Ah, fall! Even if you love the summer, there’s no denying that fall is the most beautiful season of the year!
The crisp air has a new and refreshing smell to it. The trees are starting to change colors, and local grocery stores are lining up their shelves with pumpkin spice products and Halloween decorations. That’s right! Fall is in full swing!
And you know what that means? It’s time to start planning your bucket list with tons of fun fall activities.
From pumpkin carving and apple picking to setting up your own pumpkin patch in the backyard, here’s a list of the most epic fun fall ideas to keep the kids active and happy.
1. Have an indoor campfire with hot cocoa, s’mores, and some candles.
One of my favorite ways to stay warm in the winter is to set up an indoor “campfire” in the living room. It’s a great way to keep the little ones entertained on a rainy afternoon. Just put on some music, light up a few candles, and bring out the marshmallows, graham crackers, and hot cocoa.
2. Visit some of the scariest haunted houses that are scattered all over the United States.
If you’re stumped on ideas, here’s an article with the best-haunted houses you can visit for a spooky good time.
3. Go apple picking or visit a local farmer’s market to buy some apples and bake a delicious apple pie together.
Nothing says fall like apple pie. Visit a local apple farm and go apple picking. Not only will you have an enjoyable time together, but the end results of baking an apple pie in the kitchen together will create memories that will last a lifetime, and will leave your kitchen smelling amazing as well.
4. Start a new tradition by carving an alternative pumpkin, aka, one that’s not actually made of pumpkin.
Instead of carving a heavy vegetable like pumpkin, get your sharpest knife and carve out a new tradition this year. Get creative with different fruits and veggies, like pineapples, peppers, watermelons, apples, and even oranges. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination go crazy.
5. Visit a pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.
Now, if you love, love, love pumpkins and you want to keep this tradition alive, then check out a pumpkin patch in your hometown. It’s the perfect activity for a boring Sunday afternoon that doesn’t need a lot of planning. You’ll have a blast strolling through the fields, eating delicious snacks, and going on a hayride. When you’re done picking your favorite pumpkin, head home for a fun decorating session with the whole family.
6. Make a spooky playlist with your favorite Halloween songs.
If you’re throwing a Halloween bash or having a pumpkin carving party, you absolutely need a Halloween playlist that gives you goosebumps and puts you in the mood to celebrate. Here’s a ghoulish kid-friendly playlist that’s not as cheesy as most kid’s playlists.
7. Don’t have any pumpkin patches in your area? That’s alright! You can set up your own pumpkin patch in your backyard or garage.
You’ll need a little creativity, different kinds of pumpkins, a couple of outdoor backyard games, and lots of patience. Decorate giant cardboard boxes with yellow wrapping paper to imitate stacks of dry straw. Get a couple of plastic Jack o lanterns to decorate your pumpkin patch. Get some party favors and hide them around the backyard. And to really make your pumpkin patch stand out, build your own scarecrow out of scraps and leftover materials.
8. Watch Halloween movies while eating popcorn or pumpkin flavored treats!
If you’re tired of rewatching the same Halloween movies year after year, check out this list of kid-appropriate Halloween movies that are great for the whole family.
Luckily for us sweater weather enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of fun things to do with the whole family. Here’s to a beautiful fall!