We all have those occasional boring Saturday afternoons when we’re wondering, “Is there anything interesting to do here in Columbia?” Good news: there is! There are some great activities in town for the fall season, and you don’t have to take a vacation to get to them. Her Campus Mizzou recommends these fun-filled fall days for every collegiette™.
Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze and Hayride
It’s time to start searching for those pumpkins to carve. Don’t go to the grocery store to pick one up. Go straight to the source and get a better array of options. Check out Callaway Farms in Columbia. They have pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides, so you can make a day of it! Corn mazes are always exciting with friends, particularly when you get lost at every turn. As for a hayride, make it a date or get a big group of friends together. Sophomore April Keel loves when her sorority does their own hayride as a group. “It’s a great get-together, and it’s so easy to dress for them because you just throw on some jeans and you’re done,” she says.
Picnics and Hikes
We have a gorgeous park right here in Columbia. The Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a terrific place to take a hike. Grab a friend or family member or even go alone to this beautiful trail. It’s good exercise and the perfect way to appreciate the weather before it gets too cold. Don’t forget to take some food with you and take a break for a picnic lunch.
Halloween Haunted Houses
Halloween might be one day a year, but during the whole month of October there are opportunities to take part in Halloween-related activities. Going to a haunted house is a major one. Fearfest Haunted House is one of the most popular haunted houses in town. It’s open Thursday through Sunday and has a new zombie safari with paintball. Gather up some friends and face the fear together.
Football Games
Rock the Mizzou spirit and head to the Saturday games. There is something for everyone on a game day here at Mizzou – tailgating, football, food and hanging out with family and friends. “Football is football – it’s the American pastime,” sophomore Rachel Field says. Thousands of students, parents and alumni celebrate the tradition, so get out there and enjoy it!
Campfires and Baking
If you’re feeling lazy and want to stay in, then baking is perfect. There are several items that fit the fall mood. Try apple or pumpkin pies, taffy apples, pumpkin cookies or gingerbread pear muffins. If you’re thinking about something a little easier, make simple s’mores! They taste yummy, especially if you make them over a campfire in your backyard (and you can even add some hot cocoa).
The weather is changing and we can no longer take part in summer pastimes like swimming, but that doesn’t mean we have to be bored whenever there is downtime. Why not take advantage of the entertainment around us?