Fall is a great time for families to spend time together. The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing, and there are many easy Fall Family Activities to enjoy both indoors and outside! Whether you stay close to home or take a short trip, there are plenty of fun and low-key things to do as a family.
The ideas below are simple, budget-friendly, and don’t require a lot of planning. They’re meant to help you slow down and enjoy everyday moments with your kids during the fall season.
10 Simple Ways to Enjoy the Season
The crunch of the leaves. The crisp, cool weather. The beautiful, golden hues of the changing trees. There is something about the fall that can be quite magical!
As you very well know, it’s often the simplest, least expensive activities that are best remembered from childhood. The easy and fun ideas shared below are autumn memory makers you won’t want to miss with your kids!
1. Apple Picking
There is nothing more satisfying than pulling an apple from a branch, brushing it on your jeans, then sinking your teeth into its crisp, juicy flesh. Plus, an abundance of delicious apple recipes on the web and in cookbooks are reasons enough to spend some time with the family picking your own.
2. Bake a Fall Dessert
Homemade apple crisp, pumpkin bread, and pie—fall is full of cozy and comforting treats! Baking together as a family is a great way to slow down and enjoy the season. Kids can help with measuring, mixing, and pouring, which supports math, motor skills, and independence. More importantly, it’s a chance to connect and create something together.
3. Take a Nature Walk
Nature walks are a simple way for families to spend time together. Fall brings cooler weather, colorful leaves, and a chance to enjoy the outdoors. A walk through a local trail or park doesn’t require much planning—just go at your own pace and see what you notice along the way. Kids might enjoy collecting leaves, spotting squirrels, or picking up interesting rocks. Grown-ups can enjoy the fresh air and quiet time together.
4. Drive Through the Country
Sometimes the best way to enjoy fall’s rich blanket of color is with a peaceful drive through the countryside. Take the back roads, roll down the windows, and soak in the changing leaves. You might come across a farm stand, a quiet trail, or a scenic overlook you didn’t expect.
5. Decorate Pumpkins
Find the perfect pumpkin together and turn decorating it into a fun family project. You can keep it simple with classic pumpkin painting—using bright colors, fun patterns, or even faces. If you want to get creative, try adding stickers, glitter, or craft supplies like ribbons and wiggly eyes.
6. Make Caramel Apples
Making caramel apples is a fun and tasty fall activity the whole family can enjoy. Set up an assembly line with apples, warm caramel, and a variety of toppings like crushed pretzels, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
7. Try a Fall Nature Craft
Simple nature crafts are easy, fun to make with kids, and are a charming addition to fall household decor.
8. Rake and Jump in Leaves
No fall is complete without a big pile of leaves to jump into! Raking leaves may start as a chore, but it quickly turns into playful fun. Grab a rake, make a pile, and let the kids (and grown-ups) take turns diving in. Simple, classic, and always a hit.
9. Visit a Pumpkin Farm and Try a Corn Maze
Head to a local pumpkin patch where you can pick pumpkins and enjoy seasonal activities. Many farms also have corn mazes, which are fun to explore together as a family. Walking through the maze encourages teamwork and adds a little adventure to your fall outing.
10. Have a Picnic
Pack sandwiches, fruit, and a warm drink like cider or hot chocolate. Eat outside and enjoy the cool air and fall color!
More Fall Activity Ideas
Looking for more creative and fun fall activities? You may also enjoy:
- Use our free printable Apple Template to make adorable apple crafts!
- Learn about the Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle during fall migration.
- Create a Fall Sensory Bin with real or artificial leaves!
- Make a Paper Plate Football after watching your local high school team play.
- Download our free printable September Activity and Craft Calendar for more ideas!
Save This Post
Use the image below to save this craft on Pinterest.
Originally published September 2018.
Want even more?
Make sure to follow on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more easy crafts, activities, recipes, and parenting tips. And don’t forget to subscribe to our emails.