The weather’s getting colder (for some of us) and the nights are getting darker, faster. Aside from Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Lattes and “sweater weather” outfits, here are a few things to help get you and yours into the fall spirit just in time for Halloween.

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

As basic as it may sound, there’s nothing like starting off fall by taking cute pictures at pumpkin patches with friends. If that’s too basic for you, try a hay ride in the fields or even getting lost in a corn maze.

2. Carve Pumpkins

After visiting the pumpkin patch-- and probably a week before Halloween, so they don’t rot-- don’t forget to carve the pumpkins you brought home! Carve your favorite Halloween phrase, cartoon, or the classic jack-o-lantern face. Carving pumpkins can be a bonding event in itself! Get some friends together to carve pumpkins, make Halloween decorations, and of course to put them all up.

3. Tailgate with Friends

October is Football season! What better way to appreciate a game of football than pre-celebrating your favorite team’s win with all of your friends. Grill some hot dogs and burgers in the parking lot as your excitement for football season heightens.

4. Jump in a pile of leaves

The changing colors of the leaves to that bright yellow and orange or that deep red is the epitome of Fall. Appreciate the changing colors of the season by diving into a pile of leaves. It’ll not only remind you of being a child again but also make raking leaves less of a chore. Of course, for the more conservative, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet as you walk down the street can be just as satisfying.

5. Appreciate the weather.

With the changing of the leaves also comes the change of weather. The cool, crisp, fresh air can be refreshing after a long day. Take some time out of your day to just breathe and take it all in. Bundling up and going for a stroll outside is one of the best ways to appreciate the Autumn season. This weather can especially be appreciated after a long, hot summer.

6. Eat “fall” food.

This could be baking and eating an apple or pumpkin pie. Or maybe something as simple as drinking hot apple cider by the fire. And of course, baking cookies-- specifically the Pillsbury ready-made dough, shortbread cookies. The warmth of these fall festive foods are sure to get you into the fall spirit.

7. Go to a Haunted House

This might be for the more daring individuals. Whether it’s Six Flags’ Fright Fest, Great America’s Halloween Haunt, or the haunted house on the outskirts of town; any of these are sure to get you into a good scare-- if that’s what floats your boat.

8. Tell Scary Stories

There’s something about Halloween time that makes scary stories even scarier than usual. This is the time to break out the ultimate scary tales and legends, or even come up with your own. Of course the addition of the line “based on a true story” always helps make the story increasingly scarier.

9. Start Christmas shopping

There’s nothing like Christmas shopping to help you get in the holiday spirit! Even just starting to make a Christmas shopping list can be kindle the holiday elation. Give into commercialism out of kindness for others. And remember, Christmas present shopping should be fun-- not stressful!

10. Watch Halloween movies

The list of Halloween movies is endless and it’s nearly impossible to watch them all but they’re essential to the fall spirit. Whether it’s Hocus Pocus, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Halloweentown, The Corpse Bride, Beetle Juice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Little Vampire, or the haunted hotel room episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, pick your favorite and watch them with friends and family!