Fall is in full-swing here in central Maryland! The weather has turned crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and the spiders are out in full-force! There’s flannel and pumpkin spice everywhere! Halloween is tomorrow! So many people wait all year for this moment. And then there’s me… a die-hard summertime girl. A million percent {if that were a thing}. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate fall’s beauty, and I enjoy coziness and hot beverages- coffee is my love language after all. But I’d trade all that for 365 days of perfect beach weather in a hot second. Fall for me is a lovely season, but one that marks the definitive end of my beloved summer for the year. It’s a little depressing, TBH! To help me cope with my summer separation anxiety {self-diagnosis} every year I write up a bucket list of fun activities to help me get excited for fall and to create some special memories with my girls, because that’s what it’s all about.
Below is my list for this year, and we’ve already checked off a few activities! If you’re lacking at all in fall spirit like myself, this list will help to flip your fall frown upside-down! All of these activities are so fun and perfectly fall-themed. They’re simple, family-friendly ideas that don’t require a lot of travel, effort, energy, time or cash. You know our family is all about simple! Not only are these all things your whole family can participate in and enjoy, but they’re all FREE or almost free! It doesn’t get better than that. I love finding fun things to do with my kids that don’t cost a fortune. There’s no need to get hung-up in all the consumerism or feel pressured by society’s {Pinterest’s} fake standards for enjoying fall with your family! Just get out there and go!
25 Free {or almost free!} Ways to Enjoy Fall With Your Family
- Open the windows and do a fall deep-cleaning/decluttering
*Donate clothes, coats, blankets, and and other household items to a local shelter or somewhere those in need will be able to access them! No fall activity will warm you like doing good for others! - Go on a nature walk and make a fall decoration out of leaves, acorns and other things you find
- Take a long drive through a scenic area where you can admire the changing leaves
- Pick pumpkins, and then decorate or carve them
- Bake a fall treat- something with apples or pumpkin, and plenty of cinnamon! Share with a friend!
- Go for a hike in a nearby park
- Try a new soup recipe
- Go apple picking
- Make your own spiced apple cider {or applesauce, or apple pie, etc}
- Take fall family photos by your favorite tree when the colors are just right
- Try a new craft like knitting or painting or photography
- Attend your town’s fall festival
- Watch your favorite fall/Halloween movie{s}
- Build a fire in a firepit and gather with friends or neighbors
- Have a backyard camp-out
- Gather cozy blankets and read books together
- Attend a local high school or college football game and/or Homecoming parade
- Visit a corn maze, haunted house, hayride, or whatever your family would enjoy most
- Rake leaves and jump in! Better yet, rake leaves for a neighbor who is older, disabled, just had a baby, or just as a random act of kindness!
- Diffuse some fall essential oils or light a fall candle, and turn on your favorite relaxing music
- Treat yourself to a fall-flavored coffee or beverage, and then buy one for someone else!
- Create a Thankfulness journal/calendar/display and write what you’re thankful for each day
- Take a drive to visit someone you haven’t seen for a while
- Make s’mores {over a fire if possible!}
- Bundle up, grab a blanket, and watch a stunning autumn sunset with a hot beverage in hand
What are your favorite fall family activities? Tell us about them below in the comments so we can keep the list growing! I know there are some creative fall-loving people out there who have even better ideas than mine, haha! I hope you’re enjoying this fall in all your favorite ways!
