Related: It’s fall, y’all: Campus events

After a brutally hot summer, temperatures in Texas are finally starting to cool off as a result of the upcoming fall season. These cooler and more bearable conditions open up new activities that were previously off limits due to the heat wave. Stay close to home while still doing fun fall activities with friends with the following activities.

The first and most obvious fall activity is to visit a pumpkin patch, Old Time Christmas Tree Farm opens a pumpkin patch annually on weekends in October. Pay an entrance fee of $10 and enjoy various activities and food while picking out pumpkins. Buy pumpkins to carve, paint, or use as decoration to really get into the fall and Halloween spirit with friends.

Visit a farmers market with friends to sample different foods and explore new and small businesses in the Tomball area. The Tomball Farmers Market on Main Street has over 65 local vendors selling on Saturdays between 9 am and 1 pm. Purchase ingredients or prepared food to host a small dinner party or picnic with a few close friends to wind down after busy weeks of school.

This activity does require more driving and planning but is still a must-do for this fall season. The Renaissance Festival opens again on October 7, packed full of delicious food, fun activities, and hilarious novelties. Gather a group of friends and dress up to really enhance the fantasy aspect of this festival. Tickets range from $10-$40 depending on which weekend, not including parking and other expenses inside the festival.

All in all, fall is a great time to bond with friends outside and embrace all of the small town feels Tomball has to offer.