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, Bethlehem.

Finding your way through the corn maze at Grim’s Orchard and Family Farms, Breinigsville.

Visiting an apple farm and picking apples.

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, South Whitehall, is offering its annual Halloween Haunt on select nights until Oct. 28.

Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, is offering Boo at the Zoo 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 14-28.

Crystal Cave, Kutztown, is offering Halloween “Ghost” Lantern tours at 6 p.m. Fridays and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 13-28.

Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth, is offering Spooky Lantern-led Nazareth Walking Tours at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights Oct. 13-28.

Da Vinci Science Center, 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 outdoors, there are many fun activities for you, too.

Curl up with a good book or binge-watching favorite movies.

Do some cooking, baking or try out some 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