This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Montclair chapter.
Weeks into the school year and I still feel like it’s summer. Maybe I’m just not ready to accept that work is picking up or that the summer sun is eventually getting replaced by weather that forces me into sweats. But if that means getting to do all of the autumn activities that come along with the season, I might be persuaded to like fall just a tiny bit more.
Here’s a master fall festivities checklist for us to stay excited for the change in weather:
- Haunted Mansion Chocolate Cookie Kit – I didn’t know this existed until I took a stroll through the store that has everything (Target, of course). This cookie kit is exactly the same as building a gingerbread house except it comes with black, orange and green icing and candy in the shape of bats and bones. Now you don’t have to wait ‘til Christmas before building a house made of cookies.
- Fright Fest – I’ve heard from multiple people in the past few years that Fright Fest at Six Flags isn’t scary anymore. But when I went about two years ago, I still have memories of clutching onto my friends’ arms and being scared to pass by any of the actors out of fear they’d chase me (which they did).
- Haunted Attractions – New Jersey has so many haunted attractions that I’d probably be able to go to one a week until the end of November. I’d want to go to the Brighton Asylum, 13th Hour Haunted House, Scare Farm, Field of Terror, etc.
- Walk a Scenic Route – Or drive. Or hike. I love to explore gardens and trails during summer, but I think it’d be equally beautiful in fall to see the leaves changing and whatever flowers are in season.
- Fall Festival – I went to a fall festival last year, and it had everything from a live band and fresh lemonade to hayrides and cornhole.
- Corn Maze – It’s likely I’d find a corn maze at a fall festival, but I have yet to actually try one out. I have no faith in myself to make it out the other side, but that’s why I’ll bring more coordinated friends in tow.
- Eat Candy Apples & Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte – I’m a huge fan of candy apples and would gladly eat them any time of the year. I can’t say the same for pumpkin spice foods or drinks, but I feel like it’s only right to experience it at least once during fall.
- Jump into Leaves – The one time I tried jumping into leaves a few years ago, the experience was not nearly as fun as movies and shows make it out to be. I’m determined to try it again and enjoy it.
- Classic Halloween Movie Marathon – I’m already always watching horror/thriller movies with my mom, but I specifically want to binge watch all the classics like “Halloween,” “Scream” and “A Nightmare On Elm Street.”
Pumpkin Carving – This item on the list is more for nostalgia’s sake, but painting or carving a pumpkin with a Halloween movie or spooky music playing sounds like a great time.