Fall Family Activities

By | October 16, 2013

I really believe Fall is magical.

If Peter Pan swooped in on us in the middle of the night and told me to think of a happy little thought–I’d totally think Fall. Pumpkins, apples, firewood, boots, pie, soup, scarves, leaves and the fall collection from O.P.I.

I’m telling you, I’d fly.

Yes, we just watched Peter Pan. But truly, fall just gives me happy little thoughts. That sounds kind of creepy, huh? I can’t tell. My mind is so blurred by Disney and sleep-deprivation that I no longer know how to think like a normal human being. So you’ll just have to forgive me.

I think part of the magic in the season is the dual sense of anticipation and nostalgia. It’s a memory-making season. A tradition-keeping season. And if you have kids, it’s the absolute perfect time to create new traditions and memories.

Between the months of October and November we have the time to really grow closer as family. I’ve come up with another date list but this is for the whole family. We’re all looking for things to do in the fall, so here you go! The ultimate list of fall family activities, at your service ????

fall activities for kids

1.) Pumpkin Patch. Obvs, right? You don’t want to miss this. Don’t just settle for a pumpkin from your grocery store, or worse, your craft store. Get out there in the field and pick a pumpkin.

2.) Horseback Riding. Little pony rides are usually available at pumpkin patches. But if you can arrange it, a real horseback ride would be awesome for your family to experience together. This is something I’m trying to arrange for my family to do, because my little guy is OBSESSED with horses.

things to do in the fall

3.) Apple Picking. I grew up in a town with lots of apple orchards. Trust me, it’s fun to pick apples. It smells divine, the apples are delicious, and there’s just a good, old-fashioned feeling that comes with apple-picking.

fall activities

4.) Bake a Pie. With the apples, with the pumpkin–whatever! Just make a real pie. And pies are no joke. I’ve never successfully made one. *ahem. So this year I’m making it a family affair.

That way if it sucks, I’ll blame it on them.

5.) Make a Leaf Pile.

leaf pile

 

Seriously, one of my most favorite memories as a mom is the day we got the whole neighborhood to make a leaf-pile. Now that I’m in LA I’m going to have to hunt for those crispy leaves. Perhaps we’ll just have to go neighborhood-hopping until we find the perfect leaves.

That’s not weird at all, right?

6.) Family Photos. This may or may not be fun. But either way, fall is the absolute best time to get family photos. Christmas cards! Yes, you already have to think about that.

{And if you want to have some REAL fun, take Awkward Family Photos-–guaranteed to be a good time}.

7.) Host a Feast. I remember when I was about eight years old, I saw a picture of this gorgeous pot of soup and some dreamy bread alongside it. I declared that I wanted to make that meal. So I did. My mom let me get all the stuff together and I prepared a feast for my family. It was dang good, too.

Have your kids help prepare a yummy fall soup or chili. Bake bread. Decorate the table. Invite folks over to celebrate a home-cooked meal that your kids helped prepare. It gives them a sense of pride to be able to contribute, and you’ll end up making a great memory.

8.) Visit a Haunted House. Now, obviously if you have really little kids this wouldn’t be a good idea. I think mine are definitely too young, but I actually want to go with my hubs this year!

9.) Go Hiking! No one ever regrets going on a hike. Well, except if you hike through poison ivy. Or sprain an ankle…Or are that guy from 127 Hours.

Ok, just pick a safe trail. Be careful. Have fun!

10.) Make S’mores. So maybe you’ll regret hiking. But s’mores? Heck no. My kids LOVE making s’mores. They love “helping” with the fire (bringing wood) and they love roasting their marshmallows. Most of all, they love stuffing their faces with them. And so do I. It’s a blast–you have to do it!

s'mores

So, how about it? How about we all make Fall an amazing time for our families! Have any other date ideas? I’d love to hear!

15 thoughts on “Fall Family Activities

  1. Kathy at kissing the frog

    Gorgeous pictures!! I love fall – these are great ideas!

    Reply
  2. Aunt Gloria

    Let’s make a pie together when I come out for AJ’s wedding. I’m not nearly as good as Grandma Shirley, Aunt Karee got that one. I have learned to do a fairly decent regular and can even do a GF. I’ll bring recipes and we will have a blast!

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Absolutely, Aunt Gloria! I would love that! So glad you are coming to the wedding ????

      Reply
  3. Chris Carter

    Dang… already took my kids to the “Giant Eagle Grocery Patch” nicely bedded on the outskirts of the strip mall and the kids picked out their pumpkins with a SQUEAL of delight, and then I got milk and apples- from the grocery store. I suck. LOL

    Reply
  4. Margo Hayes

    Good stuff, Hill! You just forgot #11, going to Nama’s house and sitting around the fireplace with hot chocolate and coffee:) Come soon!

    Reply
    1. hillary

      That is most certainly our favorite! We need to do that soon!

      Reply
  5. Chris Carter

    Oh and to make me even more pathetic? I have never ever in 46 years… made a freaking pie. Nope. Another suck. lol

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Oh I’ve got the eating of both pie and candy DOWN. I just cannot–for the life of me–make a decent pie. It’s the crust that gets me.

      Reply
  6. Amanda

    What great ideas! I never would have thought of horseback riding. One of my favorite things to do in the fall and winter is movie nights, complete with popcorn, a blanket fort, and a fireplace.

    Reply
  7. Aleta

    These are Great ideas!! I can’t wait till my son is a little older and we can make some family traditions! We did already go to a pumpkin patch and had a wonderful time and got some really cute pictures ????

    Reply
    1. hillary

      I just think the pumpkin patch is the best ever for photography! Love it!

      Reply
  8. Meredith

    I love these ideas! We are hitting the pumpkin patch this weekend and thanks for validating that this is a good thing to do as a family!

    Reply

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