The leaves are changing, providing the perfect scenery for fall festivities and Halloween activities. Take a hayride to pick the perfect pumpkin, make your way through a corn maze or hang out with the animals at a petting farm. Oakland County is full of fall and Halloween activities for all ages, so use our list below and make more autumn memories.
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Fall and winter hiking is an exhilarating experience, especially after a blanket of fresh snow. Don’t let the chilly weather hold you back; unless perhaps you are visiting snowbound Buffalo. The important thing is to be thankful that you have the opportunity to “Opt OutSide.” Make the day after Thanksgiving, a day to embrace the concept of Opt Outside! I’ll be out there too, not long after sunrise. I might even have a turkey sandwich stashed in my day pack along with a mug of hot cocoa.
The #OptOutside movement was started in 2015 by the outdoor retail company REI. The basic meaning of Opt Outside is to enjoy the outdoors on Black Friday instead of a crowded shopping frenzy. Since 2015, REI has closed its doors on Black Friday—inviting employees and members to spend time outside rather than shopping. This year, REI just announced their Opt Outside movement will be permanent for all their employees.
Many other retailers have joined a similar movement to close their doors on Thanksgiving Day to encourage employees and early bird shoppers to stay at home with their loved ones. In addition, Oakland County Parks and Recreation also hosts one of their Park Appreciation Days on Thanksgiving, when visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, playgrounds, dog parks and all park amenities.
There are plenty of adventures on the wilder side of Oakland County this season, whether you are taking advantage of Oakland County Parks Appreciation Day on Thursday, or Opting Outside on Friday (or both)!
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Oakland County is home to spooky and not-so-scary Halloween events and attractions all season long! Take a peek into just three local Halloween attractions in our videos below where you can stroll through Glenlore Trails’ Haunted Forest in Commerce, head to the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak for some trick or treating and more during Zoo Boo, or test your scare limit at the Erebus Haunted Attraction in Pontiac.
Looking for more spine-tingling thrills this Halloween? Then check out our full list of Haunted Oakland County Fun or visit our interactive map of Spooky Spots. Interested in something a little less frightening? Check out our 2022 Oakland County Family Friendly Halloween attractions list or our Cider Mills list. Using them, you’ll find the perfect place for cider, donuts and activities for a not-so-spooky fall day.
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This fall, participate in the magical, mysterious, and spooky excitement of Halloween by attending any one of the family-friendly events across Oakland County! From hayrides and pumpkin-picking, to trick-or-treating and solving corn mazes, there’s no shortage of great activities for residents of all ages to enjoy this holiday season. To see the full list of events near you, click the button below:
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October, the golden month, has almost arrived. It’s also the month we should not forget the need for situational awareness. A few years ago I failed miserably at practicing situational awareness, and things could have ended badly for me. Keep reading for that informative misadventure. I’ll also share a few words on poison sumac, Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, and weather awareness.
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