The air is growing crisp and the days are growing shorter, which means fall is around the corner. If your family spent all summer indoors to beat the heat, they are probably itching to get outside for a change. Whether you plan to venture out alone, with a partner, or with your kids, here are eight outdoor family-friendly activities that will help you get the most out of the season.
1. Corn Maze
Cornstalks reach their maximum height during the fall before being harvested at the end of the season. This makes fall the ideal time to visit your local corn maze. To get the most out of your experience, keep this activity age-appropriate. If you have older teens who love Halloween, spooky corn mazes are plentiful in October. Young children may prefer a daytime corn maze with a simple layout.
2. Apple Picking
In North America, apples are an autumn crop, which means the fruit from your local orchard will be at their ripest and sweetest. Along with getting you outdoors, apple picking is an opportunity to teach young children about different apple varieties, nutrition, and the fruit-growing process.
3. Tailgating
Fall is also the start of football season. Tailgate parties can range in size, from local high school games to your local NFL team. Food, drinks, and team colors are some of the obvious must-haves, but you should also remember to bring sun protection, extra seating, and a way to collect and dispose of your trash.
4. Horseback Riding
If you have animal lovers in the family, they will surely enjoy a leisurely day on horseback. A simple horseback trail ride won’t require any previous riding experience, making this activity ideal for children and novices.
5. Nature Hike
Find a local park with lots of natural landscaping, choose your trail, and go! Hiking gives you a chance to appreciate the changing colors of fall. It can also be a great activity for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning about the different seasons. To keep young children engaged, consider doing an autumn scavenger hunt on your hike.
6. Pumpkin Patch
The annual visit to the pumpkin patch is a tried-and-true fall tradition for many families. Your family members will appreciate the memory of choosing a pumpkin for carving or decorating the front porch. Some pumpkin patches may share farm space with a corn maze, allowing you to enjoy two fall activities during the same visit.
7. Bird Watching
Birds begin migrating in the fall, triggering a shift in the activity of the birds in your local area. Therefore, fall can be a good season to spot birds in the wild. When it comes to bird watching, identifying each species of bird is half the fun. Consult a bird guide, such as the Audubon Society’s guide to North American birds. Alternatively, document the visual details of each bird for looking up later.
8. Plant Bulbs for Spring
Bulbs like tulips and daffodils should be planted in mid-fall. This is because the bulbs need to be exposed to the winter frost in order to start growing. For a colorful, blooming yard, have your family pick out and plant a selection of spring bulbs.
Published by: Khy Talara
