Anyone who knows Gloucester knows there are a surplus of things to do for local teens and families throughout the summer season. But what about some fun for the fall? Here are a few examples of fall favorites, from events to simple at home activities for anyone on Cape Ann.

Salem’s Haunted Happenings

 Always a safe bet for the fall, even when Gloucester itself feels like a complete ghost town, are the Salem October happenings. With just a short train ride, you can find yourself in the Salem Commons, a hot spot for people of all ages looking to celebrate Halloween. There are more than 130 events throughout the entire month. From toddlers, to college students, to parents, Salem is booming with activities, sights, food and shops all to get you fired up for Halloween.

For more information, go to https://hauntedhappenings.org/ 

Hammond Castle

A Gloucester tradition that anyone can participate in this coming Halloween would be the annual Haunted Hammond’s Castle tours. Many Gloucester teens and residents participate in the festivities at Hammond Castle by being a part of the haunted house itself,  dressing up, and scaring the visitors. Anyone can visit Haunted Hammond’s for only $15 per person. The dates of this event are the 13th, 14th, 21st, 27th and 28th of October.  

For more information, go to http://www.hammondcastle.org/common/index.php?com=HAMM&div=AA&nav=AA&page=A11

Creepy Amusement Parks

Looking for the utmost thrill to get you into the Halloween spirit? Six Flags New England and Canobie Lake Park can offer you just that. Each year from mid-September to the end of October, both morph into creepy amusement parks packed with monsters and ghoulish creatures stalking the streets.  Along with the roller coasters from the original summer parks, you will find different haunted houses and attractions that will make your skin crawl.

For more information about Six Flags, go to https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/fright-fest-night

For more information about Canobie Lake, go to http://www.canobie.com/ 

Topsfield Fair

 Another event for the whole family is the Topsfield Fair. This fair has plenty of autumn themed attractions from start to finish. From animals, to demolition derbies, to rides and games,  this fair will almost make you forget about summer coming to a close (as well as your free spirit).

For more information, go to https://www.topsfieldfair.org/

If you’re not looking for a day trip, there are plenty of fall activities that won’t take up your entire schedule.

Upcoming Movies

 There are plenty of movies coming out for the season, especially horror movies, perfect for a date with someone who loves gore. September releases include It, (September 8th) mother! (September 15th) Jeepers Creepers III, (September 26th) Flatliners. (September 29th)

October releases get even darker, with horror flicks like Crepitus, (October 15th) Jigsaw, (October 17th) and Suburbicon. (October 27th)

Farm Trip

 Other excursions perfect for autumn would be going apple picking, or visiting a petting zoo. Both of these are available at Russell’s Orchard in Ipswich, where you can also score some delicious apple cider during your trip.

For more information, go to http://russellorchards.com/

Cooking and Crafting

Fall is the season to get crafty. Fall is also a great time of year to spend indoors curled up with your loved ones. Cooking and baking is the perfect activity to complement that. Now, we all know that pumpkin spice is the flavor of fall. However, experimenting with new flavors is the perfect way to cleanse your pallet and keep the season exciting. New fall flavors, perfect for baking treats, or to incorporate into your daily coffee, include spiced nut, gingerbread, and cinnamon apple. Making your own caramel apples is a fun fall fair classic that you can easily recreate at home, while also adding your ingredients to make it your own. Crafts like pumpkin carving or decorating, or gathering leaves for scrap-booking or other ideas are quick, easy, and will look beautiful around your home.

Even though summer came and went too fast, this fall will be the perfect season to make some memories. Whether you’re with friends, family or by yourself, there are plenty of activities that can keep you busy when school isn’t. If all of that still isn’t enough for you, just think– there is still Thanksgiving to look forward to, which almost makes coming back to school worth it.