Blink and you might miss it—autumn leaves change and fall to the ground. And before you know it, winter and the holiday season will be upon us. Be sure to take advantage of the crisp and beautiful air with the family. Add these ideas to your bucket list!
Activities
Build a Fire
There’s something so cozy and special about being around a fire on a crisp, cool autumn night. And now, there are so many portable fire pit options, it doesn’t matter where you live—you can have a family fire night wherever you are!
Go Stargazing
It may be news to many that autumn is actually the ideal time for stargazing. It gets darker earlier, but the temperature is still comfortable. Plus, you’re able to see both the “summer stars” before they go and the “winter stars” as they’re arriving.
Plant for Spring
Autumn is the ideal time to get started on having a blooming yard when spring hits. Do your future self a favor and get the whole family’s hands digging and planting plants for next year.
Bike or Drive Through the Colors
There are only a couple of weeks when the changing colors of fall are in full force. Dedicate some time for the whole family to take a drive or hit a local bike trail to soak the beauty in.
Snacks
Pumpkin Seeds
CLASSIC. Having savory pumpkin seeds to snack on at a moment’s notice is peak fall.
Caramel Apple Slices
This was clearly thought up by a parent—kids will never eat the entire caramel apple. Cut them into slices and everyone can top it with their preferred treats.
Harry Potter’s Pumpkin Juice
Just like orange juice is an everyday staple for us muggles, Harry Potter fans know that Pumpkin Juice is the wizard equivalent. Contrary to most typical fall beverages, this one is iced but delightful all the same.
Crafts
Real Leaf Stamps (with Markers!)
The cheapest and most versatile craft you’ll find. All you need are some (green) leaves from your yard, markers, and whatever canvas you want to stamp leaves onto. Have the kids make cards for relatives, or simply new pieces of art for your walls.
Fall Leaf Crowns
This is a two-part activity for the kids. First, making crowns out of brown paper bags (grocery or lunch) and colorful leaves. Second, dress-up and make-believe games with their new costume creations.
Autumn Leaf Mason Jar Candle Holder
Light up your backyard or windowsill with these festive decorations. Mod podge real or fake leaves onto mason jars and you and the kids will create some lovely ambiance in the leaf colors of your choice.
No-Carve Pumpkins
Carving pumpkins can be (A) dangerous for kids and (B) super messy. Skip both of those and opt for painting and covering your pumpkins with leaves and other pretty autumn foliage you can find. They won’t be scary, but sometimes that’s a welcome change.
