Things to do in Owensboro during fall break

Fall break is here, and there’s no better place to spend it than in Owensboro, Kentucky. That’s a bold statement, but it’s true. There are a ton of reasons why our western Kentucky city is worth checking out during this pumpkin-, apple- and cinnamon-spiced season.

 

First of all, fall foliage season in Kentucky has officially started and Owensboro’s sassafras tree (the largest and oldest in the world) is the perfect place to start watching. Experts say October is the best time to see the leaves turn from green to yellow, orange and red in this area, so fall break is the perfect time to come!

 

Sidewalks lined with trees and fall flowers will guide you along a variety of local shops, restaurants and bars that are filled to the brim with fall-themed everything.

 

We’re talking pumpkin- and apple-spiced heaven, whether it’s coffee, locally-brewed beer or handmade candles you’re looking for. Downtown Owensboro has it all, from breweries (The Brew Bridge, Mile Wide Beer Co.) to coffee shops (The Crème Coffee House, Gramps Coffee & Donuts) to local stores selling everything from boutique clothing to home décor.

 

One of the best things Owensboro has to offer is beautiful, outdoor space. Twenty-five city and county parks are located throughout the area, each of them boasting a variety of trees and plants that absolutely pop with color for about six weeks during the fall season.

 

Legion Park is an amazing place to leaf peep, and a great place to take the family. Located in the center of town on 24 acres of land, Legion Park is also a pet-friendly park, and you can bring your pups to Castlen Dog Park for a fun (and free!) day.

 

Other city and county parks boasting tons of fall foliage and amazing views include downtown Smothers Park (complete with one of the world’s top-rated playgrounds for kids and families), Yellow Creek Park, Ben Hawes Park and Panther Creek Park.

 

On the outskirts of the city, Trunnell’s Farm Market will be holding its Fall Farm Experience during fall break from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day of fall break. Picture funnel cakes, apple cider, corn mazes, pumpkin-picking and cuddling with the cutest barn animals ever.

 

There’s a ton of activities for kids in Owensboro, and the Owensboro Museum of Science and History is pulling all the stops for fall break fun. Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 5, children can learn all about pinatas while creating their own to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Those interested can call 270-697-2732 to reserve a spot!

 

For animal lovers, the museum’s Nurture to Nature event will kick off at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7. You can learn all about Owensboro’s own wildlife rehabilitation organization and see live animals too!

 

The museum will also hold a World Space Week Celebration on Friday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This out-of-this-world event will feature tons of space-themed activities and crafts for kids. On Saturday, Oct. 9, the OMSH will hold a fall festival, where you can paint your own pumpkin and drink handmade apple cider from Owensboro’s very own Reid’s Orchard.

 

At the Joe Ford Nature Center, a three-day Fall Break Nature Camp will be held for children six years and up. The camp will take place Oct. 6-8 and spots are limited, so email [email protected] for registration forms. You can sign your kiddos up for one day or all three days! 

 

And while it’s not exactly fall-related, The Windy Hollow Speedway Monster Truck Show is definitely going to be fun. It runs for two nights during fall break on Oct. 8 and 9. The show will rev up at 5 p.m.!