It’s August and fall is right around the corner. Who can believe it after such a hot summer?! It’s been overwhelmingly hot here on the East Coast with temperatures over 100F, which is not really normal for us. Don’t forget to include humidity. So this fall will definitely be welcomed with open arms. We’re definitely dreaming about crisp air and the vibrant colors of fall. But while we wait, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about fall activities and planning them out. So I’ve put together this list of 40 fall activities to consider doing this fall!
They’ve been divided up into outdoor, indoor, family-friendly, and community and social activities.
This post is all about fall activities.
Table of Contents
Outdoor Fall Activities
Pumpkin Picking
There’s nothing quite like a trip to a local pumpkin patch. This is an activity I remember doing fondly with family and friends during the fall and plan to continue to do that with my husband and daughter. Spend a day selecting the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The best time to do pumpkin picking is in late September until October.
Corn Mazes
Who doesn’t like a good corn maze? Challenge yourself with a visit to a corn maze. These fun, labyrinthine attractions are perfect for family outings or a day with friends.
Apple Orchard Visits
This is also another activity that can either be done with friends or enjoyed as a family. My family and I did a lot of apple picking when we were done. Experience the joy of apple picking at a nearby orchard. The fresh air and the opportunity to pick your own fruit make this a quintessential fall activity. It’s the perfect activity to then carry back home and either eat raw apples, or make all kinds of goodies like homemade applesauce and apple pie.
Hiking in Fall Foliage
During the fall is probably the best time to go hiking, in my opinion. It’s so much cooler outside in comparison to the summer time which can be a hit or miss with the heat. Lace up your hiking boots, explore some trails, and enjoy the changing vibrant colors.
Hayrides
You can knock this activity out while at an apple orchard, pumpkin picking, or visiting a corn maze. Hop on a hayride for a classic fall experience.
Leaf Peeping
Or watching the fall foliage. Take a leisurely drive or walk through areas known for stunning fall foliage. Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking colors of the season. There are lots of places to go to watch the leaves change. Some great places on the East Coast are:
- Upstate New York
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
Getting the timing right to see the peak of the fall foliage can be tricky. Use this great guide by the Farmer’s Almanac that discusses when peak foliage will happen this year.
Bonfires or Fire Pit
Gather around a crackling bonfire or a fire pit with family and friends. Toast marshmallows, make s’mores, enjoy hot cider, and bask in the heat coming from the fire on cool evenings.
**This activity will of course be dependent on where you live and if there are any restrictions. **
Football Games
With the fall also comes football season. Either attend a football game or invite family and friends over for a day of football. This can actually be an all day affair between cooking up meals, putting together snacks, and watching the game.
Camping
Set up camp and enjoy the crisp fall nights under a star-filled sky. Fall camping offers a peaceful retreat and beautiful scenery.
Outdoor Photography
Fall is a photographer’s dream with all the rich hues of autumn, from the golden leaves to the dramatic sunsets, to create lasting memories. Whether you book a photo session to have pictures taken or you take the photos yourself, there are definitely plenty of great shots to make. Consider making a photo album to show off!
Indoor Activities
Baking Fall Treats
It definitely wouldn’t be fall without some baked goods. Warm up your kitchen with the scents of fall baking. Try recipes for pumpkin bread, apple pie, or cinnamon rolls to enjoy with family.
For fall recipes, try out sites like Half-Baked Harvest , Downshiftology , or Calla’s Clean Eats.
Crafting with Leaves
Instead of spending money on buying garlands with plastic, consider an eco-friendly alternative that’s free! Collect fallen leaves and create beautiful autumn-themed crafts. Use them to make wreaths, garlands, or framed art pieces.
Fall-Themed Movie Nights
Cozy up with a selection of fall-themed movies. From Halloween classics to heartwarming autumn tales, movie nights are perfect for chilly evenings.
Decorating for Fall
Who doesn’t like their home to be nice and cozy for fall? Imagine cozy blankets with the smell of baked goods in the air – something probably with pumpkins, apples, and cinnamon!
Transform your home with fall decorations. Think cozy throws, pumpkins, and festive centerpieces to bring the spirit of autumn indoors.
Reading Fall Books
Curl up with a good book that captures the essence of fall. Whether it’s a seasonal romance or a spooky story, reading is a great way to unwind.
Making Homemade Soup
Ok so we’ve covered baked goods for the season, but what about meals?! Fall is the ideal time for hearty soups and stews. You don’t need to necessarily go to Panera for some seasonal soups and stews. Experiment with recipes featuring seasonal ingredients like squash, pumpkin, and apples.
Candle Making
This is something I’d definitely like to get into at some point. In fact I have an Etsy shop for home decor and this is definitely something I’m toying with as adding into my growing collections of items. Craft your own candles with autumn scents like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice. They make great gifts or cozy additions to your home.
[RELATED POST: Homestead Crafts: 46 Amazing Crafts to Try Right Now]
Fall Puzzle Games
Challenge yourself with puzzles featuring fall themes. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a rainy day indoors.
Scrapbooking Fall Memories
This is the perfect activity to go along with your fall photography! Document your fall activities and experiences in a scrapbook. Include photos, mementos, and notes to create a cherished keepsake.
Hosting a Thanksgiving Planning Party
Gather friends and family to plan for Thanksgiving. Share recipes, discuss menu options, and enjoy some pre-holiday cheer!
Family-Friendly Activities
Pumpkin Carving
So you grabbed your pumpkin while pumpkin picking. Now it’s time to carve it. This was another fun activity to do as a child, depending on their age. Get creative with pumpkin carving. Design and carve spooky or fun faces, and display your creations to celebrate the season. My mom went above and beyond one year and did an entire haunted house themed pumpkin. I really wish we had photos of it but it was amazing!
Consider searching on Pinterest for inspiration!
Fall Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt with fall-themed items. It’s a fun way for kids to explore and discover the wonders of autumn.
Making Fall Crafts
Engage in crafting projects with kids. Use materials like acorns, pinecones, and leaves to create festive decorations and gifts.
Visiting a Farm
Explore local farms that offer fall activities like petting zoos, corn pits, and hay mazes. It’s a great way to enjoy the season with children.
Creating a Fall Bucket List
Make a list of must-do fall activities and work through it as a family. It’s a fun way to ensure you experience all the season has to offer.
Building a Fort
Who doesn’t like a good fort?! Get creative! Spend a day building a cozy indoor fort. Decorate it with blankets and pillows for a fun and imaginative play space.
Storytelling Nights
Do people even still do storytelling? Gather around for storytelling sessions. Share spooky tales or heartwarming stories that capture the essence of fall. If you’re not a good storyteller, there are always plenty of fall themed books to read.
Fall-Themed Science Experiments
Conduct simple science experiments with fall themes. Try making a DIY volcano or exploring the science of pumpkin decomposition.
Creating a Fall Garden
Plant fall flowers or vegetables in your garden. Consider varieties like chrysanthemums, kale, or pumpkins to enhance your outdoor space.
Family Baking Day
Spend a day baking together as a family. Choose recipes that everyone can participate in and enjoy the delicious results.
Community and Social Activities
Local Fall Festivals
Attend community festivals celebrating fall. Enjoy activities like live music, food vendors, and craft booths.
Craft Fairs
Explore local craft fairs and markets. Discover handmade items and seasonal goods while supporting local artisans.
Volunteering for Food Drives
Give back by volunteering for food drives or community service. It’s a meaningful way to help those in need during the season of giving.
Fall Fundraisers
Participate in or support local fall-themed fundraisers. Whether it’s a charity auction or a fun run, these events benefit the community.
Seasonal Farmers’ Markets
Visit farmers’ markets to shop for fresh, seasonal produce. Find ingredients for your fall recipes and support local farmers.
Outdoor Concerts
Enjoy live music in the crisp fall air. Look for outdoor concerts or performances that celebrate the season.
Wine Tasting Events
Sample seasonal wines at local tasting events. Discover new favorites and enjoy the flavors of fall.
Participating in a Fun Run
Join a seasonal fun run or charity race. It’s a great way to stay active and support a good cause.
Visiting Historical Homes
Tour historical homes decorated for the season. Learn about history and enjoy festive decorations.
Attending Local Theater Performances
Watch a play or performance at a local theater. Fall productions often feature seasonal themes or classic favorites.
Conclusion
Fall is a season rich with opportunities for enjoyment and connection. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, embracing cozy indoor activities, or engaging in community events, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Make the most of this vibrant time of year, and share your favorite fall activities with us in the comments!
This post was all about fall activities.
