Posted by Julie Loffredi, guest blogger of julielo.com

The crisp weather, colorful foliage, and fall activities make the autumn season an ideal time for family fun.  Here are a few ideas:

Cranberry Harvest Festival

Fall is cranberry harvest time! Families can get in on the fun by attending the annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration on Cape Cod scheduled for October 8^th and 9^th, rain or shine. Visitors can watch harvest demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, and enjoy activities. The event is hosted by the A.D. Makepeace Company and co-sponsored by the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association and Ocean Spray Cranberries.
Location: Wareham
Website: cranberries.org

Salem Haunted Happenings

Families looking for a spooky experience can head to Salem for a scary day trip. During October the town gets into the Halloween spirit with walking ghost tours, parades, live music, film nights, and events.
Location: Salem
Website: hauntedhappenings.org

The Big E

“New England’s Greatest Fair,” is underway, running through October 2^nd. The agricultural event is jam packed with family fun activities. Attendees can try local foods like fried Oreos and pickles, shop local vendors, check out the animals, ride a Ferris wheel, and enjoy open-air concerts.
Location: West Springfield
Website: thebige.com

Great Wolf Lodge

This October, The Great Wolf Lodge is getting into the fall spirit with a Howl-O-Ween event. The resort is planning activities all month long including a Trick-or-Treat trail, Spooktacular Story Time and Monster Bash Dance Party.  The fun continues in the water park, where the temperature stays at a perfect 84 degrees.
Location: Fitchburg
Website: greatwolf.com

Pumpkin Picking

October is a perfect time to head to a local farm to go pumpkin picking with the family. Parents can find the closest farm by visiting the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture website. One of the most popular picks this season is a working farm in Sunderland where kids can go through a corn maze called “Mike’s Maze” and enjoy games and activities.
Location: Statewide
Website: massnrc.org

Zoo Howl

A few days before Halloween, families can get into the trick-or-treat spirit at the Franklin Park Zoo. The parks hosts ghoulish games and creepy activities. Families can also take a hayride around the park and navigate a haunted maze. The fun runs from October 29^th through October 30^th.
Location: Boston
Website: zoonewengland.org

Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride

Families looking to get spooked can head to Westford to visit the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree and Horrorwood Chamber of Chills. Tickets also give guests access to the Haunted Hayride and entry into a haunted house. Not recommended for anyone under the age of 6. Opening weekend is September 30^th.
Location: Westford
Website: witchswoods.com