Fun, Festive Fall Activities for the Whole Family

Say it with me: fall is fabulous. So, how do we take advantage of this special time of year, while it’s here? We plan, and make sure our weekends are jam-packed with activities that just scream “fall.” Duh. To bump up your family’s fall spirit, give these 15 super enjoyable fall activities a whirl.

  1. Apple and Pumpkin Picking: Visit a local apple orchard and pumpkin patch. ‘Tis the season! It’ll be cool to show your kids that produce comes from more than just the supermarket.
  2. Corn Maze: While the corn stalks are high, get lost (literally) in a corn maze. Venture out on a cornfield journey, in attempt to find the exit. I live near a world-famous corn maze, and have yet to try it. This one’s on my fall bucket list!
  3. Hike: Go for a hike, or nature walk, if you will. What better time to view the fall foliage? Get outside; enjoy the crisp weather.
  4. Crafting: Kids (and adults) love gettin’ a little crafty. Use colorful leaves from your nature walk to make beautiful leaf impressions with crayons. Decorate some pinecones (paint, glitter, etc.), or turn them into birdfeeders.
  5. Caramel Apples, Anyone?: Why buy caramel, or candy, apples, if you can easily make them? The kids will absolutely love adorning them with whatever goodies they’d like on their very own apple treat.
  6. Apple and Pumpkin Pie: Put those apples and pumpkins you picked to good use! Make pie, of course. Get your little helpers in the kitchen, to help you make everyone’s favorite fall desserts. Don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds. Roasting them will make for a perfectly healthy snack.
  7. Make Warm Beverages: Who doesn’t love a steaming mug of spiced apple cider, or hot cocoa? Skip a trip to the grocery store. Instead of relying on the packaged stuff, make your own. You’d be surprised how easy, and much more delicious, it is.
  8. Carve a Pumpkin: I have always loved pumpkin carving. It’s an exciting way to get a little messy and creative. Another way to do so is by decorating pumpkins with paint, glitter, and stickers too! I do both.
  9. Haunted House: There’s nothing quite like visiting a good haunted house. By good, I mean really, really terrifyingly frightening. If you’re not ready to traumatize your kids just yet, look out for the tame ones, which are specifically designed for the little ones.
  10. Scary Movie Marathon: There are going to be horror films playing on nearly every channel pretty soon. Plop down on the couch with your family, a big bowl of popcorn, and dedicate the day to a marathon. If your kids are a little too young, pick out kid-friendly fall movies. Disney channel, perhaps?
  11. Bob for Apples: This is a fun, challenging game! Plus, incorporating a fall fruit is always a nice, healthy twist. No need to worry about germs when you make it a family fun activity.
  12. Picnic: If you think fall doesn’t quite say picnic to you, think again. It’s a wonderful, peaceful way to breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the magnificent scenery. Pack hot foods in insulated bags, and bring thermoses for warm beverages.
  13. Backyard Bonfire: I’m thinking s’mores and spooky tales. It’ll be just like camping, without all the hassle.
  14. Football: It’s football season. After watching your favorite team play, go enjoy the outdoors. What better way to get exercise than a fun, friendly game of family football?
  15. Sidewalk Art: Load up on some chalk. I actually did just that two days ago. It was only one dollar, but it provided hours of picture-drawing fun. It was great being outside, celebrating the arrival of fall, and decorating my driveway with images of pumpkins, fall leaves, sunflowers, and the like.