With just under 3,000 residents, Newtown is a close-knit small town—and life here is anything but boring. This cozy Pennsylvania hamlet boasts a great year-round calendar of events for families, and regardless of your interests or hobbies, there’s a good chance you can find something you’ll love in Newtown.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Bucks County, where you can experience the stunning foliage firsthand. Newtown and the surrounding areas feature everything from delectable fall-themed food to classic pumpkin picking. Below are some family-friendly fall activities you can look forward to exploring in Newtown.
1. Active Acres Farm
Located just outside Newtown proper, Active Acres Farm is an expansive 230-acre farm nestled in the heart of Bucks County. This eclectic farm is the perfect place to purchase seasonal produce and flowers, including specialty annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets. Each fall, you can enjoy pumpkin patch hayrides that take place every weekend. Operated by Sleepy Hollow Hayride, this weekend hayride allows participants to forge unforgettable memories with friends and family. In addition to the hayride, you can attend a pick-your-own-pumpkin event. After selecting your prize-worthy pumpkin, head home and get to carving.
2. Pumpkin carving
Once you select an Active Acres Farm pumpkin to take home, it’s time for the real fun to begin. Pumpkin carving is a great (and messy) way to create family memories and light up the dark fall evenings. Plus, pumpkin carving is fun for all ages and can keep kids (and adults) entertained. When it comes to pumpkin carving, the first order of business is making sure you have all the right supplies. You’ll want to have a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of your pumpkin, a pen, a paring knife, and a flat-edged ice cream scoop or scraper scoop. To make things easier, you can also order a pumpkin carving toolset, which will have everything you need to carve a gorgeous pumpkin. After cleaning your pumpkin and acquiring supplies, cut along the top of your pumpkin with a sharp paring knife. If you’re cutting a lid, be sure to angle the blade toward the center of the pumpkin to create a ledge that supports the lid. Next up, scoop out the seeds and strings from the inside of the pumpkin. Once the pumpkin is spotless on the inside, it’s finally time to start working on your design. Pumpkin carving stencils are a great way to find artistic inspiration.
Don’t forget that pumpkin seeds are a “superfood” with equal parts protein and fat! Boil the seeds in salt water for ten minutes, drain the water, then bake the seeds at 425 F for 30 minutes with your favorite seasonings. Big healthy pumpkins make big healthy seeds.
3. Pumpkin painting
If you don’t feel like dealing with the mess of carving, pumpkin painting is a simple, fun activity that requires minimal prep work. You’ll need to have a paintbrush, acrylic sealer, and acrylic paints. Start by wiping down your pumpkin with a soft cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris. Next, apply a base sealer coat to the pumpkin. Make sure you give the sealer sufficient time to dry before moving on. Once your sealer coat is fully dry, you can move on to painting. When you’ve finished painting, apply the top sealer coat, which will help prevent your pumpkin from peeling and flaking. Once you’ve applied the final coat of sealer, wait for the pumpkin to dry, and then find the perfect nook in your home to showcase your work.
4. Hiking
If you’re wanting to get a closer look at the vibrant fall colors in Pennsylvania, then consider heading out on a hike. This is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and Bucks County provides ample access to trails and public lands. Connect with nature on the Tyler Drive Trail. Located near Newtown, this trail spans just over two miles and is an easy trek for most hikers. The paved path makes the trail easily accessible for all fitness levels and ages. Tyler Drive Trail is a Newtown favorite for walking, running, and birdwatching. It’s an especially popular place to go in the autumn, thanks to the abundance of vivid fall colors. You can also pack some snacks or a picnic and enjoy them by the water.
5. Apple picking
In Bucks County, fall brings spectacular fall foliage, and signifies the arrival of apple picking season. There are plenty of places you and your family can go to for apple picking in the Newtown area. One such place is Solly Brothers’ Farm, located less than 15 minutes outside Newtown. Guests can pick their own apples on Saturdays and Sundays during the fall. The Solly Brothers’ Farm has a great bakery, too—a perfect place to grab a sweet treat or something to enjoy at home. The farm’s seasonal soups, fresh fruit pies, and bread are some of what you can look forward to.
6. Seasonal baking
If you’re unsure of what to do with your freshly picked apples, consider rounding the family up for an afternoon baking session. Apple desserts are a hallmark of fall, and there’s an abundance of apple-themed desserts you could make—everything from old-fashioned apple crisp to caramel-drizzled apple dumplings. Baking a classic apple pie is a great way to ring in the season. You and your family can work together to make the pie dough, thinly slice the apples, and carefully combine the spices. This labor of love is the perfect chance to bond together with your family over the sweet rewards of farming.
7. Fall festivals
Pack up your family and head over to Shady Brook Farm to join in the fun at the annual FallFest. Located about five minutes from Newtown, this widely-attended festival takes place on the weekends starting late September and continues throughout the fall. You can expect a multitude of festive activities including live music, bonfires, pumpkin picking, and barnyard animals. Get lost in the five-acre corn maze, but be sure to bring your flashlight if you visit after dark. You can also take a scenic wagon ride around the farm or head over to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin. Take a stroll through the beautiful sunflower field, where you’ll have the opportunity to cut your own bouquet and snap some great photos.
8. Explore nature
Fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy Pennsylvania’s cool, crisp weather before it gets too cold. Tyler State Park is a remarkable place to get outside and admire the fall foliage. Marvel at the vivid palette of colors displayed here, including bright reds, yellows, and deep oranges. This spacious park spans 1,711 acres of woodlands and rural scenery. There are plenty of areas to enjoy picnicking, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. The park also offers a mixture of environmental education and recreation programs, as well as guided walks, history hikes, and workshops.
Shopping for Newtown homes for sale?
If you’re looking to explore Newtown homes for sale, contact Mark + Tina today. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a forever home, this talented duo can walk you through the process from start to finish and help you find the house that’s right for you. With years of combined experience in the real estate industry and deep knowledge of the Bucks County real estate market, Mark + Tina can help you find a house that truly feels like home.