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8 Must-Try Fall Activities Near Painted Prairie (Aurora, CO)

Published
Aug 26, 2025

Looking for fun and festive ways to enjoy fall in Colorado? Whether you live in Painted Prairie or are just visiting the area, autumn is the perfect time to explore outdoor adventures, local events, and cozy community gatherings. From pumpkin patches to fall foliage hikes, there’s something for everyone.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Aurora this fall, all located in or near the award-winning Painted Prairie community!

1. Head out on a bike ride in High Prairie Park

What’s better than a little sunshine and exercise to enjoy the fall season? Right within the Painted Prairie community, you’ll find our key amenity: High Prairie Park. A great way to enjoy a few hours outdoors, just moments from home!

A scenic bike trail at Painted Prairie near Aurora, CO
Beautiful, well-kept trails at High Prairie Park.

2. Experience the Aurora Borealis Festival

From October 10–11, the 2025 Aurora Borealis Festival comes to Painted Prairie’s High Prairie Park, bringing early winter magic to Aurora, CO.! Think glowing light installations, a global gift bazaar, and tasty eats from the Flavors of Aurora Food Court.

3. Attend the 6th Annual Prairie Harvest Fest at High Prairie Park

Celebrate fall right in the heart of Painted Prairie with our signature Prairie Harvest Fest! This free event takes place Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 am to 3pm at High Prairie Park. Get excited for:

  • Food trucks serving up local favorites like BBQ, wings, Mexican and Brazilian eats, coffee, and lemonade
  • Hayrides, a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, a magician, and costume contests
  • Vibrant open-air market with nearly 30 vendors offering fresh produce, eggs, handmade goods, plants, gifts, and more
Families at Painted Prairie’s 6th Annual Prairie Harvest Fest in Aurora, CO

4. Host a fall potluck at High Prairie Park

One of the best ways to gather friends and family? With delicious food in a gorgeous setting! Have everyone on your guest list bring something fall-themed, like pumpkin cookies, mulled wine, or apple pie. Enjoy a tasty meal in one of our covered areas, with a side of mountain views! You’re sure to have a great and yummy time!

5. Take a fall foliage hike near Denver

Some might argue it’s the most beautiful time of the year! Get out and enjoy the great Colorado outdoors with a festive fall foliage tour or hike. Not sure where to go? Check out these Dayhikes Near Denver!

Golden forest landscape with vibrant fall foliage near Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado, October 2019, with a scenic dirt road.
You can’t beat the fall colors in Colorado! Get out and head out on a hike this season.

6. Experience elk season at Estes Park

If you’ve never experienced elk season at Rocky Mountain National Park, now’s the time to add it to your fall bucket list. Book a private 3-hour guided tour with local experts for an up-close look at this unforgettable wildlife spectacle.

Bull elk bugling for mate in September.
Bull elk bugling for mate in September.

7. Visit Denver Botanic Gardens Pumpkin Festival

Running from October 10 – 12, this family favorite event at Chatfield Farms includes access to the 10-acre pumpkin patch, corn maze, and more! This seasonal favorite event will also feature hayrides, photo booths, entertainment and live music, food trucks, and local crafts and artisan booths, just to name a few! Remember to snag your tickets before arriving, as tickets will not be available onsite.

Hands holding a pumpkin during a fall activity near Aurora, Colorado.
Pumpkin carving is fun for all ages! Grab the family and head out to one of the many pumpkin patches near Painted Prairie.

8. Attend Boo at the Zoo

Just minutes from Painted Prairie, the Denver Zoo transforms into a magical fall adventure in October during Boo at the Zoo! Wander through whimsical worlds filled with cryptid creatures like Bigfoot, fairies, mermaids, and werewolves. Timed entry helps keep crowds comfortable, making it a spellbinding experience for all ages!

There’s No Better Place to Spend Fall Than Painted Prairie

With so many ways to celebrate the season, fall is truly one of the best times to explore all that Painted Prairie and the greater Aurora area have to offer. Whether you’re enjoying community events, local festivals, or the beauty of Colorado’s outdoors, there’s something for everyone to love. So grab a cozy sweater, gather your crew, and make the most of this magical season — right here at Painted Prairie.

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