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The leaves are starting to change color, the days are growing shorter, and that can only mean one thing: Fall is here! As the days get cooler, it’s a great time to enjoy some affordable and fun activities with your family.
Looking for new fall fun ideas for activities? Looking for fun fall activities? From all there is to see in nature – leaves changing, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches – to all the fun crafts and recipes you can whip up indoors, this colorful season is the perfect time to start new family traditions.
If your family is on a budget this year, you’ll love this helpful guide. Our list of affordable and fall fun activities will keep your family entertained from September to November without “breaking the bank.” Christmas will be here before you know it!
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What is a Fun Fall Activity?
Looking for a fun fall activity this autumn? Some of the best ones to try include:
- Having a fall-themed family photo shoot
- Going to the pumpkin patch
- Watching scary Halloween movies
- Making your own Halloween costumes
- Eating pumpkin treats
- Taking online lessons
- Going for a hike
- Enjoying apple cider
Here’s a video with even more ideas for some fun fall activities:
https://www.care.com/c/101-fun-fall-activities-for-kids
What are the Most Popular Fun Fall Activities?
Halloween is coming up and that means costumes, candy, and decor.
But it’s also a great time to get outside and have some fun before the cold weather sets in – and fall isn’t just about Halloween, anyway!
Here are some affordable and fun fall activities for families. From pumpkin patches to hayrides, there’s something for everyone! So get out there and enjoy the beautiful autumn colors.
There are dozens of fall activities you can try with your family this autumn, but these are the 10 most popular fall activities of them all.
10 Affordable & Fun Fall Activities For Family
1. Have a Fall-Themed Family Photo Shoot
Decorate your Instagram with adorable family photos taken at the nearest apple orchard. Sport scarves and earth tones to make it the ultimate fall-themed photo shoot. You can even get creative and add the pictures to your holiday cards! (See #9 on this list for more holiday card tips).
2. Take a Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says “autumn” more than taking a trip to a local pumpkin patch. Try to find one with a corn maze for even more family fun. See who can find the biggest pumpkin and take it home to carve it into something spectacular. Don’t toss out those delicious seeds! Here are some yummy recipes for seasoning and roasting them.
3. Get Spooked Together
Are you a fan of scary movies? Check Netflix around Halloween for new seasonal additions. Grab some popcorn, hot chocolate, and get ready to binge watch Stranger Things! If you’re looking for something on the less spooky side, here is a helpful list of Halloween movies for wimps. (Does “Hocus Pocus” ring a bell?)
4. Craft Your Costumes
Store-bought Halloween costumes can be so expensive, but there are plenty of DIY options that are just as fun and creative. Here are a few easy and unique costume ideas. *Note: Many of these ideas will require a visit to your local craft store or thrift shop. Have fun trick-or-treating!
5. Whip Up Some Pumpkin-Flavored Treats
Pumpkin-flavored muffins, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin pie… the list goes on and on. Now that pumpkins are in season it’s the perfect time to satisfy your cravings. Baking as a family isn’t just a great bonding experience; it also doubles as a learning one. You’ll get to work on your cooking skills together and best of all- enjoy the fruits of your labor when it’s all done!
6. Have Fun Indoors with Group Music Classes or Private Lessons
If it’s too cold outside to visit the pumpkin patch, try out free music classes at TakeLessons Live. These online, group classes are taught live by an expert instructor, whether you want to learn a new instrument or work on your singing skills. Children and adults of all skill levels are welcome to join in the fun.
Online private lessons are another affordable and convenient way to pick up a new skill. The one-on-one guidance can help you reach any goal faster. Plus, online lessons allow you to work with teachers from all across the U.S., giving you more options for finding the perfect teacher at a price that works for you.
7. Go for a Hike or Nature Walk
When weather is permitting, a hike or nature walk is an excellent way to get in some beneficial exercise while enjoying the colorful scenery. Have the kids collect pinecones or acorns and paint them when you get home for some festive decor. Here are some fun tutorials on how to make DIY pinecone centerpieces, wreaths, and more.
8. Enjoy Homemade Apple Cider
Apple cider is a fall-favorite because it’s both delicious and easy to make. Pinterest is a great place to go for cider recipes. Many of them only require a few simple ingredients! Enjoy this warm and tasty treat around the fireplace and as Thanksgiving approaches, share things your family is thankful for from the past year.
9. Work on Holiday Cards
The holidays are quickly approaching and now is the perfect time to reach out to your closest friends and relatives. Express your sentiments in homemade holiday cards or letters this year for a greeting they’ll always cherish. If you’d like to add a family photo, check out Etsy for customizable, DIY holiday card templates.
10. Make a Christmas Wish List
Does the thought of Christmas shopping overwhelm you? Have family members fill out a “wish list questionnaire” of their likes and dislikes, favorite movies, candies, or places to shop. Wish lists are a win-win. They make shopping easier and ensure your loved ones will enjoy their gifts. *Bonus Tip: You can even organize a “Secret Santa” within your family so that each person is only responsible for buying one gift.
54 More Fun Activities for Fall
Not satisfied with the fall activities for families listed above? Here are 54 more fall fun activities!
11. Go to the Farmer’s Market
There’s all kinds of produce that’s in season at this time of the year! From apples to winter squash, be sure to check out all the best flavors of fall.
12. Head to the Petting Zoo
This is one of the best and most fun fall activities for toddlers! Head over to the petting zoo and enjoy interacting with goats, sheep, and other critters now that the weather is cooler.
13. Play Board Games
When those rainy November days seem never ending, cuddle up by the fire and play a rousing game of Scrabble, Monopoly, or any other game your family loves.
14. Go on a Bike Ride
Fall is a great time to take in the leaves and other scenery – go on a bike ride and you’ll love seeing everything your local neighborhood has to offer the most gorgeous time of year!
15. Go to a Football Game
Another one of the most fun activities for fall is to go to a football game. Whether it’s your favorite college team or the local high school playoffs, be sure to add at least one to the schedule this autumn.
16. Celebrate Oktoberfest
What are some fun fall activities that will let you get together with multiple families? One of the best fun fall activities is celebrating Oktoberfest. Pick up some beer and sausages, then host one of these classic get-togethers that the whole crew is sure to love.
17. Make Chili
Who doesn’t love chili? There’s nothing more nourishing and warming on a cold October day than a big bowl of chili – so give this activity a try.
18. Go Stargazing
If you’re looking for fun activities to do in the fall, you won’t find many better options than going stargazing. Bring a blanket!
19. Read a Fall Book
Curl up and enjoy a new fall book, like “Squishy Squashy Pumpkin” or “Little Blue Truck’s Halloween.”
20. Go to the Library
Don’t have any fall books? Now is a great time to head to the library, then!
21. Play Thankful Ball
Want an active family-friendly game that will keep everyone occupied – but also is productive? Play Thankful Ball! It’s just a game of catch, but each time you throw the ball, you have to say something you’re thankful for. It’s a great way to help the kids burn off some steam on Thanksgiving morning!
22. Watch the Geese
For a calmer activity this fall, take the crew outside and watch the geese fly south for the winter.
23. Rake Leaves
Okay, so this one is kind of a chore, but it’s a fun fall activity for kids of all ages. Rake some leaves! Oh – and be sure to let the little ones dive into the pile before you bag them up, too.
24. Run a Fall 5K
You can run a 5k any time of the year, but if you’re looking for fun activities to do in the fall, running a 5k is a great option. It’s cooler in the fall, making it a great time to try for a PR!
25. Make Fall Wreaths
From fallen leaves to burlap, mini pumpkins to sunflowers, there are all kinds of materials that you can use to make a festive fall wreath. Get the whole family together for this fun arts and crafts project!
26. Plant Fall Garden Bulbs
Like to garden? Plant some bulbs in the fall, like tulips, so they’ll be ready to go come spring.
27. Make Bird Feeders
You can make bird feeders out of just about anything, from toilet paper to peanut butter and seeds. It’s a great way to give the birds a snack at a time of the year when other food is becoming scarce!
28. Go to a Corn Maze
Nothing says fall like a corn maze! This is one of the best and most fun fall activities for kids, especially the big kids.
29. Go to a Fall Festival
Search “fun fall activities near me” and you’re sure to see a ton of fun fall festivals come up. Bring the whole family along!
30. Go to a Halloween Event
Ditto for Halloween events. Look for options near you – you shouldn’t have to drive too far!
31. Go Camping
Most people camp in the summertime, but fall is a prime time to score deals on campsites and enjoy camping when it’s not sweltering, too.
32. Play Fall Trivia
Hit up a fall trivia night – or have your own at-home trivia night – to test everyone’s knowledge of the top fall topics.
33. Paint and Carve Pumpkins
Whether you prefer to paint or carve, decorating pumpkins is a fall staple.
34. Take the Family Christmas Photo
It’s not Christmas Time yet, but if it’s fall, that means it’s time to start thinking about scheduling your holiday photo.
35. Have a Bonfire
Cuddle up around a bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores!
36. Make Popcorn
Fall is popcorn time – whip up a batch on the stovetop and add your favorite toppings, like chocolate chips or M&Ms.
37. Volunteer
If you’re looking for fun activities to do in the fall, there’s no better way to stay engaged in the community than to volunteer. Sign up to work at a soup kitchen, pick up trash along the side of the road, or do something else that makes everyone feel good.
38. Have a Sack Race
An oldie, but a goodie. This is a classic way to burn some calories in the fall!
39. Go “Leaf Peeping”
If you’re looking for fun activities for fall, you can’t beat this classic – drive around to look at the leaves!
40. Make a Scarecrow
Even if you don’t have a garden, making a scarecrow is a great way to celebrate fall and decorate your front porch all at the same time.
41. Donate Food
Take the time to go through your pantry and purge unopened and unwanted food. Donate it to your local food shelf so they have an abundance just in time for Thanksgiving.
42. Pick Fall Flowers
From sunflowers to chrysanthemums, there are plenty of flowers that reach their peak right when fall arrives. Make a beautiful bouquet for your home!
43. Decorate Your Home for Fall
Whether you’re making wreaths, scarecrows, putting out corn stalks, or adding some spooky Halloween décor, fall is a great time to give your home a facelift!
44. Jump in Puddles
Who doesn’t love jumping in puddles? Most people think of this as a springtime activity, but it’s actually one of the best and most fun fall activities for toddlers and young kids, too.
45. Make Caramel Apples
Caramel apples=fall fun activities to the max! Make your own this weekend.
46. Do Leaf Crafts
Making leaf crafts are fun fall family activities, too. There are dozens of different designs you can make!
47. Make Turkey Handprints
Little kids will go nuts over this craft. Put your hand in fingerpaint and make a festive turkey print – gobble gobble!
48. Paint Pinecones
Send the kids out on a pinecone hunting mission – then bring them back inside to paint them. You can use them as decorations around the house!
49. Learn to Knit
As the weather gets colder, you might be looking for hobbies that will let you hibernate. Knitting is one of those fun fall family activities that’s easy to learn and a total blast. Learn how now and you can knit Christmas presents together as a family!
50. Throw a Themed Party
Whether it’s a monster party or a woodland party, there’s no better way to celebrate fall than with a backyard bash.
51. Roast Pumpkin Seeds
At the top of just about every list of fall family fun activities, you’ll find roasting pumpkin seeds. Not only will this put all the “innards” from your pumpkin carving session to good use but it will also provide your family with a healthy and tasty snack!
52. Make Apple Desserts
Apple pie. Apple strudel. Apple turnovers. Apple crisp. The list of apple desserts is endless. Put the season’s fresh apples to good use with these fall fun activities!
53. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a great way to get some exercise and get some fresh air – perfect for fall.
54. Go for a Picnic
Again, you might think picnicking is just for spring and summer, but that’s not the case. Get out there and enjoy a meal – while enjoying the colors of fall.
55. Bake a Pie
It doesn’t have to be an apple, either.
56. Make Some Soup
From pumpkin soup to chicken noodle, experiment with nourishing bowls that will warm the whole family.
57. Host a Bake Sale
You’ve seen a lot of fun fall family activities about baking on this list – if you’re not quite sure what to do with all those goodies, why not host a bake sale?
58. Nibble on Corn
Pick up some corn at the farmer’s market and experiment with new recipes to use it in your kitchen.
59. Face Painting
Grab a face painting kit and start practicing on each other – spooky Halloween faces for the win!
60. Do Thanksgiving Crafts
Don’t limit yourself just to turkey handprints, either.
61. Make Hot Cocoa
Mix up a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy it in front of the fireplace.
62. Bob for Apples
Set up your own bobbing for apples activity right in your own backyard!
63. Go to a Haunted House
Check out local haunted houses in your area – the spookier, the better.
64. Shop for Fall Clothes
Last but not least, make sure you have all the clothing and accessories you need to fully enjoy all the fun fall family activities on this list!
What You Can Do in the Fall? All of the Above!
The fall season is a great time to get outside and enjoy the crisp weather. These activities are affordable, fun, and family-friendly. So grab your loved ones and lead outdoors for some autumn fun.
Each of these fun fall activities are a great bonding experience for the whole family. Do you have any more ideas of affordable things to do in the fall? Let us know in the comments below!
Jessica Dais