It’s the time of year that many have been waiting for. Football games, bonfires, smores, leaves changing color, Halloween etc. Fall is here, or it will be in a week. Here are some fun family friendly fall activities; from cooking to hiking to pumpkin patches. What is your family going to try?
Do a popcorn science experiment
This is perfect for fall! You will need to get dried corn on the cob. That’s right — you can buy them dried at gourmet shops and online. (see link below for more info)
Then you stick it in a paper bag and microwave it. Lo and behold — it pops, just like regular dried popcorn kernels. But it’s 100% cooler. Your kids will love seeing what happens. Make sure you ask them to predict what they think might happen before you do the experiment. It’s science. Edible science.
Check out the full instructions here for How to Make Popcorn on the Cob.
roast pumpkin seeds
Looking for another fun and edible fall activity? This is it. You can scoop the seeds from the pumpkin yourself or buy the pre-hulled variety at the grocery store. Then roast them in the oven or the air fryer.
make a festive fall snack treat
While we are talking food, this is a fun activity for all ages. My kids are 5 and 8 and love making snack mixes. This one is great because it is customizable. You can create your own or choose from the following ingredients:
- Chex Cereal (try honey or cinnamon for added umpf!)
- Candy corn
- Yogurt raisins
- Bugles
- Chocolate chips
- M&Ms
- Goldfish or Cheez-it crackers
- Almonds or cashews
- Craisins or fruit snacks
- Ritz Bitz
- Pretzels
I haven’t tried bugles in a mix yet but I just read something recently about bugles being an awesome not-so-secret ingredient. I’m definitely trying it next time!
donate cans of food to a local food bank
This is a simple way to give back and a great lesson for kids. Explain to your kids what a food bank does — how some people and/or families need extra food, and a food pantry collects donations to give to them so they won’t be hungry.
Then have them help out by collecting donations from friends, family members, and neighbors. Or you can just “shop” in your own pantry and/or let your kids pick up a few extra items at the grocery store on your next trip. Once the items are collected, find a collection location and go together to donate the items.
find a fall festival to attend
In the next couple of weeks, they will be popping up all over the country, as we usher in the new season of the year. And these festivals are totally geared toward families, which means you’ll likely find lots of fall activities all in one spot. Think: hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and games for the kids.
make cinnamon fried apple rings
Cinnamon Sugar Fried Apple Rings. Like onion rings, but not. They’re battered, fried, and then dipped in cinnamon sugar. Can you say perfect fall food?! Serve them warm. They can even be dipped in chocolate for all the chocolate lovers out there. These are definitely on my bucket list this fall.
photo: Cinnamon Sugar Fried Apple Rings / somewhatsimple.com
backyard campout
Enjoy the cooler temps and the absence of bugs and have a backyard campout. If you do not have a yard suitable for a campout, plan an epic camping trip with the family. Find a campground or a local lake with camping options. You can choose from tent camping to RV rental to campground cabins for a “glamping” experience. I know some places even have Yurts, which is on my bucket list.
visit a local pumpkin patch
Load up the family and head to a local pumpkin patch. Take some photos and buy some pumpkins to use for decorating and eating. Many pumpkin patches these days also sell fall decorations and crafts. It’s like a one-stop shop for all things fall. Pro tip: instead of carving pumpkins this fall, try painting them instead.
go apple picking
If you’re fortunate enough to live near an apple orchard, or within a decent driving distance to one, this is one of the must-do fall activities. Google can probably help you find one or ask on Facebook; that’s where I find out about “hidden gems”.
I live in the eastern third of NC, so our climate is not really suitable for Apple Orchards. However, if I drive an hour west, they start popping up.
go for a scenic drive when the leaves change
Take a drive together as a family to observe the beautiful trees as their leaves transform. You can go for a hike, plan a picnic or just hop in the car and observe the leaves from the vehicle. You can even do a family “scavenger hunt/eye spy” as you drive around. Make a list of leaf colors and types of trees and check them off as you spot them.
create a list of blessings
Sit down with your family and write down everything you’re grateful for in preparation of Thanksgiving. Take turns adding items to the list. Another fun way to do this is for each person to write their blessings on individual pieces of paper. Fold them and put them in a mason jar or some other container. Display it in your home for a year and next Fall, revisit your blessings from the previous year.
rake leaves as a family
OK. This may not seem appealing at first glance- (why would I put a chore on a family fun list?)- but raking leaves as a family can be fun. Rake the leaves into 2-3 big piles in the yard and then let the kids go wild jumping from pile to pile. Parents join in if you’re up to it. This is also a great time to take some seasonal photos.
hike in the fall foliage
Go to a local park and explore the beauty of fall on your feet. This is one of my favorite fall activities. We live in a small neighborhood that has a long dirt road. The kids and I love walking down that road and looking at all of the tree’s and the brilliant color leaves. The crisp smell of fall in the air. I love it.
have a bonfire
If you are a city slicker, this may not work for you. But for those who have a yard or live in the country, or even the burbs, light it up! There are several options when it comes to having an outdoor fire these days. You can use a burn barrel or a purchased firepit to keep the fire more contained or you can dig an old fashioned firepit in the ground. The kids will love it!! For bonus fun grab some graham crackers, Hershey bars and marshmallows to make S’mores.
Drop a comment here and let me know which of these fun activities you decided to do as a family. Happy Fall y’all!
