Pumpkins, parks and more: 17 ways to enjoy fall break in Tipton County

The kids are out of school for fall break, and if you’re already wondering how to keep them entertained all week, we’ve got a few ideas.

From pumpkin patches and nature trails to swimming, library programs and Halloween fun, there are plenty of things to do in and around Tipton County without spending a fortune or driving too far from home.

Here are 17 ways to get the kids out of the house during fall break.

Pick out the perfect pumpkin, of course!

A trip to the pumpkin patch is a fall tradition, and there are several places nearby where families can get into the spirit of the season.

Jones Orchard in Millington offers a corn maze and other seasonal activities, along with pumpkins for purchase. Priddy Farms, at 3805 W. Union Road in Millington, has a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides and other activities for children. The farm’s fall season runs through Nov. 8.

If you’re looking for pumpkins to carve or decorate at home, there are local options, too. McNeil Farm Fresh Produce recently opened a roadside stand at 4194 Highway 51 South near Covington, close to Hickory & Lace, Daily Bread and Southern Grace Nutrition. The stand has pumpkins available for purchase.

*The Storybook Trail in Drummonds opened earlier this year.*

Explore your own backyard

You don’t have to travel far to find an adventure during fall break.

Start with the Storybook Trail at Drummonds Park, where families can read a story together while enjoying a walk outdoors. The park, located at 261 Tate Road, also has playgrounds, walking trails and picnic areas. Pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it.

The Tipton County Museum, at 751 Bert Johnston Ave. in Covington, offers exhibits on local history and a nature center. Families can also explore the museum’s walking trail, which winds through its wildlife sanctuary. Challenge the kids to spot different leaves, birds and other signs of fall along the way.

Just across the street, the Covington Aquatic Center offers a chance to go swimming — even in October! Check with Covington Parks and Recreation for recreational swimming hours and admission prices.

Head to the library

The Tipton County Public Library has several activities scheduled during fall break, and they’re free.

Younger children can enjoy the library’s regular storytimes. Preschool Storytime is held Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. for ages 2–5, while Mother Goose Storytime is offered Tuesdays at 9 a.m. for children ages 2 and younger.

On Monday, Oct. 12, the library will show Annapolis, rated PG-13, at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m., readers can bring their journals for Book Journals, an evening combining reading and scrapbooking. Journals will also be available for purchase.

Teens can get creative during Hallo-zine Making on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 3–5 p.m. Participants can make their own miniature magazines using spooky and not-so-spooky materials provided by the library.

The library also offers Tiny Tykes and Musical Munchkins programs for younger children on Friday.

The library is located at 3149 Highway 51 South, Building C, in Covington.

Two decades ago, Bill McClain was delivering mail at Something Special in Covington when a Dept. 56 Halloween village piece caught his eye. He has collected hundreds of pieces since and sets up an elaborate display, as seen above in 2017. This year you can see it at the Brighton Community Center.

Get into the Halloween spirit

One of Tipton County’s more niche Halloween celebrations returns Wednesday, Oct. 14, when William McClain’s Department 56 Halloween village opens at the Brighton Community Center.

His collection began nearly two decades ago when a piece caught his eye while delivering mail at Something Special in Covington. Since then, he’s added hundreds of different buildings, trains, music, and more. (It really is a fun thing to see!)

The display will be open nightly from 6:30–8:30 p.m. through Nov. 1 at 72 School St., behind the old Brighton High School.

Admission is free, although donations benefiting the Brighton Boy Scouts are accepted.

*Photo courtesy Friends of the Tipton County Library*

End fall break with games, books, and a little Halloween fun

Friday, Oct. 16, brings several opportunities for families to get out of the house before school starts again.

The Friends of the Tipton County Public Library’s Fall Book Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library, 3149 Highway 51 South, Building C, in Covington. Families can browse gently used books and stock up on reading material. Prices vary, and proceeds support the library.

At 6 p.m., the Tipton County Museum will host Halloween Vintage Game Night, a free evening of Halloween-themed vintage board games. Families are encouraged to put down their phones, wear family-friendly costumes and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. The event runs until 9 p.m. at 751 Bert Johnston Ave. in Covington.

The UT-TSU Extension Tipton County office is also hosting a Game Night Party from 6–8 p.m. at 150 Menefee St. in Covington. The event is open to all ages and costs $5 per person.

For older kids, the Tipton County Public Library is hosting a Spooky Carnival from 6–9 p.m. Teens ages 12–17 can enjoy a carnival-themed after-hours program with a Halloween twist. Admission is free, but registration is required.

Find more things to do with our new Tipton To-Do List Calendar

Looking for something else to keep the kids busy?

Our new Paper Folds Tipton To-Do List Calendar features community events, children’s activities, festivals, and seasonal celebrations throughout Tipton County.

Visit paperfoldsnews.com/calendar to see what else is happening over fall break and to see what Halloween activities are being planned.