This past weekend, the Lehigh Valley saw temperatures drop and cooler weather arrive.

Warmer weather and summer outdoor activities may have officially ended, but outdoor activities do not need to end. October’s cooler weather offers many new fun activities.

Some fun outdoor activities to enjoy include hiking the many walking and hiking trails Pennsylvania has to offer; taking a scenic drive to see the fall foliage; attending a fall festival, such as Oktoberfest Oct. 13-15 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem; finding your way through the corn maze at Grim’s Orchard and Family Farms in Breinigsville; visiting an apple farm and picking apples; or picking a favorite Halloween pumpkin at a pumpkin patch.

For those who like to get in the Halloween spirit early, there are many Halloween events to enjoy. Dorney Park in South Whitehall Township is offering its annual Halloween Haunt on select nights until Oct. 28. Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville offers Boo at the Zoo 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 14-28. Crystal Cave in Kutztown is holding Halloween Ghost Lantern tours 6 p.m. Fridays and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 13-28.

Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth is offering spooky lantern-led walking tours 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 13-28 in Nazareth. Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown will present its Jack-a-Lantern Lane interactive Halloween experience for the whole family until Nov. 5.

For those who prefer to stay indoors when it is cool outside, there are many fun activities for you, too.

Curl up with a good book or binge watch favorite movies. Do some cooking or baking, or try out new recipes. Hold a family or friends game night.

Whatever your favorite activity, have fun and enjoy the cooler weather this October.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press