Today I’d like to give a warm welcome to Jenny from Mom Loves Best who is sharing some great outdoor family activities for autumn.
By the time the summer wanes and the calendar turns, I’m usually ready to welcome the new season. I’m ready for milder temps, colorful leaves, and for school to resume so we can get back into some semblance of a regular routine. But just because summer is over doesn’t mean that opportunities for family fun have gone by the wayside. There are plenty of things to enjoy together – here are ten ideas.
1. Go Apple Picking
You spent your summer picking berries, and now it’s time for apples. Take your kids to a u-pick orchard and spend your day outside filling your buckets, then go home and have some fun in the kitchen making apple pie, applesauce, and caramel apples.
2. Go Bike Riding
Once the temperatures cool off from the brutal heat of summer, you can enjoy some of the activities that became miserable mid-season. The cooler temps make autumn a perfect time to enjoy things that require a little more exertion. Pack a picnic lunch and pick a bike route that’s safe for the littles; if they can’t quite ride on their own yet, put them in a bike seat or trailer.
3. Attend a Football Game
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you know that one of the best things about fall is the return of football season. Bundle up the kids, call some friends, and head out to the big game – whether it’s at the local high school, university, or professional arena. Make it extra fun and tailgate before the game.
4. Jump in Leaf Piles
You’ve still got work to do, so turn a chore into family togetherness. Rake your yard but before putting the leaves in trash bags, then let the kids jump in. You probably made those memories when you were growing up, so let your kids make them, too.
5. Carve Pumpkins
You’ve been doing this in your dining room, haven’t you? Avoid the mess and turn your annual tradition of pumpkin carving into a backyard barbecue with family or friends. Spend the day at a u-pick farm selecting the perfect pumpkin, and then let the kids (and adults) go crazy with the carving. You can even turn it into a contest for some extra excitement.
6. Go on a Hike
Heading out on a hike in the fall is amazing, since you’re not as likely to get overheated and uncomfortable. Couple that with walking through the fall foliage as it changes color and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect day outdoors.
7. Have A Bonfire
Whether you burn your leaf pile or buy a stack of logs from your local grocer, a bonfire is always a special event for kids. Make sure you’re using a proper fire pit or burn container and that you keep an eye on the little ones, but this will create memories that will last a lifetime. Make it extra special by roasting hot dogs or s’mores over the fire. And if your local beach has fire pits, consider having your bonfire there. The contrast of the crisp air and the hot fire will make for a cozy evening.
8. Visit a Farmers Market
Summer usually gets all the credit for fresh farmers markets, but as fall rolls around the harvest is far from over. Find a farmers market in your area and check out the local produce – there should still be lots of squash, pumpkins, zucchini, tomatoes, and fruits available. Bonus points if you walk or bike to the market and turn it into a fun family adventure.
9. Go Through a Corn Maze
Autumn is harvest time, and there are tons of farms that host corn mazes and other fall activities that showcase their produce. Prepare for the mud by putting on your rain boots, and work as a team to make it through the corn maze. If you’ve got teens, consider going to a nighttime “haunted” corn maze adventure.
10. Work in Your Garden
After the growing season has ended, it’s time to get ready for the next one. Pull up your old plants, spread your summer compost, and plant bulbs to sprout come spring. Kids love digging in the dirt, so you can be assured that your day of yard work will be totally fun for them.
Summing It Up
There are lots of activities to keep your family busy all through the fall season. Between the abundant harvest and cooler temps, it’s the perfect time to be outside. What’s your favorite way to keep your family active in autumn?
Jenny is a mother of two, a lover of autumn and the great outdoors. You can find her blogging about her experiences being a mom at Mom Loves Best, or Pinning up a storm on Pinterest.
