelings on fall, whether you could do without or cannot live without, there is something for just about everyone!