8 Family-Friendly Fall Activities in Highlands Ranch

Fall brings more than the vibrant hues of reds, yellows, and oranges of autumn leaves turning at Highlands Ranch. Indeed, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year. This Colorado community hosts a diverse array of seasonal activities and festivities catered to the whole family. From movie nights to pumpkin festivals, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in Highlands Ranch during the remaining months of the year.

Backcountry Movie Night

There’s nothing quite as cozy as watching a movie from a camp chair or picnic blanket under the night sky. This fall season, the Highlands Ranch Community Association is hosting the Backcountry Outdoor Movie Series. This series brings cinema favorites to the giant screen in the Backcountry Basecamp open-air theater. Look forward to watching Pixar’s Coco, or the 1993 American fantasy comedy film, Hocus Pocus. If you think you’ll get hungry during the showing, bring a picnic dinner along for the night. The cost of admission is $25 per car, with a max of 45 cars allowed. Movies are shown every Friday and Saturday night, giving you the perfect way to enjoy a weekend night.

Go on a hike

What better way to experience fall than to take a hike and enjoy the colorful foliage up close? Visitors, and those fortunate enough to live here, relish the surrounding natural beauty of the area each year as they trek through the gorgeous wilderness.

Start your morning off at Bluffs Regional Park and Trial, located just six miles from Highlands Ranch. Open sunrise to sunset, this park spans over an impressive 235 acres with a 2.7-mile loop trail that leads to stunning, panoramic outlooks. Rated as easy, the entire family can hike this trail and take in sweeping views of the Colorado Front Range Mountains and Denver Metro area.

Car Show

If you’re a classic car lover, be sure to stop by the Annual Cool Colors of Autumn Charity Car Show. Hosted by the Highlands Ranch Hot Rodders, this celebration of the motor vehicle takes place in the heart of Highlands Ranch during the last weekend in September and is free for all guests.

Pumpkin Festival

Highlands Ranch is located in close proximity to Denver, allowing residents to take advantage of the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens for the Annual Pumpkin Festival. This treasured tradition takes place during the second weekend of October, and this popular event urges guests to reserve tickets in advance. Your ticket, $12 for an adult and $7 for a child, grants access to the 10-acre pumpkin patch and family-friendly activities. Children ten years old and under can explore the mini corn maze or get their faces painted. In addition to a variety of exciting carnival games, the festival boasts local craft and artisan booths, entertainment and live music, and food trucks. Complete with hayrides and a photo booth, you and your entire family will make festive memories to enjoy for years to come.

Oktoberfest

While traveling to Germany might not be in the cards at the moment, you don’t need passports to participate in this European celebration! Indulge in the flavorful delights of German food, music, and dancing at Highlands Ranch Town Center’s Oktoberfest. This highly attended event provides an evening of fun and non-stop entertainment for the whole family. Adults savor biers from Paulaner while children will enjoy balloons, face painters, and games such as inflatables and other rides. Topped off with the exhilarating dachshund races, this Oktoberfest provides a great opportunity to celebrate the fall season and get to know others in your community.

Oktoberfest 5k

Work up an appetite before stopping by the festival! The Oktoberfest 5k has competitors tighten up their laces and suit up their lederhosen for a fun and fast course. With a total ascent of 144 feet, the race starts and ends on Dorchester Street. The layout of the course weaves along the Foothills and Diamond K trail, past Kistler Park, and back to the town center square. Rain or shine, the race begins at 9 am, and early registers are guaranteed a t-shirt. Regardless of whether you’re looking to set a new personal record or simply looking to enjoy the course at a brisk stroll, the Oktoberfest 5k is a great way to exercise and make new friends along the way.

Fall Craft Show

Stop by the Eastridge Recreation Center to pursue the Highlands Ranch’s Fall Craft Show. This highly anticipated two-day event features the talent, craftsmanship, and dedication of local artists. The event showcases a diverse range of items and skills, including jewelry, wooden crafts, floral arrangements, hand-knit scarves and shawls, and more. The Fall Craft Show is an excellent place to find that unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift for your friends and loved ones. This year's event will be taking place on October 10 with doors opening at 9 am.

If you are interested in exploring Highlands Ranch real estate, contact Brian Grimm today. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or to buy a property, Brian can guide you through the process from start to finish. With years of experience in the real estate industry and deep knowledge of Highlands Ranch homes for sale, Brian and his team can help you find a house that truly feels like home.

*Header image credit: Annual Pumpkin Festival

Brian Grimm

Co-Founder | Realtor®

Primary phone
(303) 807-6923
License Number
#100069566
Email
[email protected]
Address
4610 S Ulster St, #150,
Denver, CO 80237

About The Author

A Colorado native going back three generations, Brian was born and raised in Littleton and has lived in Douglas County for over 20 years. He primarily serves his hometown, Littleton, and also serves Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock.

Brian’s wife Sarah Grimm became licensed in 2003 and was his guide into the real estate industry. He started working as her unofficial assistant, giving him the chance to gain unique hands-on training in the field by being involved in the business, even if not in an official capacity. He learned the ins and outs of the job by creating marketing plans, meeting clients, and even installing open house signs.

In 2015, Brian and Sarah decided to become partners. Once licensed, they formed the boutique brokerage Luxe Living. Sarah served as Brian’s managing broker for three years while continuing his training. Unfortunately, Sarah had to step down to take care of her health, so Brian took over her former position as managing broker.

Brian’s favorite part of the job is assisting clients and agents alike. He takes pride in being a trusted guide to people experiencing a significant upheaval or transformative change. Brian is a communicative, supportive, caring, and hard-working professional who can simplify what can appear to be a complex process.

By giving his clients clarity, he empowers them to make crucial decisions with confidence. Brian does this by asking questions, spending time with his clients upfront to find out what their goals and motivating factors are to keep them on track. As a former electrician, Brian also offers years of residential construction experience. In 2020, Brain was awarded the 2 Carat Diamond Award by the South Metro Denver Realtor Association, and in 2021, was awarded the 3 Carat Diamond Award.

Living in the beautiful mountainside with his wife and adorable twin children, Brian loves the relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, and abundant outdoor activities. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and snowboarding. During baseball season, you’ll often find Brian at the Coors field cheering on the Colorado Rockies.

Brian and his wife, a two-time cancer survivor, are passionate advocates for the Believe Big Organization and the American Cancer Society. They donate a portion of all of their transactions to these foundations.