4 Exciting Things to do Throughout October

This year, I’m determined to fill October with genuine experiences and exciting trips. I don’t know about you, but I unintentionally neglect one of the most enjoyable months (being these next few weeks) every year without noticing until November rolls around. With all there is to do, it’s time October starts getting the respect it deserves.

This post is sponsored ad content by McDonald's, but the opinions expressed here are 100% my own. 

1. play (and eat) to win

Not only am I ready for road trips to places I never think to visit, but I’m excited to participate in a NEW and exciting game available in-store at participating McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. with Trick.Treat.Win! (available through October 31st), I don’t have to go far to spend time enjoying my favorite foods that now come with themed game pieces!

Until October 31st, your sought-after Chicken McNuggets, Large Fries, hot McCafe beverages, or 6-piece Buttermilk Crispy Tenders (amongst other popular items) will come with one to two qualifying pieces! Want to know the most exciting part about this new game..?

Each piece has a 1 in 4 chance of winning (mostly food prizes).

So, long story short, you don’t need "luck" or an unnecessary amount of “entries” to win!

Knowing how hard it can be to win with other games, I was itching to head to my local store with my sister and order some of our “go-to” items that had a good chance of winning us both food and non-food prizes. With a large drink, a large fry, and a 10-piece McNugget sitting in front of us, I was surprised at how many chances we had to win just by visiting!

Not only is Trick.Treat.Win! one of the easiest games to participate in, but it’s another great way to connect with your friends and loved ones while enjoying some of your well-known McDonald’s meals. Make sure to visit your local store from October 5th - 31st to participate. Who knows what you’ll win, when you’ll win, and how you’ll win! (I mean come on… How amazing would it be to win something while eating a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?)

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Only open to 50 US/DC, 13+.  Subject to Rules at www.TrickTreatWin.com which include no purchase instructions.

Next up are a few other ideas for those that need an extra push to get out this month. If you’re naturally adventurous—you’ll already know about most of these experiences. If not, I hope you can find a few friends or family members to help you make the most of these next few weeks!

2. visit your local farm

I’ve never been the type of girl to strut around a farm in my cowboy boots for fun, but know how incredible this day trip can be during the fall season.

Not only are your local farms gearing up for the season with family-friendly pumpkin patches and apple-picking events, but some of the best experiences are located in the middle of a field with tents sporting fall festival foods and activities.

If I were you, I would google my heart away in search of the nearest pumpkin patch or park for upcoming festivals. Sipping some hot apple cider, carving pumpkins, and enjoying hayrides is the type of innocent fun we all need in our lives!

3. seek the spooky

Even though I can get spooked by a shadow in the corner of a lit room, I STILL seek out haunted houses that are known to scare the most prepared horror fanatics.

Living in Texas, creating the most horrifying haunted house is an actual sport. I’m sure it’s the same in most other states but, if not, I always suggest visiting your nearby theme park. Most theme parks have a spooky-themed month or week to scare their guests who can handle multiple heart-stopping experiences at once.

What’s more fun than riding an abnormally high wooden coaster with the sounds of screaming visitors below? (Yes, that’s rhetorical).

4. throw a holiday prep party

If you’re like me, you probably aren't the most amazing party host out there. Although I would love to shock my loved ones with Gatsby-level events--it’s both practical and laid-back to throw a simple DIY gathering.

One of my friends introduced me to a holiday prep party when I was younger--completely exposing me to a new world of “Friday night fun.” With gingerbread house, pumpkin-carving, reef-building, and ornament stations, we were eating and crafting to our heart's content.

To start your own prep party, simply message your friends with requests for supplies and make it a group effort with a “potluck-style” dinner and crafting station. Trust me, the memories made during nights like these will become a tradition you’ll be excited to greet each year.

That’s all for now, my friends! I hope you’re able to take some of these ideas to heart and make this October the best it can be.

Don’t forget to play McDonald’s NEW Trick.Treat.Win! game at your local store to earn amazing prizes! With a 1 in 4 chance of winning something, you’re bound to walk out or drive away with a delicious item that keeps on giving.

Are you ready to #TrickTreatWin and live this month to the fullest? Get out there and, as always,

Live Intentionally,