Fun, Socially Distant Fall Activities In, Around Austin

By Carolyn | October 22, 2020

It’s no secret I love fall. Previously, we’ve discussed places to go to observe beautiful fall foliage, we’ve run down three home workouts to keep you active during cooler times, and we’ve even provided some fall-inspired recipes the whole family can enjoy. 

But what if you just want to get out of the house and do something? What fall activities can you safely partake in? Where can you take the family for a relaxing-but-fun Saturday? 

Let’s dig into three of my favorite choices. 

1. Barton Hill Farms

Nothing screams “fall” quite like a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. A tried-and-true fall tradition, these activities carry a unique charm and appeal as the calendar rolls through October and into November. 

Roughly 35 minutes from downtown Austin, Barton Hill Farms provides a perfect fall experience for the whole family. Not only do they have one of the best corn mazes around, Barton Hill Farms also features plenty of food, drinks, and fall-based activities that will satisfy your craving for a heavy dose of fall. 

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Making your Fall Photo session fun since 2012. #fall #photos #family #fun #pumpkinpatch #fallfestival #pumpkins #photoopportunity

A post shared by Barton Hill Farms (@bartonhillfarms) on Oct 23, 2018 at 3:43am PDT

Important note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Hill Farms is currently operating at 50 percent capacity and is 100% cashless. To ensure your spot on the farm, check available dates and purchase your tickets online before you load up the car and hit the road. 

2. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In 

I mean, how cool are drive-in theaters? There’s something so fun and appealing about the drive-in experience in general, but Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In takes it to the next level. 

Billed as “One of the Coolest Outdoor Movie Theaters in the World” by Conde Nast, it’s impossible to deny that Blue Starlite is just, well, cool. Unlike most drive-ins, which may populate a field or similarly remote area, Blue Starlite’s main Austin Mueller is just three miles northeast of the heart of downtown Austin, making it a truly urban drive-in experience. 

Oh, and if that’s not good enough, Blue Starlite has a location in Round Rock and another recently opened right here: 

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We did it! We are open downtown! Location #3 of blue in ATX! So proud of the whole Blue Starlite Team! Tix bluestarlitedrivein.com

A post shared by Blue Starlite Drive-in (@bluestarlitedrivein) on Sep 2, 2020 at 8:13pm PDT

Yeah, yeah, I know I keep saying it, but how cool is that?! 

Check tickets, browse showings, and explore additional details on their official website. 

3. Pioneer Farms 

Feeling brave? Have an adrenaline-junkie teenager or young adult who’s looking to push the bar a little bit this year? 

There’s plenty to go around on this front, and there’s no better time than Halloween to rev up the scares. Pioneer Farms, located just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, has you covered here. 

They offer ghost tours — and I’ll just let the disclaimer on their website do the talking: 

“If you are afraid of ghosts, DO NOT TAKE THIS TOUR.” 

Pretty straightforward, eh? Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance (adults — 16 and up — only). 

And, hey, if the ghost tour isn’t for you, Pioneer Farms is worth a visit regardless. They offer guided tours (of the non-spooky variety), nature hikes, and other family-friendly activities, making it a great spot to spend a little time during this fall season. 

Where do you plan to go for fun and recreation this season? I’d love to hear your favorite spots. Shoot me an email at carolyn@haneyhomeconcierge.com and let me know!