As the temperatures cool down and the leaves start to change color, fall offers the perfect
opportunity to spend quality time with your family. With crisp air, cozy vibes, and a variety of
outdoor and indoor activities, there’s something special for every family to enjoy. Whether you’re
a fan of pumpkin spice everything or just want to soak up the season with your little ones, here
are 7 fall family activities to make the most of this beautiful time of year.
1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says fall quite like a trip to a pumpkin patch! Pumpkin patches are often filled with more
than just pumpkins—many offer hayrides, corn mazes, and opportunities for adorable family
photos. Let your kids pick out their very own pumpkins to carve at home, or use them for fall
decorations around the house. Bonus: pumpkin patches are a great way to support local farms.
Pro Tip: Visit during a weekday if possible to avoid weekend crowds, and don’t forget your camera
for capturing all the fall magic!
2. Go Apple Picking
Fall is apple season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by heading to a nearby
orchard. Apple picking is a fun and relaxing way to spend time outdoors while gathering fresh,
local produce. Kids will love climbing the ladders and filling their baskets with apples of all
shapes and sizes.
Once you get home, turn your apple haul into a family baking project. Make classic apple pies,
homemade applesauce, or baked apple chips.
Pro Tip: Many orchards have additional activities like petting zoos, food trucks, or cider tastings for
the adults.
3. Take a Nature Hike or Scenic Walk
With fall foliage creating a stunning backdrop, taking a family hike or scenic walk can be a
peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors. Trails that were hot and crowded in the summer are now
cool and vibrant with fall colors. Look for family-friendly hikes that offer moderate terrain and
plenty of places to stop for photos.
Make it a learning experience by pointing out different types of leaves, trees, and wildlife. You
could even turn it into a scavenger hunt for different colors or types of leaves.
Pro Tip: Pack a thermos of hot cocoa or cider to enjoy along the way for an extra cozy touch.
4. Host a Fall Movie Night
For a fun and relaxing evening, create your very own fall-themed movie night at home. Set up a
cozy space with blankets, pillows, and snacks like caramel popcorn, pumpkin cookies, or hot
chocolate. Choose family-friendly fall classics like Hocus Pocus, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie
Brown, or any feel-good movie that brings the autumn spirit.
You can even extend the fun by setting up a backyard projector for an outdoor movie night
under the stars.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a fun fall craft beforehand, like decorating popcorn buckets or making leaf
garlands.
5. Go on a Hayride or Attend a Fall Festival
Local farms, parks, and community centers often host hayrides and fall festivals that are perfect
for family outings. From petting zoos and pumpkin painting to hay mazes and face painting,
there’s usually something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Fall festivals often feature live music, food vendors, and games. It’s a great way to embrace the
local community and soak up all the season’s best activities in one place.
Pro Tip: Check out your town’s event calendar to find a festival or hayride nearby. Some fall
festivals even offer night activities with bonfires and s’mores!
6. Make DIY Fall Crafts
When the weather’s a bit too chilly to be outside, bring the spirit of fall indoors with a family craft
day. Simple DIY crafts like making leaf prints, decorating pumpkins (without the mess of
carving), or creating a fall wreath from natural materials can keep kids engaged and excited.
Collect items from your outdoor adventures—pine cones, colorful leaves, and acorns—to
incorporate into your projects. These handmade crafts can also be used to decorate your home
or create personalized gifts for grandparents and friends.
Pro Tip: Try making gratitude trees where each family member writes something they’re thankful for
on a leaf cutout and adds it to a paper tree.
7. Explore a Corn Maze
Get ready for some laughs and a little bit of adventure by taking your family to explore a corn
maze. Corn mazes vary in difficulty, so you can find one that’s just the right level for your crew.
Some mazes even have evening options where you can bring flashlights for added excitement.
Corn mazes are a fun way to build teamwork and create lasting memories as your family
navigates through the twists and turns together. Plus, many corn mazes are located at farms
with other seasonal activities like petting zoos and cider tastings.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes, as corn mazes can get a little muddy in fall weather.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Season
Fall is such a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, try new activities, and build family traditions.
Whether you’re out exploring nature or creating cozy moments indoors, these fall family
activities will help you make the most of the season. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos, sip
some cider, and cherish the special moments that come with fall.
