Your Healthy Planet Guide to Enjoying the Season Close to Home
Get Outside
See the Fall Colors
Fall Events
Move Your Body
Fall Fun with Your Dog
Pack a Fall Picnic
Fall has a way of making us want to slow down, get outside and enjoy the little things.
The good news? You don’t have to travel far to find them.
From beautiful parks and walking trails to seasonal festivals, outdoor adventures, art and nature, the St. Louis region and Southern Illinois offer plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
So we’ve put together a few Healthy Planet ideas for making the most of fall close to home.
Grab your walking shoes, invite a friend, bring the dog and get out there!
GET OUTSIDE
Cooler temperatures make fall a wonderful time to explore the outdoors. You don’t have to be an avid hiker, either. A leisurely walk, a few minutes sitting beneath the trees or an afternoon exploring somewhere new can be good for both body and mind.
A few places to explore:
Forest Park — St. Louis
With more than 1,300 acres of green space, Forest Park gives you plenty of ways to spend a fall day without leaving the city. Walk, bike, visit the museums, enjoy the scenery or simply find a quiet place to sit and watch the season change.
Castlewood State Park — Ballwin
If you’re looking for trails and beautiful views, Castlewood is a wonderful fall option. The park’s trails wind through wooded areas and along the Meramec River, with scenic overlooks along the way.
Cliff Cave County Park — South County
Located along the Mississippi River bluffs; Cliff Cave offers paved and natural-surface trails, scenic views and opportunities to enjoy nature without traveling far from the St. Louis area.
Laumeier Sculpture Park — St. Louis County
Combine a walk in the woods with art at Laumeier. The outdoor sculpture park features large-scale works throughout its meadows, lawns and wooded areas, making it a fun place to explore at your own pace.
Audubon Center at Riverlands — West Alton
For a quieter nature experience, Riverlands offers trails, river views, birding opportunities and viewing areas. It’s a particularly nice choice when you want to slow down and spend some time observing nature.
Tower Grove Park — St. Louis
This historic park and arboretum offers walking paths, beautiful trees and plenty of space for a leisurely fall outing.
SEE THE FALL COLORS
You don’t need to drive several hours to enjoy autumn’s changing leaves.
In the St. Louis area, parks, wooded trails and river bluffs provide plenty of opportunities to see fall color. And if you’re willing to head farther south, Southern Illinois becomes a spectacular fall destination.
The official Illinois fall-color guide estimates late October as the typical peak period for Southern Illinois, with Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods and Giant City State Park among the area’s recommended fall destinations.
A few places to put on your fall list:
- Castlewood State Park
- Emmenegger Nature Park
- Forest Park
- Cliff Cave County Park
- Shawnee National Forest
- Giant City State Park
- Garden of the Gods
Healthy Planet tip: Don’t make the outing complicated. Pack a thermos of coffee, put on comfortable shoes and take a walk. Sometimes that’s all you need.
FALL EVENTS
Brookdale Farms Fall Festival
Enjoy Now through November 8, 2026
The Brookdale Farms Fall Festival offers classic fall activities including a corn maze, pumpkin picking and wagon rides. It’s one of those traditional autumn outings that can turn an ordinary weekend into a fall memory.
St. Louis Renaissance Festival
Enjoy Now through October 25, 2026
Head to Rotary Park in Wentzville for a fall weekend filled with entertainment, costumes, artisans, food and plenty of old-fashioned fun.
Romeo & Zooliet
Enjoy Now through October 11, 2026
For something a little different, Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park will host this family-friendly comedy during the fall season.
Laumeier Sculpture Park’s 50th Anniversary
Throughout 2026
Laumeier is celebrating its 50th anniversary with its Begin Again series, giving visitors another reason to combine a fall walk with art and nature.
And in Southern Illinois…
- Vulture Fest takes place October 17–18 in Makanda, with local art, music and food—and the changing fall colors of Southern Illinois as a backdrop. Admission is listed as free.
- Fall Colors at Bald Knob Cross takes place October 24–25 near Alto Pass and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest.
And if you’re looking for a more active Southern Illinois adventure, the Southern Illinois Fat Tire Festival takes place October 16–18 in Ozark, with biking, hikes, trail runs, climbing and other outdoor activities.
Looking for more?
There is always more to discover!
For additional events happening throughout the St. Louis region, check local community and event calendars before heading out. Event dates and details can change, so be sure to confirm information with the event organizer.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Fall is a great excuse to move.
You don’t have to join a gym or follow a complicated exercise program. Try adding a little more movement to the things you’re already doing.
- Take a fall walk. Find a neighborhood, park or trail and enjoy the changing leaves.
- Explore somewhere new. Pick a park you’ve never visited and see where the trail takes you.
- Walk the festival. When you head out to a fall event, take a few extra laps instead of spending the entire time standing in one place.
- Take the stairs. A few extra steps here and there really do add up.
- Walk with your dog. Your four-legged friend probably won’t complain about exploring somewhere new!
- Make it social. Invite a friend or family member. You might be more likely to get moving when someone is waiting for you.
Healthy Planet reminder: Movement doesn’t have to look like exercise to count.
FALL FUN WITH YOUR DOG
Fall isn’t just for people!
Cooler temperatures can make it easier to spend more time outdoors with your four-legged family member.
5 simple ways to enjoy fall with your dog:
- Try a new walking route. Your dog will love all the new smells—and you might discover a place you’ve never noticed.
- Take a leisurely sniff walk. Instead of worrying about distance, let your dog take time to explore.
- Have a fall photo session. Find some colorful trees and take a few pictures together.
- Explore a dog-friendly outdoor event. Just check the event’s pet rules before you go.
- Enjoy the season at home. Sometimes the perfect fall afternoon is simply sitting outside together and enjoying the cooler weather.
A FALL DAY TRIP TO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, fall is a beautiful time to head south. Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park and Garden of the Gods offer hiking, scenic overlooks and some spectacular fall scenery. Southern Illinois typically reaches peak fall color around the latter part of October.
FALL WALK SNACK: APPLE CINNAMON TRAIL MIX
A little container of this would be easy to toss into a bag before heading out for a fall walk or to enjoy while sitting outside.
You’ll need:
- 1 apple, chopped
- ¼ cup granola
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons nuts or sunflower seeds
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Optional: a few mini chocolate chips
Directions:
Combine everything in a small container, sprinkle with cinnamon and take it along for your fall adventure.
Healthy Planet Tip: Pack a reusable water bottle and enjoy your snack somewhere outdoors. Sometimes a simple lunch outside can make an ordinary day feel like a little getaway.
EASY FALL PICNIC BOX
Build your own Healthy Planet picnic:
- A sandwich or wrap
- Fresh fruit such as apples or grapes
- Carrots or cucumbers
- A handful of chips
- A small cookie or piece of chocolate
- Water, iced tea or your favorite drink
The goal isn’t a perfect picnic. It’s getting outside and enjoying it.