There’s something just so magical about fall. From the sweater weather to apple cider drinks, to cozy nights in, there’s so much fun to be had during this season. But the most spectacular part of the autumn has to be the transformation outdoors. In the months from September through November, the leaves change color, the air becomes crisp, and it’s truly a sight to see.
If you’re looking for ways to experience the wonders of the fall season, check out these 8 fun fall outdoor activities.
1) Visit a pumpkin patch
If you didn’t visit a pumpkin patch last season, was it even fall? Besides picking out the perfect pumpkin to carve a jack-o-lantern or decorate your Thanksgiving tablescape, visiting a pumpkin patch is just a fun way to enjoy the fall air, take Instagrammable photos, and spend time with your friends and family.
In fact, pumpkin patches make a pretty perfect backdrop for this year’s Christmas card photo. Here’s what you need for a DIY photo shoot at the farm.
- Stylish outfits for the whole family
- A tripod
- A camera or high-quality camera phone with self-timer
2) Run a Halloween or Thanksgiving 5K
Looking for something active to do with the family preceding the unhealthy habits of the holidays? Why not get everyone together to participate in a fun run?! Many of these events benefit local and national charities so it’s a great way to show your support for your community, plus, many are themed. Whether you want to do a spooky Halloween themed run or a goofy Thanksgiving 5k, there are tons of options that your family will surely get excited about!
Here’s what you’ll need.
- Comfortable athletic shoes
- Themed outfits—costumes for Halloween or turkey attire for Thanksgiving
3) Go for a hike
One of the best outdoor activities to get a sense of autumn magic is by taking a hike outdoors to see the leaves and environment changing in all its glory. The best part about this activity? It’s totally free!
To prep for your hike, just be sure to bring:
- Hiking boots and comfy clothes
- Festive snacks like these Trader Joe’s fall treats
- Water
- A light jacket
4) Pick apples
Going apple picking is a fun and festive way to enjoy the magnificence of autumn. Plus, what’s better than bringing home some fresh apples to make apple pies with? You really don’t need much for apple picking, but a cute basket would be an adorable accessory to bring with you!
5) Make crafts out of fall leaves
If you have younger kids, doing crafts is a great way to get them excited about the fall season. Make an outing of it and use natural materials to help you build your crafts. Depending on the project you’re working on, you’ll need different supplies, but some universal ones to start with include:
- Leaves
- Sticks
- Glue
- Construction paper
- Paint
- Glitter
6) Explore a corn maze
Going to a corn maze is a very traditional way to celebrate the start of the season, but it’s not as common as it used to be. Which really makes it all the more special, right?
What to bring with you:
- A sense of direction
- A good attitude
- Your best group of friends
7) Tailgate at a football game
Besides the changing colors of the season and the fall treats, the main event of the fall season has to be football. So what better activity than to tailgate at your favorite team’s game?
Here’s how to get ready for game day:
- Pick out some NFL merchandise for each member of the family
- Pack some food and drinks to enjoy
- Play random picker while you wait for the game to start
- Bring a table, chair, and a few games to play while you wait for kick-off
8) Rent out a cabin
If you live in a city or an area where the magic of fall isn’t so obvious (like San Diego or Miami), you might want to try romantic cabins and treehouse rentals so that you can experience the cozy weather, warm colors, and joy of the season.