It’s fall, y’all! I officially felt the change in seasons for the first time last weekend: the humidity drop, South Florida temperatures in the low to mid 80’s… I think every local family I know paid a visit to Bedner’s on Sunday. Pumpkin season is finally in full swing and we have some exciting (outdoor) community events on the calendar to celebrate.
Here are three unique ways to enjoy October locally with your Boca kids!
A Taste of Oktoberfest | October 9-10 and 16-17
An event that we only missed last year because of the pandemic (but managed to recreate in our own house for family and friends—photo proof below), my family and I look forward to Oktoberfest of the Palm Beaches every year. This fall, for their 47th year, the slightly modified A Taste of Oktoberfest will still feature fantastic Oktoberfest bands from across the U.S., along with dance performances, pipes, drums and the beloved kids carnival…not to mention all of the food and beer you look forward to each year!
However, the event will only be held outdoors and advanced reservations are required to limit capacity. Tickets are still available for a few weekend dates. Hopefully I’ll see you there. Prost!
5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth
Family Fun Fest at the South Florida Science Center & Aquarium | October 9, 10:00am-4:00pm
Don’t go through any toil and trouble searching for fall and Halloween fun in West Palm Beach! The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium (SFSCA) has it covered, hosting a Fall Family Fun Fest for guests of all ages this month. The event will feature fall-themed crafts, live science demonstrations and outdoor entertainment. Your whole family can also pick up clubs to play some mini-golf, visit the onsite petting zoo and much more!
Visitors are encouraged to explore SFSCA’s Dinosaur Revolution exhibit, where little ones can participate in reptilian role-play activities or journey through three Mesozoic missions spanning 150 million years. Fall food will also be available for purchase.
Fast forward a few weeks and return to the Science Trail and Cox Amphitheater for a Spooky Laser Lights and Bites outdoor event on October 29th from 6-9:00 p.m.! Become bewitched by this mesmerizing, Halloween-themed laser show and don’t miss out on spell-binding live science demonstrations out on stage. Hungry trick-or-treaters won’t leave empty-handed with STEM bags for grabs and treat giveaway stations. Yum!
4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach
Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival | October 30-31, 10:00am-6:00pm
Rounding out the month in Boca Raton, make plans to head to the Mizner Park Amphitheater for the Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival! This much anticipated seasonal event will feature a variety of fun activities for the whole family, including a giant pumpkin patch in the center of all the action (I hear it has more than 2,500!) and a carnival for all ages. General admission (for ages 3+) includes unlimited carnival rides, a kiddie cornstalk maze, multiple fall photo vignettes, a scarecrow dress-up village and fun giveaways!
For the grown-ups, yummy offerings will be available in the Pumpkin Food Court featuring savory & sweet pumpkin delights, as well as delicious fair food. Mom and dad can also enjoy pumpkin-inspired craft cocktails or a cold beer at the Pumpkin Beer Garden. Clearly I’m a fan of the pumpkin brews in October…
590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
Hope to see you around the county this fall!
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida Mommy. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
