The evenings are crisp, and grocery stores are lined with an assortment of pumpkin products. Are you starting to get the feeling that fall is on its way? How are you going to soak up these final few weekends outside? No pressure, you have time. The official fall equinox takes place on Sunday September 22, 2024. At that time the sun will be directly over the equator allowing equal amounts of time for day and night. Spiritually, the equinox is considered a time of balance and change. Now doesn’t that make you want to balance with some goats this fall on a farm?
Understanding Fall
Did you think the equinox took place on a different day? You’re probably right. The autumn equinox date varies between September 22nd and 23rd, or 21st and 24th. The earth takes 365.25 days to orbit the sun (not 365 like our calendar year). As a result, there is a 6 hour difference year to year. If you’re unsure of the date, look up at the sky. The autumn equinox brings forth solar wind through our geomagnetic field. The wind allows elements to combine and release photons producing the Northern Lights. Lastly, the equinox is a sign of that beautiful fall weather we all crave after the summer. Typical temperatures gradually decrease from 67.8 degrees in September to 55.8 degrees in October and 44.8 degrees in November. As evening rolls around, you will need your “Fall Y’all” sweatshirt as temperatures typically lower by 11 degrees. With such pleasant weather, I hope you snag that jeans jacket (that you wear once a year) and explore some of the activities around our state.
Eastern Pennsylvania
The Annual Bucks Fall Food Truck and Music Fest & Car Show takes place Saturday September 14th in Warminster this year. They have a wide assortment of free children's activities including shows, a petting zoo, face painting and more. The event will also host local rescues including Jax’s Labrador Retrievers and Hart 2 Hart Animal Rescue. 
The scarecrows are back in the village! You can see all of these amazing creations at Peddlers Village from September 9th to October 27th. If you are interested in chiming in with the festivities, you can attend a scarecrow workshop September 14, 15, 21 or 28th. Keep an eye on their website for more details on their fall festival September 14th and 15th.
Looking for something outdoors and educational? Check out the Annual Roasting of Ears Festival in Allentown.The Museum of Indian Culture hosts this event with shows, delicious food and a vendor market. Children 11 and under are free and can enjoy hands-on crafts, mural paintings, primitive lessons and more.
I don’t think we mention enough parades in these articles. Enjoy a show from the road with Philadelphia’s 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28th. It is well known as the oldest Thanksgiving Parade in the nation, with popular vocalists, marching bands and (of course) balloons.
Another educational, fall activity takes place at William Penn’s homestead, Pennsbury Manor. Their annual “Tricks and Treats” event is October 27th. Take this opportunity to tour the old mansion, learn about William Penn, play 17th century games and pick up a few treats along the way.
Western Pennsylvania
Soar through the fall foliage in Erie this fall! Peek’n Peek Resort will have its 36th annual fall festival October 12th-13th and 19th-20th. Along with the pumpkin cannons, ski lift rides, live entertainment and childrens games are just a few of the activities this event has to offer.
Port Farms has more than just fall harvest events this season! While the festival takes place from September 14th to October 31st, there are several key events taking place. This includes evening farm activities, super hero day and character visits.
The 2024 Slippery Rock Village Fest has something for everyone. On September 28th families can enjoy live music, a huge assortment of food and a very extensive kids zone. The Lego obstacle course, jumbo ball, euro bungee and cartoon universe are just a few of the activities your child will enjoy.
The Pittsburgh Zoo is prepared to light thousands of artistically carved pumpkins for the Jack O’ Lantern Extravaganza. This spectacle runs from October 3rd to November 3rd. There will be a large assortment of themed pumpkins that everyone is sure to appreciate.
Mix a little learning with those pumpkins this fall. The PA Trolley Museum will have its Pumpkin Patch Trolley Ride October 20-22nd. This fall decorated trolley will also host the Trick or Trolley event October 28-29th. While you’re there, explore the museum and engage in some fun fall activities.
Central Pennsylvania
Head to Lancaster for your fill of fall on the farm activities! Both Corn Cob Acres and Oregon Dairy offer family friendly corn mazes, pumpkin picking and farm animals. Looking for something a little sweeter? Kauffman Orchards, Cherry Hill Orchards and Brecknock Orchards are just a few of the Lancaster apple picking options.
For a more educational farm experience, head to Landis Farms’ Harvest Days. Students can learn about weaving and butter churning while enjoying live music and other children’s activities.
Kitchen Kettle Village is a beautiful place to wander in the fall. It has an assortment of shops and restaurants, as well as events. Yummi’s Boo Bash is October 26th. Tickets include lunch, character meet and greets, a whoopie pie experience, chocolate bar and more.
The famous Gettysburg National Apple Festival will take place October 5-6th and 12-13th. This event carries a wealth of live entertainment, children's activities, food and vendors. Get there early! It’s sure to be packed.
The PA Flaming Foliage Festival has been around for 75 years. It is held in the greater Renovo area October 11-13th. This event has a picturesque fall backdrop with a fall parade, crowning of a queen, crafts and contests.
The Franklin County Farm Bureau will host its annual Franklin County Fall Farm Fest on September 28th. Families can engage in agriculture education, milk a cow and take a wagon ride while enjoying free milk and ice cream.
PA Virtual Charter School Events
While “Fall Family Fun” sounds like a fabulous alliteration, it’s also a nice time to interact with peers. PA Virtual Charter School provides a wide range of activities across the state for students to participate in. These outings allow students to meet up with their classmates, visit with teachers and bask in the fresh air. This fall, PA Virtual Charter school will enjoy the PA Renaissance Faire, and Angora Fruit Farm in central Pennsylvania. They will congregate at Hellericks Farm and Linvilla Orchard in eastern Pennsylvania. In western Pennsylvania you can find students learning pioneer survival skills at Mingo Park and enjoying traditional fall activities at Gearhard Farms. Look out for PA Virtual Charter school on the weekends handing out school information and swag. These events include the Philly School Fair, Elmwood’s Boo at the Zoo and the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs game.
Conclusion
Pumpkins and pie, oh my! That cool crisp air is right around the corner. Make sure you and your family enjoy everything fall has to offer in Pennsylvania. Pumpkins can be found by train, trolly, or traipsing around a field. Perhaps you prefer the less messy pumpkin experience at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Fall Festivals are all the rage across the state. These festivals range from typical fall activities, to native american culture and trick or treating. All of these events help support local vendors and communities. There are quite a few fall festivities that support PA Virtual Charter School families as well! Whatever your interests may be, make sure you spice up this fall in your neck of the woods.