Fall Activities for Families | Free Printable Fall Fun Checklist
Being intentional about spending quality, fun time with your family creates memories that will last a lifetime. Traditions are integral to the life of a family and by choosing a few fun activities to do with you family each season can be a great way to not only create memories, but also strengthen family relationships. Today I’m sharing a checklist of fun fall activities for families that will hopefully inspire you to think of new ways to enjoy your time as a family.
Also, be sure to download my fall activities for families checklist at the bottom of the post.
This post was originally published in September 2019. Updated October 2023.
Wow, here in Kentucky, the weather has cooled off so much in the last week or so. We opened up our windows and it’s so nice to air out the house and feel the chill in the air at night. I’ve been excited to freshen up the house for fall and have slowly been putting up a few simple fall decorations.
I don’t do a lot of fall decor, but I do enjoy adding touches of fall around the house. I think decorating for the season makes a home feel festive and cozy.
I also love finding ways for us to have fun as a family during the fall. The cooler months before winter hits offers the perfect time to enjoy family activities outdoors.
Fall Activities for Families
This list of fall activities for families is full of fun ideas you can use as a fall bucket list. Or, you could pick just a few of these fall activities to do this year with your family.
1. Go apple picking. Apple picking is such a great fall activity for families. You can find apple orchards in your state at the Pick Your Own website.
2. Collect leaves and create art. Young children especially enjoy taking a nature walk and finding pretty leaves, but with the right art activity, this would be a fantastic fall activity for every age. Here are a few ideas:
3. Go on a hayride. Hayrides are so much fun for the whole family! Bundled up in the crisp air, singing songs, laughing, etc. If you have small children, be sure to keep them next to you so they stay safe. Hayrides are a great way to make memories as a family in the fall.
4. Decorate the porch. Sprucing up your front and back porch with fall decor is a great way to welcome the change of season and welcome your family and friends into your home. Add pots of fall mums, pretty pumpkins (Trader Joe’s always has pretty ones), and a new fall wreath. You might even want to add a new door mat for fall.
5. Bake an apple pie. Who doesn’t love apple pie? Apple pie just says fall to me. Get your kids involved in helping make the pie and you’re sure to create some special memories! Here are 8 simple apple pie recipes for fall that anyone can master.
6. Have a fall picnic. Picnics are one of my favorite activities to do as a family. The cool weather right now makes having a picnic a perfect fall activity for families! Learn how to plan the perfect picnic here. You can also find lots of kid friendly picnic recipes here.
7. Carve or paint pumpkins. Why not have a pumpkin carving contest for the whole family and offer awards:
- most creative
- best in show
- happiest pumpkin
- most silly design
- etc.
8. Go on a hike. Hiking is another activity I absolutely love doing with my family. Summer hikes are so hot and we don’t do a lot of hikes when it’s really hot outside. That’s why taking a family hike in the fall is so perfect. You can enjoy the crisp air with a little vigorous exercise! It’s also a great time to talk to your kids about the wonders of God’s creation and learn a few survival skills too.
9. Visit a corn maze. Corn mazes can be so much fun! If you’ve never been to a corn maze, you’re missing out. Why not visit a local corn maze and try to find your way out this year as a family?
10. Bake pumpkin treats. Of course, pumpkin flavored everything seems to be everyone’s favorite. Get the kids involved with some simple pumpkin treats recipes. Here are a few recipes you can try:
- pumpkin milkshakes
- pumpkin ice cream
- gluten free pumpkin cupcakes
- pumpkin dessert squares
- maple glazed pumpkin cookies
11. Build a scarecrow. How fun would this be!?!? Learn how to easily make a scarecrow – kids can help!
12. Make a fall wreath. Years ago I hosted a women’s ministry social at our church where we made fall wreaths. I gathered a bunch of fall florals and other supplies like glue guns, floral wire, and ribbon and we had so much fun making those wreaths! Alternatively, you could purchase pretty fall wreath like this one here.
13. Make a fall trail mix. If you make this fall trail mix, you could take it on your fall hike with your family!
14. Roast marshmallows in the backyard. There’s nothing like building a fire outdoors (check local burn guidelines for safety) and roasting marshmallows! I love sitting by the fire when it’s chilly outside and our whole family loves roasting marshmallows to perfection.
15. Jump in a pile of leaves. Moms may not want to actually participate, but why not? Let me know if you’re brave enough to jump in a pile of leaves! However, kids love this fall family activity. Let them help rake leaves up into a big pile and listen to their laughter as they jump into the leaves!
16. Roast pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are so yummy and full of health benefits. When you carve pumpkins be sure to save those seeds. You can let your kids help rinse the seeds and toss in the oil and seasonings. Learn how to roast pumpkin seeds here.
17. Knit a scarf. If you don’t know how to knit, you can purchase a knitting loom that’s easy enough for kids to use too. Then, use a pattern to knit your scarf. This idea would be great for homemade Christmas presents too!
18. Have a fall scavenger hunt. My kids and I have always enjoyed a good scavenger hunt. With the cool weather, going on a scavenger hunt in the fall is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors as a family. Here are a few printable scavenger hunts for fall you can download:
19. Make s’mores. Again, who doesn’t love s’mores? This is a fall activity everyone in the family can get excited about. Why not try getting creative with your toppings? Here are 5 S’mores Recipes you’ll enjoy.
20. Have a cozy movie marathon. Grab some pillows, cozy blankets, hot chocolate and popcorn for a cozy movie marathon. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Homeward Bound – Rated G
- October Sky – Rated PG (some language but it’s a true story and worth the watch)
- Fly Away Home – Rated PG
- anything on the Hallmark channel
21. Have a fall photo shoot. You could get matching outfits and have a family photo shoot. Hire a photographer, ask a friend to help, or simply set the timer on your phone and take some photos!
22. Go on a scenic drive to see the changing leaves. A few years ago our area was listed in Southern Living Magazine as one of the best places to see fall foliage. Regardless of where you live, if the leaves are changing, why not take a Sunday afternoon and go for a drive?
23. Do apple bobbing. And finally, if you want to get your family laughing hard, try apple bobbing. Your sure to get wet and have a lot of fun!
Action Steps to Take Today
- Pray and ask God to help you be intentional when choosing fun fall activities for your family.
- Download my free printable fall fun checklist below, if desired.
- Choose a few fall family activities from the list to do together, or make it a challenge to see how many of the activities you can scratch off the list!
Free Printable Fall Fun Activities Checklist
How to Download
- Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive an email giving you instant access to my Fall Activities for Families printable.
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