Autumn brings local festivities to area

Sept. 22 marks the first day of fall for 2012. As the leaves begin to change, more and more residents are able to step outside and enjoy the cooling weather during the dozens of fall festivals and festivities around the city. Whether in need of a relaxing stroll down one of Houston's nature trails or a good fright in preparation for Halloween, there is no shortage of options this year.

Pumpkin patches

Fall is the perfect time for hayrides, corn mazes and outdoor family fun. There are several venues throughout Harris County featuring pumpkin patches and other autumn-themed entertainment for people of all ages.

• Cypress United Methodist Church — The youth of Cypress United Methodist Church are hosting the Cypress UMC pumpkin patch from Oct. 12–31. The patch is open from 10 a.m–7 p.m and features a variety of different scenes ranging from "Wizard of Oz" to college football. Materials and additional information is available through the youth department. Free. 13403 Cypress N. Houston, 281-469-0730, www.cypressunited.org
• Matt Family Orchard — This family owned orchard produces a variety of fruits and berries sold by the pound. Throughout the year, visitors can come pick their own blueberries, blackberries, Asian pears and, during the fall, pumpkins. Matt Family Orchard has thousands of trees planted on the 40-acre farm, along with volleyball and tetherball courts. 21110 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball 281-351-7676, www.mattfamilyorchard.com
• Good Shepherd United Methodist Church — The Pumpkin Patch at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is an annual event that begins the first weekend in October. The event is open during weekdays and until dusk on the weekends. Other events at the church include a gift exchange Oct. 13 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 20155 Cypresswood Drive, 281-373-2273, www.goodchurch.us

Haunted houses

Houston is home to some of the top-ranked haunted houses. As September draws to a close, these attractions come to life with the season's worst nightmares.

• Phobia Haunted House — Looking for something for everyone? Eight separate attractions are found at Phobia Haunted House. Tickets to Mind Control, 3D Clown Phobia, Claustrophobia, Darke Institute and Dawn of the Machine can be purchased individually ($13-$50), while Darke World, Fowler's Woods and Mania can all be seen with the purchase of one ticket ($30). Opens Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. Closes Nov. 3 at 11 p.m. 18777 Hwy. 290, 713-526-3323, www.darke.com
• Screamworld — Voted as one of America's top haunts, Screamworld offers five different attractions included in one ticket. Guests begin the tour outside in the Maze of Maniacs before entering the Haunted Hotel, the Edge of Darkness, Jake's Slaughterhouse and finally, the Zombie Graveyard. Opens Sept. 21 and closes Nov. 3 at 11 p.m., open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m.-midnight., Thursdays and Sundays from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Tickets: $25 (online), $35 (fast pass, at door) $29 (fast pass, online). 2225 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Houston. 713-338-2933, www.screamworld.com
• Nightmare on the Bayou — Located near Houston's oldest graveyard, Nightmare on the Bayou claims to be the only haunted house in the city with real ghosts. Multiple attractions are featured on more than 15,000 square feet of property. Each year, more is added to the haunted house to keep patrons guessing. Opens Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Closes Nov.3. Tickets: $32 (regular), $45 (VIP, front of the line), $27 (Sundays, family night). 1515 Studemont St., Houston. 713-868-3344, www.nightmareonthebayou.com