The weather is changing quickly and summer days will soon be far behind us. Before winter whisks around the corner, make sure to have some festive fun this fall with a few pumpkins, some ghosts, and maybe just a hayride or two. One of the best parts about New England is its colorful Septembers and chilly Octobers; lucky for us, our ticket to having a fall-day-out is just a few minutes down the road.

Rumor has it that one of the best apple-picking spots is right in East Bridgewater at the C.N. Smith Farm. There is truly nothing better than baking a warm apple pie with apples you pick yourself! Another excellent spot for apple collecting is Russell Orchards Farm, a beautiful farm on the North Shore with legendary cider donuts and bright orange pumpkins to bring back home.

While you’re at it, why not head over to Sauchuk Farm in Plympton? Find yourself lost in a curving corn maze with a friend at your side or on a hay ride in the warm breeze of a nice fall day.

If you’re in the mood for something spooky, you have several options at hand. The Alden Haunted House in Duxbury is local and very creepy; in other words, everything you want in a haunted house. Fall River’s Factory of Terror is another haunted house that brings daredevils from all over New England. The name says it all about this spooky site. Of course, Barrett’s Haunted Mansion in Abington is very popular this time of year and for good reason: if you’re a thrill seeker, the terrifying clowns haunting Barrett’s will give you quite a scare.

A more kid-friendly option is the Spooktacular Halloween Party & Costume Contest on October 27 at Paragon Carousel in Hull. Dress up in costume and hitch a ride on a haunted Halloween carousel

On a different note, the Norris Reservation nature trail in Norwell offers a quiet, scenic (and clown-less) trail through the autumn woods. Perfect for walking your dog or bringing a book to sit down with for awhile, the reservation will make you feel like you’ve really embraced the fall season. Another option if you’re looking to get some fresh autumn air is the Breast Cancer Walk on October 4. For an excellent cause in ending breast cancer and saving lives, the walk allows you to make some well-intended strides while enjoying a fall day in Boston.

Another family-friendly option is watching a Patriots game in Foxborough at Gillette Stadium. Bring your Patriots gear one afternoon, grab a hot dog, and cheer on the players.

Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy the fall weather while it lasts. As American journalist and author Jim Bishop said: “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”