10 Exciting Fall Activities for Families

Colorful leaves and crisper air are perfect for creating new seasonal memories with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for your next outdoor adventure or cozying up with a classic, family-friendly Halloween movie, these are 10 of the most exciting fall activities for families of all ages and interests. 

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Does anything scream “autumn” more than a pumpkin patch? Picking pumpkins is the quintessential fall activity bound to put a smile on your household’s faces. You’d be in good company, too, if this is your idea of family fall fun. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service says there were 66,200 acres worth of pumpkin farms in 2020, producing 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins. Another fun fact: Only nine states, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, harvest 75% of all U.S. pumpkins. 

Imagine your family’s excitement once they bring their pumpkins home, from carving spooky jack-o-lanterns to baking a delicious pumpkin pie. 

2. Go Apple Picking

Like visiting the pumpkin patch, apple picking is another popular fall activity for people of all ages. Numerous local farms welcome visitors each season to pick wide varieties of apples right off the tree. This is often the perfect photo opportunity if you have children. 

Some orchards also have a market where you can buy different apple products, like jam, butter and pastries. Of course, you don’t want to forget those sweet and sugary apple cider donuts — people wait all year to sink their teeth into them.

3. Plan a Fall Scavenger Hunt

If you’re looking for something fun to do while on a budget, there are plenty of free fall activities for families. For example, why not create a fall scavenger hunt for children and toddlers? Create a chart with different natural elements, like rocks, acorns, a colored leaf or a pinecone. 

If you don’t want to make a scavenger hunt chart yourself, you can find plenty of free printable sheets online. Of course, this activity is also educational, especially for younger kids. It’s also a great way to teach them to appreciate the environment and all its beauty. 

4. Make S’mores

Imagine sitting around a crackling fire, wrapped in blankets and making s’mores. If you’re whipping these desserts up around a fire pit or campfire, you’ll want to skewer large marshmallows and roast them until they’re toasted to your liking. To make a sandwich, put a piece of chocolate on a graham cracker square and transfer the marshmallow in between. 

You can also make these in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and toast the marshmallows in the basket for three to four minutes.

A tabletop s’mores maker might be another option for your family. These are much safer for kids than toasting marshmallows over an open flame. 

5. Have an Outdoor Movie Night

An outdoor movie night is the perfect free fall activity for families to ring in the season with a spooky film. Set up a projector and screen — you can also use a white sheet — in the backyard and invite the other families and their kids to watch Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family or Halloweentown.

Everyone can bring folding chairs, blankets and snacks. This activity could even become an annual family tradition for your household and neighborhood. 

6. DIY Fall Crafts

Arts and crafts are always a good idea on a rainy autumn day. Pull out the art supplies and have your kids make fall decorations for the house. Paper plate sunflowers will brighten the windows, while a candy corn garland made from construction paper can adorn your front door. 

Crafts will occupy everyone’s time and offer a great way to bond and make special memories. Just remember to recycle the scraps. 

7. Try Pumpkin Recipes Together

What do you do with all the pumpkins you bought at the patch? Pull out your best pumpkin recipes, from pumpkin muffins to pumpkin ravioli.

One healthy snack for kids and adults alike is pumpkin hummus, which uses roasted pumpkin pieces, olive oil, garlic, tahini, chickpeas, lemon juice and peppers. Blend the ingredients in a food processor and serve with cucumbers, carrots and celery sticks.

Homemade pumpkin chili is another recipe for keeping you and your family warm on a cool fall night. This meal takes less than an hour to make and can be a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian dish. 

8. Visit a Fall Festival

Fall does not lack festivals, from art fairs to concerts and Oktoberfest. You may even travel to attend the most popular fall festivals in America. 

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley, New York — from mid-September to the end of November — is a sight to behold. This annual event displays 7,000 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins along a half-mile path at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor.

In Warrens, Wisconsin, the Warrens Cranberry Festival attracts 150,000 attendees annually for food, shopping and entertainment. Visitors can stop by 1,200 booths selling artisan crafts, souvenirs and antiques. Most people come for cranberry foods, including cranberry kettle corn and cranberry funnel cake. Even better, this event is free. 

9. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Is there a corn maze near where you live? This is always a fun way to spend the afternoon in autumn, working with your family to find your way out of the puzzle.

Farmers usually create corn mazes to raise money for their operations. Sometimes, they donate the proceeds to a local charity. Either way, your attendance will support a good cause by helping local farms stay afloat.

10. Take a Family Hike

Sometimes, quality time with your family outside is like vitamins. Enjoy all the season offers and go for a long walk with your partner and kids. The breathtaking foliage is always something to look forward to every year. 

Just be sure to dress for the occasion, as the weather can be unpredictable in the fall. Wear layers you can remove or add with the fluctuating temperatures, and consider a water-resistant jacket in case it drizzles.

Have Fun With Your Family This Fall

There are so many ways for families to celebrate the fall season. Whether you want to spend time in the crisp, cool air or snuggle inside where it’s warm, you can find countless activities you can do together.