Fall is here at last, the season of falling leaves, pumpkins patches and hot apple cider. There are so many things to do that it might seem overwhelming, so here are a few ideas of what Denver has to offer this fall.

Fright Fest
Elitch Gardens
Weekends in October

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October, Elitch Gardens holds a Fright Fest. With children’s activities during the day followed by haunted houses and spooky shows at night, there is a little something for everyone. The extra attractions do come at an additional cost that varies by attraction, but for the price of a normal ticket, $34.99 if you buy it online, you can still take advantage of the thrilling rides and eerie atmosphere.

Denver Botanic Gardens
Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 11-13

Alternatively, for those looking for something a bit lower-priced, the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield will have a pumpkin patch from Oct. 11-13, open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. You’ve got to get that perfect pumpkin somewhere to jazz up your room with some holiday spirit and provide you with a post-pumpkin carving snack. Adult admission is only $7, and there will be live music by Stray Dog Colorado, face painting, pumpkin carving demonstrations and pumpkin bowling.

Halloween Costumes
Local thrift stores

Speaking of Halloween, don’t forget that Halloween is rapidly approaching, and the costume search must commence. The pressure is on to find that perfect costume that can blow everyone else’s out of the water, and wearing that old cowboy hat for the third year in a row is just not going to cut it this year. Well, there’s no better time to channel your seven-year-old self and give everyone a blast from the past.

There’s no need to blow your entire summer’s savings on a costume that you’ll wear for one night. Dressing as a character from your favorite childhood TV show can be an easy DIY costume that brings back the fun, childish spirit of Halloween. Get creative and head over to Buffalo Exchange or Goodwill on Broadway and pick up something unique and vintage to create your own one-of-a-kind costume.

Passport to Paris
Fall DAM Exhibit
Beginning Oct. 27

For some unique indoor fun on those days when it is just too cold to leave the comfort of the heated indoors, take a trip across the world with the Denver Art Museum’s “Passport to Paris” exhibit. Open from Oct. 27 through Feb. 9, the exhibit will be featuring French-themed art from the 1600s to 1900s. And to make it even better, the museum is only a light rail ride away from DU. Just take the F-line towards 18th & California, get off at 16th & California, and the museum is only a 0.7 mile walk away located on 14th Avenue Parkway.

Zombie Crawl
Skyline Park
Oct. 19

Get in the Halloween spirit with the Denver Zombie Crawl. Happening on Oct. 19 at Skyline Park, the event is completely free, with only a requested donation of one non-perishable food item for donation. Have some fun and get creative with gory zombie costumes when you join the rest of the undead with a zombie crawl down 16th street and a costume contest at the park. You might as well get an extra wear out of this year’s Halloween costume.

There is no excuse to spend this fall moping inside because summer is over. With everything to do to celebrate the new season, grab your friends and take advantage of the fun around you with some fall festivities.