Want to get more exercise, but you hate gyms? Here are some fun fall activities that you can do with your family (or solo)!
Do you have a fall bucket list? I have never formally made one, but COVID-19 has introduced me to quite a few different ways of living. I have enjoyed getting outside more with my kids over the summer, especially with social distancing.
However, fall presents some interesting conundrums when it comes to outdoor activities. My kids could decide it’s “too cold”, “too dark”, “boring”, or “too wet”. Sometimes, they complain that it’s all of these at the same time!
Sigh. I love a good outdoor walk, and normally my kids do, too. And, the cooler, darker autumn weather poses some creative ways to still enjoy fall activities.
Here is a list of fun fall activities to do with your family, categorized by Field Trips, Backyard Fun, and Indoor Moves. Which is on your list?
Field Trips
Field trips may be out of the question at your kid(s) school, but with shorter hybrid learning days, you have plenty of time to take your own darn field trip. Try out some of these fun options. You can also check out your local parks and rec site for events near you.
- Visit an apple orchard
- Visit a pumpkin patch
Here are 9 pumpkin patches from Explore Minnesota.
- Visit a corn maze
Here are 10 corn mazes in the Twin Cities as found on Family Fun.
- Visit a zoo or farm
Our favorite is outside of the Twin Cities- Hemker Zoo. You can also visit Como Zoo or visit the Oliver Kelley Farm (last weekend is this Oct. 20). You can even stay overnight at these farms and B&Bs.
- Do a scavenger hunt (printable one here) or geocache at night with flashlights and glow sticks
- Sign up for a fall-inspired virtual race
Backyard Fun
Feel like a kid again as you explore fall activities that make use of either your backyard or a local park.
- Rake leaves (you can even volunteer to help out elderly neighbors with their leaves)
- Collect leaves or acorns for fall crafts
- Jump in leaves
- Collect sticks for a bonfire
- Roast marshmallows and tell scary ghost stories
Ghost stories by kids on Jimmy Fallon
- Pumpkin bean bag toss
- Create a scarecrow (learn how to DIY on Gardener’s Notebook)
- Host an outdoor movie with homemade candied popcorn balls with cocoa nibs via Alton Brown.
- Hang a pinata from the tree (make your own cereal box pinata here)
- Stargaze or join a virtual star party with the Bell Museum
Indoor Moves
- Do a monster mash dance party (grab my Halloween Prime playlist here)
- Cook something more intensive, such as homemade bread
- Bake Halloween treats, such as the meringue ghosts in the Healthy Holiday Treats recipe e-book.
- Carve pumpkins
- Roast the pumpkin seeds
Simply pop in the oven on a cookie sheet sprinkled with oil and your favorite seasonings at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Make fall stovetop potpourri
- Decorate your house for Halloween
- Create your own Halloween costume
- Have a game night with Halloween trivia or Clue
Related: Spooky Food Facts
- Polish your nails a dark or witchy color or fun design
- Read Halloween stories together (here are some good ones to enjoy with younger kids)
This year may be different with social distancing and uncertainty around hosting family get-togethers or holiday events. That doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy these family-friendly fall activities.