Final fall events to-do in Boulder

The leaves are changing, and the air feels crisper, which can only mean one thing, fall is here! Every time the autumn season comes around, I want to get in the spirit and engage in fun fall  activities. However, this can be tricky when you’re in college because you’re living on a budget and don’t always have a means of transportation. Fortunately, I found five spots that are in Boulder County and charge reasonable prices. So, put your sweaters on and grab your pumpkin spice lattes because I’m giving you the ultimate guide to having some classic fall fun. 

1. YA YA Farm & Orchard in Longmont, CO

What’s better than fresh, crisp apples in the fall? Ya Ya Farm & Orchard includes a variety of fall activities. The farm began in 1934 when the family gave their son, Jim, the graduation gift of an apple orchard. The orchard sits on 8 acres and has 1,000 fruit trees and is extremely popular for its apple-picking fun. You can even adopt an apple tree which in my opinion is pretty cool. They grow various foods such as squash, tomatoes, peppers, beans, cherries, plums, and more. Other than apple picking, they offer a hard cider workshop, hayrides and a fall festival. For the hard cider workshop, they teach you how to make your own apple cider from scratch. The AppleFest, YA YA’s favorite fall celebration, hosts a BBQ with live music and unlimited hayrides. I recommend everyone check out YA YA Farm & Orchard (their apple cider donuts are to die for). In October, it’s open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In November, hours shorten to Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2. Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch in Longmont, CO 

If anyone needs some pumpkins, head down to Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch. They offer an incredible array of pumpkins that you can pick and take home. You can even paint a pumpkin for $6–now that’s within the college budget. Besides pumpkins, they have a variety of other activities. Uncle Oscar’s hay maze offers visitors a fun challenge by trying to complete the maze in record time . They also have an animal viewing zoo, where you can see an array of farm animals in their element.

Save your appetite before heading to Rocky Mountain because the list of homemade products is endless. From salty treats like roasted chilis, dipped corn dogs and popcorn to sweet treats like funnel cakes, pumpkin bread and honey, you’re gonna need to go with an empty stomach. If you get hungry from all the delicious foods, grab some warm apple cider and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. 

3. The Frightmare Compound in Westminster, CO 

The Sunday scaries have become a reality. For the past 38 years, The Frightmare Compound has been scaring the living daylights out of Denver residents (In fact, the Frightmare Compound is Colorado’s oldest haunted house). If a haunted house isn’t your vibe, the compound offers other options. The Monster Museum is a haunted museum that gives insights into the history of the compound. It also includes a gift shop so you can remember your time spent there. And if that’s still too spooky for you, there’s also a coffin simulator ride to show their customers what it would be like to be buried alive. 

Lastly, the compound has mini escape rooms where you’re trapped in a room, and you have to find clues that will help you get out. The four different rooms they provide are: The Freezer, The Boiler Room, The Plane Wreck, and The Horse Body Drop. The Frightmare Compound is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight. If you’re a brave soul or in need of some Halloween spirit, I recommend you check this place out.