With October here many students are filling up their calendars with fun activities to do this Fall.  Whether you’re a freshman who is looking forward to more freedom or a senior who is looking for a break from college applications, autumn is the perfect time to take a break to spend time with friends or family.  

For many Fall is all about the football, and cheering your Red Devils is one way to get in your football fix.  October’s only home game takes place on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. against Lyons Township High School.  Other football games taking place in October are against Glenbard West High School and Hinsdale South High School on Oct. 7 and Oct. 20 respectively.  

Runners can mark their calendars for the Rotary Run Charity Classic that is taking place on Sunday, Oct. 15.  The event starts at The Community House and continues through the streets of Hinsdale and the surrounding area.  There are multiple different events to participate in including runs for 10K, 5K , and 3K, and also a 5K walk and the Mutt Strut, in which the race encourages participants to bring their animals.  Registration takes place at the Rotary Club’s website or on race day.  

If running doesn’t interest you another great event coming up is the Boo! at the Zoo. The event is hosted at the Brookfield Zoo Oct. 21-22 and 28-29. It includes a corn maze, a professional pumpkin carver, a haunted hay ride, a costume parade, costume contest, and special animal zoo chats.  

At Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, walks through the forest aren’t the only way to see the leaves changing colors.  On Oct. 15 they are offering guided kayak tours down Salt Creek; registration is required by visiting the website. 

“Doing fun activities with my friends like haunted houses, photoshoots, and watching all four Halloweentown movies are some of my favorite things to do in Fall,” said Tess Ellithorpe, junior.

If you are looking for a relaxing nature walk or wanting to learn some new skills the Morton Arboretum is a great place to spend your time. Every day during October you can not only enjoy the changing leaves, but you can also go to enjoy the Fall Color Festival.  At the festival visitors of the arboretum can enjoy candied apples, hot cider, and other autumn foods throughout the whole month.  

“One of my favorite aspect of Fall would probably be the change of color in the leaves,” said Shannon Stifflear, freshman. 

In addition to nature walks, teens who are 16 and up can sign up for adult programs held at the arboretum.  

“One great choice is our art and photography classes, such as our Beginner’s Watercolor Workshop this November,” said Brooke Pudar, Coordinator of Adult Learning Programs at the Morton Arboretum.  

If that doesn’t sound interesting to you visit the arboretum again this December to make a living ornament.  Either way, take advantage of this month’s local events before the snow arrives, including visiting the famed Graue Mill, which provides educational tours about the area’s history before the mill closes until April.