Top 10 Fall Activities for the Entire Family

This fall, making time for your family and aging loved ones may not be so simple as it once was. Right now, you and your family's safety is our top priority. As we move through the fall and winter months - time can go by quickly so make sure to get some activities scheduled now.

Activities may be in-person (outdoor and indoor), online or a combination of the two.

We’ve highlighted the top 10 fall activities for you and your family, so try one, two, or all of them!

Transitioning into Fall

Think about when you enter into a new season. Do you feel excited? Nervous? Do you think about all of the upcoming changes? Do you embrace the change?

Transitioning into the Fall months can feel and mean different things to different people. Consider your aging parent and what it might mean for them. Talk to them about your feelings, open up a conversation about these challenges and look for clues on how to help them through it.

If the weather is changing, it may be harder to get outside for walks due to the cold temperatures. The clocks change and shorten the hours of sunlight. The move into fall changes what we wear, see, smell and even eat. These changes can be startling to some and welcomed by others.

Consider the transition period from summer into fall. Talk with your aging parent about their experience, how they are feeling and consider creating a routine to check in with them.

Don’t Forget Your Fall Safety

Checking in on your aging parents will go a long way to prevent any negative emotional or physical changes. Some other fall safety tips include:

Wash your hands often and for 20-seconds
Wear a mask and keep one with you at all times
Avoid burning leaves
Be cautious of back-to-school walkers and traffic
Make sure your fireplace is safe to use
Watch out for slippery sidewalks and roadways
Change smoke alarm batteries
Make sure your heater is working
Be ready for unexpected cold or changing weather
Wear reflective clothing at night
Be careful with space heaters
Watch for poor weather conditions while driving

These simple safety tips will ensure you are able to still have fun during the fall!

Top 10 Fall Activities

Develop your fall bucket list and add these top 10 autumn activities to your list. You will find these to be kid friendly and enjoyable as you enter the crisp fall months ahead.

Decorate your front porch. Taking the time to decorate your front porch will bring you hours of fun and give your neighbors and passerby's something heart-warming to look at. It could be a great way to spark some ideas for others to do the same.
Take a nice fall drive. View the beauty of the fall from the comfort of your car. This is a great way to see the fall foliage without the difficulty of walking around. If you are in warmer climate enjoy a nice drive and explore somewhere new, you haven’t seen yet! Make it a fund family scavenger hunt.
Have a bonfire. Cozy up with your family around a warm, bright bonfire to share stories and just enjoy each other’s company. If having a fire outside is too challenging, and you have a fireplace, take the activities inside. Turn off the lights and enjoy an intimate setting with your family.
Do arts and crafts. Anyone can participate in carving a pumpkin or creating some handmade holiday decor. The list of ideas is endless and that is the best part. Be creative and get messy!
Go pumpkin and/or apple picking. On a nice fall afternoon, take the family to a local farm, pumpkin patch or apple orchard and get some fresh apples and/or pumpkins. Be careful when lifting the pumpkins as they can often be heavier than they look. You can paint the pumpkins with fall colors to keep the imagery alive in your home.
Make a Thankful Tree. Build a tree out of paper for the whole family to add hand written notes on leaves saying what they are thankful for. This is a great for your mental wellbeing.
Schedule family movie time. Putting on a family friendly movie and watching with the whole family can be a great way to relax and enjoy the moment. Not sure what to watch? Pick a classic and share how it makes you feel when watching it.
Cook some healthy fall treats. The fall has lots of opportunities for unhealthy eating, so take some time to make healthy options (click here for suggestions). Everyone enjoys some yummy, comforting treats!
Send some fall love by writing handwritten notes to friends and family. This is a great way to bring joy to someone else and spend time with your family. A hand-written note is rarer nowadays and receiving one will bring a warm smile to your friends and family.
Connect with your community at local events and festivals. Check your local community calendars for a schedule of fall in-person and online events, festivals and activities. You might be surprised by how many there are.

Going Digital for Fall Activities

Many of the top 10 activities listed above can easily be done online via Zoom, Facetime or on many other social platforms. Don’t worry if you are physically apart from your family because you are always connected with them. Not sure how to coordinate an online activity?

Scheduling your online fun will require some coordination and upfront work. Start by checking to see when everyone is generally free. Find a convenient time and send out a text or email invite (after getting everyone’s email addresses). Once scheduled, think about how to incorporate any of the top 10 listed above or play some online games to remain interactive.

You can find some excellent online game recommendations on Parents.com or GoodHouseKeeping.com. Don’t let the distance stop you from being around those you love.