If you’re one who looks forward to fun fall activities each year, the season is finally here. The days are getting shorter, air is cooler, and the leaves are changing colors. If you want to get out and about before being stuck inside during winter, but don’t want to break the bank or venture into large crowds, check out some of these ideas for fall family fun.
GO APPLE PICKING
The best time to go apple picking is typically September and beginning of October, so do a search for local apple orchards and visit one today.
TAKE A HAYRACK RIDE
Whether at a local farm, fall festival, or corn maze, this is a great way to enjoy fresh air and get a little tour of the countryside.
After apple picking, toss them in a tub of water and let the games begin.
MAKE A BONFIRE
You can do this in a traditional wood burning fire pit, or buy an electric fire pit for a safer option in your neighborhood.
ROAST MARSHMALLOWS
Once you have the fire going, gather some long sticks and roast some marshmallows to perfection. Better yet, add chocolate and graham crackers for s’mores.
CAMPOUT IN THE BACKYARD
Set up a tent, or just lay your sleeping bag under the stars. Use a lantern as a campfire and imagine you’re out in the wilderness.
WATCH A MOVIE OUTSIDE WITH BLANKETS
Set up a projector, TV, or laptop with your favorite movie.
JUMP IN A PILE OF LEAVES
Raking the leaves may feel never-ending, but you can put a little joy into your fall yard work by jumping in.
TAKE A HIKE DURING PEAK FALL FOLIAGE
You can stick to your neighborhood or local park, or drive to your closest state or national park to enjoy the colorful, changing leaves.
ROAST YOUR OWN CORN
Enjoy a tasty fall favorite that is sweet and delicious.
MAKE A CROCKPOT OF APPLE CIDER
Cut your apples into quarters and place them into a slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice, then 10 cups of water. Cook on high for three hours. Mash the apples with a masher, add brown sugar, and strain the solids from the liquid.
MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE
Peel, core, and chop your apples. In a saucepan, combine with water, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Simmer the mixture until apples are tender. Use a potato masher to break up the apples or blend in a food processor.
TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH THE COUNTRY
Hop in the car and embrace the beautiful fall colors.
DECORATE PUMPKINS
Get a pumpkin carving kit from the store or safely use a kitchen knife on hand. You can carve out the pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns or use paint for easier and more kid-friendly decorating.
HAVE A FALL FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT
Capture the moment with a great family photo.
ROAST PUMPKIN SEEDS
After carving your pumpkin, clean the slime from the seeds. Toss the seeds with melted butter and salt, and spread on a baking sheet. Bake in a 300 degree oven for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
RAKE AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOR’S LEAVES
Grab the rake and head on over to a neighbor who could use a hand.
EAT PUMPKIN WAFFLES FOR BREAKFAST
After you make your waffle batter, add pumpkin puree for an extra boost of fall flavor. Top with cinnamon and a pinch of allspice.
OPEN WINDOWS FOR BRISK FALL AIR
Open the windows wide and let the refreshing fall air come on in.
COLLECT PINE CONES
Put them on display in a cute basket or use them for a fall craft, like a wreath for the front door. You can even put a few drops of essential oils on them for a crisp fall smell.
MAKE POPCORN BALLS
In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat, then add butter and vanilla. Immediately pour over popped popcorn and stir until it’s evenly coated. When it’s cool, shape it into balls.
TAKE A FAMILY BIKE RIDE
Enjoy exercise, fresh fall air, and the beautiful changing leaves together.
COMPLETE A PUZZLE
A fun autumn activity on a crisp fall day.
DRINK PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES
Grab one at your nearest Starbucks or favorite local coffee shop. Enjoy it in the morning to start your day, as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a special tasty dessert after dinner.
EAT CANDY CORN
Always a fall-favorite treat.
READ STORIES BY THE FIRE
Warm up and share your favorite stories.
HAVE AN INDOOR FALL SCAVENGER HUNT
Hide fun fall items such as colorful leaves, pine cones, pumpkins or gourds, and candy around the house. Have the kids search for items of fall colors, such as red, orange, yellow and brown.
GO FISHING
Dig up some bait out of the garden, pack up the fishing poles, and hit your local pond, stream, or lake. Be sure to also pack a cooler of snacks and drinks.
DECORATE YOUR PORCH
Show off your fall pride by decorating your front porch. Use hay bales, mum plants, leaves, pumpkins, and anything else you love. Make it scary around Halloween with ghosts, ghouls, bats, and spiders.
HAVE A PICNIC AT THE PARK
Put your favorite lunch, some drinks, and snacks in a cooler and drive (or walk) to your favorite park. Take the kids and the dog, and spend a few hours playing and enjoying the fresh air.
