Fall in the Merrimack Valley means crisp mornings, colorful leaves, apple cider donuts, and endless family fun. Whether you’re in Andover, Haverhill, or Georgetown, here’s your A–Z guide to celebrating autumn locally!
🍎 A – Apple Picking
Head to nearby farms like Smolak Farms (North Andover) or Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury) for apple picking, hayrides, and cider treats.
🍂 B – Bonfires
Check local town recreation calendars—many host fall bonfires and family nights. Nothing beats s’mores under the stars!
🎃 C – Corn Mazes
Get lost (and found!) in a family-friendly corn maze at Chris’ Farm Stand (Haverhill) or Connors Farm (Danvers, just beyond Boxford).
🍩 D – Donuts (Apple Cider, of course!)
Swing by Heav’nly Donuts (Methuen & Haverhill) or Smolak Farms for warm apple cider donuts.
🐑 E – Explore Local Farms
Visit Boston Hill Farm (North Andover) for pumpkins, animals, and fall fun for all ages.
🍁 F – Fall Festivals
From Andover Days to Methuen’s Fall Festival, the valley is alive with music, food, and crafts.
👻 G – Ghost Tours
Historic Lawrence and Haverhill often host spooky tours—fun (and a little eerie!) for older kids and teens.
🏞 H – Hiking Trails
Check out Ward Reservation (Andover) or Winnekenni Park (Haverhill) for beautiful foliage hikes.
🍦 I – Ice Cream & Fall Flavors
Grab pumpkin-flavored ice cream at Holy Cow Ice Cream (Gloucester, worth the drive) or Benson’s (Boxford).
🎨 J – Jump Into Crafts
Check out local libraries for fall-themed craft days and storytimes. Georgetown Peabody Library is a favorite.
🧣 K – Keep Cozy
Shop local for fall scarves, hats, and cozy wear at Andover/North Andover boutiques or fall fairs.
🍂 L – Leaf Peeping
Drive through Boxford, Middleton, and Groveland back roads for some of the prettiest fall foliage around.
🎶 M – Music & Merriment
Check out local community concerts and fall coffeehouse nights in Andover & Haverhill.
🌙 N – Nighttime Fun
Look for trunk-or-treats, haunted hayrides, and stargazing nights hosted at schools and town rec centers.
🏐 O – Outdoor Sports
Catch a crisp fall soccer, field hockey, or football game at your local high school—great family outing with community spirit.
🥧 P – Pumpkin Picking
Pick pumpkins at Smolak Farms, Boston Hill Farm, or Chris’ Farm Stand and bring them home for carving fun.
🌭 Q – Quick Bites
Warm up with hot cider, chowder, or chili at local fall food festivals or farm stands.
🍁 R – Riverwalks
Walk along the Merrimack River in Lawrence or Haverhill for peaceful fall scenery.
🌽 S – Scarecrow Displays
Some towns host scarecrow-building contests—check North Andover and Haverhill events for family fun.
🌳 T – Trails & Treks
Middleton’s scenic backroads and Boxford’s forest trails are ideal for an afternoon nature walk.
🎭 U – Unique Experiences
Try a farm-to-table dinner event or family paint night hosted locally in Georgetown or North Andover.
🚜 V – Visit Local History
Explore historic sites like Lawrence Heritage State Park or Buttonwoods Museum (Haverhill) with a fall lens.
🍷 W – Wagon Rides
Hop on a wagon ride at Smolak Farms or Chris’ Farm Stand—fun for the whole family.
❌ X – “X Marks the Spot” Treasure Hunts
Create your own fall scavenger hunt at Winnekenni Park or Harold Parker State Forest. Kids will love searching for acorns, red leaves, and pinecones!
🍫 Y – Yummy Treats
Don’t miss caramel apples at local fairs and apple crisp at Smolak Farms.
🎉 Z – Zany Costumes
Gear up for local Halloween parades and costume contests across the valley—perfect way to wrap up fall fun.
✨ From apple picking to zany costumes, the Merrimack Valley is packed with family-friendly adventures this fall. Which one will you check off your fall bucket list first?
