A Fall Break Staycation

It’s that time again—the leaves are changing to vibrant shades of red and orange, the air is crisp, and pumpkins and mums are decorating front porches all over Fishers. And with the new season comes fall break—a time for family adventuring and memory making, whether you’re embarking on a trip or enjoying the season right here at home.

For those planning a fall break staycation, there are so many fun fall adventures to be had right here in Fishers. Here are a few activities to add to your fall break bucket list:

Fishers Sesquicentennial Trail

Take a journey around Fishers with a family adventure along the Fishers Sesquicentennial Trail in honor of Fishers’ 150th birthday. Kids will love having their very own passport activity book, full of challenges to complete at each stop along the way. When you’re done, be sure to visit the City Services Building to get your t-shirt and gift card to a local business! Seasonal must-dos along the trail include cozying up with a Black Cat Mocha or Jack-o-Lantern Latte at Schoolhouse 7 Café while you soak up some history; taking a self-guided tour of Highland Cemetery to learn more about some of Fishers’ earliest residents; and indulging in seasonal ice cream flavors such as Pumpkin Ripple, Caramel Apple, and S’mores at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. Learn more about the trail and find a list of passport pick up locations at ThisIsFishers.com/Fishers150Trail.

Halloween Display Walking or Driving Tour

Grab a cup of cider and take in the sights of spooky season as you explore the amazing Halloween displays around Fishers. Going on “Halloween walks” to check out the local lawn displays is one of my four-year-old’s favorite activities, and it’s such an easy (and free!) way to celebrate the season!

Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie is one of my family’s favorite spots in Fishers, and fall is absolutely my favorite time to visit! I’ve been going to Headless Horseman since I was young, and I love that I can continue to experience it with my kids. Visiting the Apple Store is another one of my favorite autumn traditions (the cider slushies and pumpkin donuts are a fall must-have), and this year we tried out the corn maze for the first time, and it was a hit! Plus, there’s always fun to be had at Animal Encounters, Treetop Outpost, Lenape Indian Camp, Prairietown, and more! Get all the info on fall fun at Conner Prairie at connerprairie.org.

Hamilton East Public Library

The library offers so many fun ways to soak up the season, from suggested October readings to interactive programming for the entire family. Drop by Ignite Studio to create your scary (or sweet!) felt monster, or check out the STEM Family Unplugged Coding program on Tuesday, October 18. Get the full list of everything happening at help.lib.in.us.

Fall Foliage Tour

Embark on an outdoor adventure as you take in the beautiful fall foliage around Fishers’ parks and trails. My favorite spots include the southern stretch of the Nickel Plate Trail from South Street to 106th Street, Ritchey Woods, and Cheeney Creek. Heritage Park and Flat Fork Creek are other popular spots to spot fall color!

Storywalk at Billericay Park

Take a short hike through the wooded area at Billericay Park as you read Wonderfall by Michael Hall, page by page, along the way. Wonderfall follows a single tree through the changing of the seasons, from the end of summer to winter’s first snowfall. This self-guided reading hike is a partnership between Fishers Parks and the Hamilton East Public Library.

Parents Night Out

Parents, are you needing a break after a busy staycation week with the kiddos? Check out the new Parents Night Out program, a monthly drop-off program for kids ages 5-12 hosted by Fishers Parks and Snapology. On Friday, October 21, drop the kids off at Hub & Spoke and enjoy a date night or some self-care to wind down after a busy week. Kids will enjoy a pizza dinner and hands-on STEAM activities from Snapology from 5-9 p.m. Sign up at playfishers.com.

Want more ideas on ways to experience the season? Check out these fall blog posts:

Stephanie Perry

Stephanie Perry is the Assistant Director of Public Relations of the City of Fishers. Born and raised in Fishers, Stephanie graduated from HSE in 2006 and is now raising her kids in her childhood home in West Fishers, which she purchased from her parents when they moved. She loves supporting the local small business community, running on Fishers’ trails, and spending time at Conner Prairie with her family (Headless Horsemen and A Merry Prairie Holiday are family favorites!). Stephanie and her husband enjoy getting outdoors and spending time camping, hiking, and boating. Stephanie has enjoyed watching her city grow over the past few decades and loves the assets and amenities that the community provides, from the parks and special events to the array of restaurants and shops.