There is NO doubt that Fall in St. Louis is the most beautiful time of year here.  I used to hate fall until I moved here.  In Chicago, Fall means the beginning of a long, cold winter but here in STL, we have beautifu weather in the mid 70s and not a cloud in the sky.  So that usually means patios, BBQs and pumpkin patches.  But enter COVID-19. The pandemic ruining our fun all over the place.  But have NO fear, I have made a list of 10, family friendly ways to enjoy fall!

1. Wineries.  One amazing thing about St. Louis, is, no matter where you live, you’re only about an hour away from some pretty amazing wineries.  We recently went to Balducci Vineyard in Augusta MO and had the best day.  The wine was good (we had the popular white), the atmosphere is fun and there is TONS of room to spread out.  We didn’t come close to 6 feet from anyone the whole time we were there.  If you want to purchase food, you have to go inside, but they have strict guidelines limiting the number of people inside at all times and masks are required.  I must note, you can bring your own FOOD!  We packed an entire cooler, bringing our favorite snacks.  They have an outdoor bar, so if you’re nervous about going inside, bring your own food and order your drinks at the outdoor bar! https://missouriwine.org/wineries/balducci-vineyards
2. Ballpark Village.  I love downtown St. Louis.  I used to live close to downtown my first few years here and I have the BEST memories.  With the growth of Ballpark Village, the stadium area is even more fun than it was “back in the day”.  We recently went to Ballpark Village as a family and checked out the outdoor Sports and Social bar.  We went on a Sunday afternoon, when the Cardinals were away, not sure what the situation is during a home game.  There was plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for social distancing.  You can spend the afternoon watching the Cards win as a family! https://www.stlballparkvillage.com/eat-and-drink/sports-and-social
3. Eckerts Family Farm for apple picking. With Eckerts new reservations, you can safely enjoy a morning of apple and pumpkin picking as a family.  You must make reservations in advance online to avoid overcrowding.  The wagons to the fields are still running but masks are required. Once you’re in the fields, there is plenty of room for social distancing.  https://www.eckerts.com/
4. Pointe Labaddie Brewery. This is the place fall dreams are made of.  The red barn, landscape and live music make for the most beautiful setting to drink a couple brews and enjoy the fall weather.  You can find me here on every Sunday until November 🙂 They do not have food on the premises but they bring in food trucks, check out their website for the most up to date info.  https://pointlabaddiebrewery.com/
5. Kirkwood Farmers Market Pumpkin Patch. One our favorite fall activities is the pumpkin patch at the Kirkwood Farmers Market, we always buy a season pass because it’s the best place to spend the late afternoons.  In my experience, it gets busy in the morning but empties by noon and then is pretty open in the late afternoons.  This year, they are not taking walk ins and you must purchase a ticket by the hour.  I’m so glad that it’s opening!
6. Liberty Orchard. Liberty Orchard is a small family owned U-pick orchard in Edwardsville, IL.  Gorgeous setting and plenty of room to move around and stay 6 feet away from others.
7. Gateway Arch Grounds. Since I moved to St. Louis, the Arch grounds underwent a HUGE makeover and it’s gorgeous.  While visiting the Arch and Arch Museum (currently open) wouldn’t be on my list of places that seem safe for social distancing, the grounds are a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon as a family. Enjoy a walk or family bike ride on the 12 mile path and stop to picnic along the way.  Such a fun, FREE activity for all ages. https://www.archpark.org/visit/points-of-interest/arch-park-grounds
8. Autumn at the Zoo. This is a fun weekend event offered at the Saint Louis Zoo. While admission is free, reservations are required and can easily be obtained via the website.  Enjoy fall flavors by purchasing caramel apples while you walk around and see all the animals!  https://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/autumn-with-the-animals
9. Butterfly House at Faust Park. Booterfly House is a fun, family event offered at the Butterfly house. Reservations and advanced tickets are required but also keeps the number of people enjoying this event smaller so you can feel safe and enjoy all the creepy, crawly things https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house/things-to-do-at-the-butterfly-house/signature-events/booterfly-house.aspx
10.  Host an outdoor movie night. Project a movie onto your garage door, invite your neighbors over. Enjoy snacks and drinks from your own home.