Happy Valley’s hot summer will soon transform into a crisp autumn, the perfect time to take the whole family out for fun activities as the leaves change into their fall colors in Pennsylvania.

Picking apples and pumpkins are the iconic fall activities, and Centre County farms take the tradition up several notches with accompanying food, markets, and activities. Pumpkin season in Centre County starts in mid-September, is most active in the first two weeks of October and ends at the end of the month. Apples are in season from mid-July through the end of October.

Way Fruit farm, a six-generation family farm, typically offers both apples and pumpkins in autumn, with hayrides out to the fields. Their store, bakery, and restaurant building along Route 550 features a large market brimming with fresh produce.

Another popular local destination is Happy Valley Agventures destination Harner Farm, along Whitehall Road. The stand sells decorations, flowers, and produce, with many fall weekends often featuring games, prizes, and food concessions.

If you’re craving fall flavors, Tait Farm, just 7 miles outside of State College, is a destination for specialty food and seasonal inspiration. The farm’s Harvest Shop features specialty foods and other Pennsylvania-made food products; and the Greenhouse is the “secret garden” for our region for cottage and kitchen gardeners.

Rooted Farmstead in Bellefonte holds a fall market each fall (this year on September 14) in addition to offering workshops during the growing season for adults and children. Their calendar is loaded with workshops, other market days, and events such as pick-your-own flowers.

The State College Spikes will wrap up their season on Sept. 4. Playing at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the MLB Draft League team runs numerous promotions throughout their four month home schedule from June-September. Check the Spikes’ schedule for fireworks nights and promo nights, such as Glizzy & Wine Wednesday, Walking Taco Tuesday, and theme evenings. Spikes games are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, clean facilities, good fun, and gorgeous views of Mt. Nittany. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the box office at gametime. Children under 2 can enter for free.

Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania provides year-round indoor fun with more than 45 interactive, educational exhibits, which are always changing. Kids are free to roam and explore, with exhibits designed to stimulate discovery and creativity.

Discovery Space is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. This year, they will feature Science Adventures in Art program for kids ages 3-5, exploring how these two fields intertwine. Wiggle & Shake Fridays are best for kids ages 1-5 and feature a variety of STEM games.

Kids under three years old can enter Discovery Space for free, and admission is $7 for children three years and older. Events are added throughout the year on their Facebook page and online at discoveryspace.org.

Looking for more fall fun for the whole family? Check out options on both HappyValleyAgventures.com and HappyValley.com.