October 5 through 8, October 12 through 15 and October 19 through 22.

Take the Lakeland exit off I-55 and head to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum for Pumpkin Adventure. The ideal fall activity, this adventure includes a hayride around the grounds of the Agriculture Museum, followed by a snack of milk and cookies. While there, explore Small Town, Mississippi, the General Store and the Heritage Center Gallery. Stop at the pumpkin patch on the way out to pick your perfect Mississippi-grown pumpkin.

Family Days are scheduled for October 8, 15 and 22. Admission is $10 for ages two and up. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations by phone. For more information, call 601-432-4500, or go online to msagmuseum@mdac.ms.gov. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.

October 6-16

When you see the giant Ferris wheel going up at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, you know it’s time for the Mississippi State Fair. This year’s fair, scheduled for October 6 through 16, promises 11 days of fun. The fair kicks off with a ribbon-cutting on October 6 at 11 am at Gate One, on the corner of Jefferson and Amite Streets. From midway rides, food, games, music and exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. But it’s not all rides and candied apples.

The fair will present the Great American Wild West Show daily at 5:30 pm in the Mississippi Frontier Village, with additional shows at 2 pm on weekends. In addition to the show, enjoy the pig races, petting zoo, pony rides, train depot, and rattlesnake show. And, check out the Tri-State Rodeo and Xtreme Bull Riding Fall Nationals.

There is free admission from 11 am to 1 pm on weekdays (except Columbus Day, October 10), and Kids’ Days will be held on October 7 and 14. For more information on the Mississippi State Fair, check out this free Fair Fun Guide.

October 21-23

If you are seeking a prehistoric experience this fall, head to the Jackson Convention Complex at 105 East Pascagoula Street in downtown Jackson. Jurassic Quest is the largest and most realistic traveling dinosaur show in North America, and it will be on display starting October 21 through 23.

The exhibit includes a Megalodon, Spinosaurus, Apatosaurus, and a life-sized T-Rex. Enjoy the walking and stationary dinosaur rides and realistic interactive baby dinosaur and Raptor training experience. There will also be a giant fossil dig, a “Triceritots” soft play area, and a science fossil exhibit. Tickets may be purchased here in advance to guarantee a time slot or at the venue on the day of the event.

October 28

Make sure you plan to go to the Park After Dark event for a kid-friendly spooky event. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, located at 2148 Riverside Drive, and the Mississippi Children’s Museum next door are partnering to present an event from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on October 28. Kids can create creepy crawly crafts and trick or treat through both museums. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets at MDWFP - Park After Dark 2022. For more information, contact Nicole Smith at 601-576-6000 or nicole.smith@mmns.ms.gov.

Through December 31

If you want an experience that is out of this world, be sure to check out Space, A Journey to Our Future at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. The exhibit will run through December 31. Imagine touching the moon or Mars. Actual rocks from both will be available to touch along with other child-friendly interactive exhibits. Visitors will tour a full-scale future lunar habitat and workstation, get an up-close view of next-generation spacecraft and technology, or plan a trip to Mars. A self-powered centrifuge will be available for rides for those at least 48 inches tall. For Museum hours and to purchase tickets, click here. For more information, call 601-576-6000.