This year, more than ever, families are asking:
What can we do outside or in the outdoors?
After an amazing Wisconsin summer, we don’t have to go running into our homes. There are LOTS of things to do outside in fall. Being outdoors is a great thing for parent and kids alike and we are here to help you to find more fun ideas on how to get outdoors. One thing we can count on is that:
NATURE IS ALWAYS OPEN
We hope that this guide inspires you to get outside this fall and enjoy nature, outdoors, family and this beautiful area we live in. Personally, we are going to try out more pumpkin patches, outdoor fall festivals, local playgrounds and some of the County parks that we’ve never been to.
Please thank The guide sponsor:
Once Upon a Child in Brookfield
We've put together the ultimate guide to an outdoor Fall with 10 ideas for outside fun for 2021!
There are so many fall festivals happening that are OUTSIDE! Mark at least 1 of these over 20 festivals down on your family’s fall calendar and enjoy the crisp air.
Even if you don’t own a boat (or have friends who do), there are still many ways to enjoy the Lakes of Lake Country. From fishing to kayaking to renting a boat/kayak/SUP and more – there are tons of ways to have fun on a lake this fall.
A family favorite event is walking along Pewaukee Beach or around Fowler Lake. Just seeing the water is a great way to spend the day. And we boat and take lake walks well into October!
Click here or the image below for the Lake Guide to Lake Country:
We love apple orchards. In fact, we already visited one this Labor Day weekend 2021.
Find all the U-pick orchards HERE.
Hiking is an all-time favorite activity for our family. There are many places for a great hike around here and if you know of one not on the list, shoot us a message. There are paved and non-paved hiking trails. Some local favorite walks/trails include:
- Fowler Lake Loop – Two mile trail around the lake and you’ll be sure to see lots of nature in Oconomowoc
- The Lake Country Recreational Trail – is a great trail for those with strollers.
- Nature Hill Trail in Oconomowoc – is a great trail with and even has some incline in this normally flat area
- Paradise Springs Nature Trail in Eagle – This trail is disability-friendly and has an awesome self-guided tour map you can use here
- Ice Age Trail – Has various segments that are great for hikes with the family including sections including:
- Elm Grove Village Park – has scenice hiking trails around some fishing lakes and a playground along the way
- Emma Carlin Trail – This State Park trial is located in Palmyra and great for wanting to avoid crowds with 3 loop options
- State Parks in Waukesha County with trails:
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Mukwonago River Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit (Eagle)
- Ottowa Lake State Park Trails
There is nothing we love more than Family Bike Rides! The neighborhood may be a great spot to bike, but if you are looking for more options, we’ve got you covered. And you can keep riding into the fall with a short light jacket and pants!
Click here or the image below for 8 Biking Trails in Waukesha County & Lake Country:
Local parks are so fun for kids to play on. Are we missing your favorite playground? Tell us and we’ll add it to the guide! Also, did you get excited and follow along with us on the Best Local Parks Guide in Summer of 2021? Check out the new guide!!
Click here or the image below for the guide to the Best Local Parks here:
Our County Park system is amazing; can I just say that!? They are open year round! There is so much outdoor fun to be had at County parks including:
- Beaches
- Playgrounds
- Golf & Disc Golf
- Picnic Areas
- Hiking
- Biking
- more!
Golf is a great outdoor activity to play outside. Golf can be fun for the WHOLE family because there are golf courses, mini-golf courses, disc golf courses, and driving ranges in our county! Some mini-golf courses may close in late summer/early fall, but disc golf courses and other golf courses usually remain open into the fall.
Click here or the image below to view the Waukesha County Golf Guide:
What says fall like a bonfire? You can bonfire in your backyard or head to campground and make a campfire. Either way, love the sweater weather!
- Camping is open for Waukesha County Park campgrounds. View details in the camp section of this County Park guide.
- For State Park camping locations, all campgrounds, day use facilities (shelters and amphitheaters) and marina boat slips are open.
- You can always pop up a tent in your living room or backyard for a fun at-home camping experience.
Check out our *NEW* GUIDE TO CAMPING IN AND AROUND WAUKESHA COUNTY BY FAMILYFUNJOY! ARTICLE SERIES:
- Camping in Waukesha County
- Camping within an Hour Outside Waukesha County
- 12 Family Camping Tips and Tricks
We love pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted houses. Bonus when you can do all three in one place! But we also like to check out multiple farms, too!
Tap the images to find the guides to each one below:
Love all the ideas for outdoor fun! Love that you do it for each season as well!