I love the fall season. The air begins to turns crisp and the leaves turn to beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow. Autumn is the perfect time of year to slow down. I’m not sure if it’s the cozy sweaters and warm cider or outdoor adventures in the cool air, but there’s something really special about the transition from summer to fall. The season always seems to go by too quickly, so now is the time to embrace this beautiful fall weather. Whether it’s apple picking at a local orchard, exploring fall festivals, or simply taking in the beautiful foliage, there’s so much to see and do this time of year. Here are the best fun fall activities for the entire family.

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Activities for the Entire Family

It doesn’t matter if you’re drawn to outdoor adventures or prefer to stay indoors and embrace the coziness of the season. I’m always so grateful for the time when it’s cool enough to wear a sweater but not cold enough for a jacket. I always feel this urge to make the most of outdoor activities as possible before winter.  From classic fall activities like visiting pumpkin patches to new favorites like visiting a beer garden, the season is full of opportunities for family-friendly fun. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of the best fall activities that are sure to create lasting memories and make this season truly unforgettable for your family. So break out your cozy sweaters, grab a cider, and let’s go.

Head to an Apple Orchard

There’s something about spending a crisp fall day at an apple orchard. Late September through early October is prime apple-picking time, but many orchards offer activities that extend well into fall, making it the perfect family outing. In addition to picking your own apples, you can often enjoy warm apple cider donuts, fresh caramel apples, and other seasonal treats at the orchard’s market. Use your freshly picked apples to make homemade applesauce, apple pies, or cider. Many orchards also have additional activities like hayrides, petting zoos, and pumpkin patches, making them a full day of family-friendly fun. It really is is the perfect place to spend a beautiful fall day. 

Visit Your Local Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets are always fun over the summer months, but there’s something about a fall morning at the farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets offer a variety of fall produce—think pumpkins, squash, apples, and more—and the prettiest seasonal flowers. Bring a blanket, grab a seasonal treat, and find a great spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful weather and changing leaves. Pick up some seasonal fresh produce and make a favorite meal with your finds. 

Plan an Outdoor Movie Night Under the Stars

Autumn’s cool nights are perfect for outdoor family movie nights. With the leaves falling and a slight chill in the air, a backyard movie night is one of my favorite things to do with my family. Lay out some blankets and pillows to make the area extra cozy, and consider bringing out a fire pit to keep everyone warm. Set up a projector and screen (or simply hang a white sheet), then choose classic family-friendly fall movies.

I would recommend It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Hocus Pocus (for 11+), or Harry Potter. Serve popcorn, sip some warm apple cider, and let the kids make s’mores over the fire.

Host a Fall-Themed Family Game Night

We love a game night at our house. Our go-to is Go Fish, but try making things festive for fall and have a fall scavenger hunt. Prepare a batch of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider and a few fall treats to enjoy while you play. 

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Visiting a pumpkin patch is a great way to get out and enjoy the fall season. Whether you visit a small local patch or a farm with rides and food trucks, it’s a rite of passage for the season. Many pumpkin farms offer additional attractions like a corn maze, hayrides, and even petting zoos, making it an all-day adventure. Grab an apple cider donut, go on a few rides, and pick some pumpkins. If you’re in the Chicago area, places like Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm are great for families with young children, offering everything from rides to live shows, though it’s wise to visit on a weekday if you want to avoid the weekend crowds.

Carve or Decorate Pumpkins

Once you’ve chosen the perfect pumpkins, it’s time to do a little pumpkin carving or decorating. For older children and adults, traditional carving will do. Younger kids can paint their pumpkins, adding glitter, stickers, and even gems. Lay out some old newspapers or a plastic sheet and have some fun. I recommend using these lights to light your pumpkin.

Look at Halloween Decor

Halloween decorations have become more elaborate and creative over the years. One of our favorite family traditions is taking a spooky tour of the neighborhood to admire the spooky decor. Whether you go for a drive or take a walking tour through your neighborhood, this is such a fun, family-friendly activity. Some houses go all out with themed decorations, animatronics, and sound effects, while others have more simple but charming displays with pumpkins, scarecrows, and lights. For added fun, we like to play Halloween music—The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack is always a hit! This has become a fun tradition that we love doing with our kids every year. 

Attend a Fall Festival

Fall festivals are packed with fun activities that appeal to all ages, making them a great place to spend a fall day with your family. From carnival rides and games to live music and food, there’s always a lot to do. 

Peep Some Leaves

New England looks like one of the best places to visit in the fall. The fall foliage looks next-level, and I’d love to visit over a long weekend at some point. Take in the best views of the changing leaves, and find a charming little bed and breakfast where you can relax and be in nature. If a trip to New England isn’t possible this year, add it to your bucket list.  

Go on a Nature Walk

Plan an autumn walk through a local park, nature reserve, or public gardens where you can enjoy the the colors of changing leaves. It’s impossible not to have a good time in nature on a beautiful full day. Bring the kids and plan a scavenger hunt, looking for leaves, acorns, and pinecones. For younger kids, have a fall scavenger hunt. Draw an image of what they’re looking for, and for added fun, have them find a few of each item. And don’t forget to collect some colorful leaves along the way to use for crafts at home. 

Visit a Haunted House (or Make Your Own)

I don’t love scary things, so this sounds like my literal nightmare. But for families that enjoy a bit of spookiness, visiting a haunted house can be fun, but I’m going to sit this one out. 

Decorate for Fall or Halloween

I love putting pumpkins on our porch, and adding some seasonal decor for Halloween, too. Think spooky chic bats and ghosts – nothing scary over here. I really like bringing in some fun and tasteful decor that blends in with my home, and makes our house feel extra festive for the season. 

Plant Fall Flowers

Planting mums, pansies, asters, and ornamental cabbage for a beautiful display of fall flowers. This is also the perfect time to plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils for the spring. Gardening is an activity that the whole family can participate in, and it’s a great way to spend a sunny fall afternoon outdoors.

Create a Fall-Themed Craft Day

Fall crafts are a great way to celebrate the season. Gather your supplies—think leaves, twigs, acorns, pinecones, paint, glue, and paper—and set up a crafting station. We love these gem art kits, too.

Bake Seasonal Treats 

Apples, pumpkins, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are one of the best things about fall. Try baking classics like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread (our favorite), apple crisp, or cinnamon rolls. Let the kids  get involved by allowing them to mix ingredients or decorate cookies.

Host a Seasonal Dinner

Have your friends over for a fall-themed dinner, using seasonal produce. Make a traditional chili, or hearty soup, or roast something with squash, apples, and root vegetables. And don’t forget the pumpkin dessert, hot apple cider, or mulled wine.

Take Fall Family Photos

With so many memorable activities, autumn is a beautiful time to book family photos with a professional photographer. Whether you take pictures at a pumpkin patch, a local park, or in your own yard, these photos are great for holiday cards. Plan a day where you can take family portraits in your favorite fall settings—think brightly colored leaves, pumpkins, and cozy fall outfits. 

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