It may seem like summer just started, but fall is right around the corner. The weather is about to get cooler, the leaves will change color, and people will start wearing sweaters and scarves again.
This fall, make time to do some fun autumn activities with your family. Even though we can't all get out and about like we usually would, there are still plenty of things that families can do together while enjoying the season.
This year, fall officially starts on September 22 and ends on December 21. Of course, most people feel that fall starts when the weather gets cooler.
Most people associate fall with pumpkins, leaves changing color, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and more. It’s an exciting time of year; a lot of people say that fall is their favorite season.
Although fall means saying goodbye to family beach days and swimming pool fun, we get to say hello to pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and cozy fall clothes.
This fun list of autumn activities will give you lots of ideas of things to do with your family this fall!
1. Apple picking
If there’s one quintessential fall activity, it has to be apple picking. There’s nothing better than spending a few hours in an apple orchard, picking apples off the trees, and enjoying some tasty apple cider and donuts. This year, make sure you pack your masks and have fun!
2. Jumping in the leaves
If your kids (or you) love playing in the backyard, spend some time in the leaves this fall! Rake all the leaves in your yard into one big pile, then have fun jumping in the leaves. While you’re at it, kick some leaves around, throw leaves in the air, and take some super-fun fall pictures.
3. Fall hiking
There’s nothing quite like hiking in the fall. The cool, crisp air is perfect for hiking, and it’s absolutely beautiful to walk through the woods as the leaves change colors on the trees. Bring the whole family (even the dogs) along for a fun workout.
4. Baking pies
Fall is the perfect time to bake pies. They’re warm and delicious, and they feature tasty fruits and vegetables that are seasonal in the fall. This year, make pies with apples, pears, pumpkins, and figs. While you’re at it, bake other yummy treats as well!
5. Visiting a pumpkin patch
Try visiting a pumpkin patch with your family! This year you'll need to bring face masks for everyone, but you can still have fun picking out a pumpkin. Everyone can pick out their own pumpkin, then you can have fun decorating/carving them at home. Or you can use the pumpkin you choose to make some tasty pumpkin recipes (like pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, and roasted pumpkin seeds).
6. Leaf peeping
Although you may not have heard the term “leaf peeping” before, you’ve probably done it without realizing it. Leaf peeping is the activity of going out to see leaves as they change colors. Some people go all out and drive to mountains to see the leaves, while others just stroll to a nearby park. Make sure you bring your face masks and anything else you might need in public!
7. Making soup from scratch
When the weather gets cold, the best food you can eat is some delicious homemade soup. Whether you like chicken noodle soup, split pea soup, or butternut squash soup, you can learn to make it yourself! A lot of these soups are really easy to make — and way tastier than the store-bought variety.
8. Eating caramel/candy apples
Apples are a scrumptious fall snack, but they’re even tastier when they’re covered in caramel or candy! If you have time, try making caramel/candy apples at home. If you don’t have time, just buy some at the store, and enjoy eating them with your family.
9. Collecting pine cones
Spend some time outside with your family collecting pine cones from the ground. Once you’ve collected the pine cones, there are a ton of fun things you can do with them. You can make sweet little bird feeders, create colorful crafts, or just put them in a bowl with scented potpourri.
10. Camping
Let’s be honest — fall weather is just the best. This autumn, snuggle up with your family in a tent while enjoying the great outdoors. Camping is the perfect weekend getaway, and it's also inherently socially distant from others. Just imagine roasting marshmallows by the fire while sitting under the stars … doesn’t that sound perfect?
11. Making fall crafts
If you love fall colors — oranges and reds and yellows — and want to decorate your home to make it seasonally festive, try making some DIY crafts! Instead of buying decorations, gather your friends and family for a fall crafting day.
12. Planting fall flowers
Although spring is the season best known for its flowers, fall is also a great time to do some gardening! There are lots of flowers that live well past Labor Day, so try planting some of these: balloon flowers, beautyberry, celosia, heliopsis, sweet alyssum, goldenrod, heather, and chrysanthemums.
13. Building a bonfire
When the weather is cool (but not cold), build a bonfire outside in the backyard. Grab a blanket and cuddle up near the fire to stay warm. And don’t forget to bring sticks and marshmallows to make s’mores (or just eat toasted marshmallows)!
14. Making your own spiced cider
So many people love drinking spiced cider in the fall, but most people don’t make it themselves. This year, make some DIY spiced cider! If you love apple cider, try using it in other recipes too, like these apple cider waffles.
15. Learning to knit
If you’re always looking for fun indoor activities for the fall, try teaching yourself to knit! Ask someone you know for lessons (or go online) and start making some scarves, blankets, and hats for everyone you know. Hand-knitted clothes are super cozy and perfect for colder weather.
