Are you worried that your kids might miss out on special fall memories because you’re balancing work and home life? I get it. The autumn season is the perfect time to plan fall family activities, even for busy working moms.
When my kids were little, one of our favorite traditions was visiting a pumpkin patch with a hay maze and a jumpy house. Despite my busy schedule, we always found time for these weekend adventures. The kids had a blast, and we created cherished memories together.
Fall is an ideal time to spend quality time and create new traditions. The crisp fall air, colorful leaves, and abundant seasonal activities make it a perfect time to bond. This blog post will provide you with a list of fun fall activities that are doable for working moms. From apple picking and corn mazes to creative crafts and cozy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone. These ideas will help you make the most of the fall season and create lasting memories with your family.
Planning Fun Fall Family Activities
As a working mom, each new season can feel overwhelming. You want to give your children happy memories and enjoy fun activities, but balancing it all is tough. Fall is the perfect time to create lasting family traditions. Remember, you don’t have to do it all.
Forget those 30-day activity calendars—they're unrealistic. Instead, sit down with your calendar, your husband’s calendar, and your children's schedules. Choose one, two, or three fun events for the whole family.
Quality Over Quantity
A few well-chosen activities will create cherished memories. Schedule these on weekends or evenings. If your work schedule allows, consider taking an afternoon off for a special outing. This can make the experience extra memorable.
Enjoying Classic Outdoor Fall Activities with Your Family
Apple Picking at a Local Orchard
Visiting an apple orchard is a delightful fall activity that your family will love. You can pick fresh apples while enjoying the crisp fall air and beautiful scenery. There’s something special about walking through rows of apple trees, selecting the perfect apples to bring home.
Many orchards offer a variety of activities beyond apple picking. Vendors often sell homemade specialties, including delicious caramel, chocolate, and candied apples. Families with young children can enjoy pony rides, face painting, and other fun activities. Many orchards also feature hayrides and petting zoos, making the experience even more enjoyable for the whole family.
Exploring Pumpkin Patches
Pumpkin patches are another must-visit during the fall season. The excitement of finding the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating is a joy for both kids and adults. Local pumpkin patches usually offer more than just pumpkins. You might find hayrides, train rides, and harvest festivals with games, food vendors, and live entertainment. These activities create a festive atmosphere and provide a fun way to spend the day with your family.
We used to go to one pumpkin patch at a train museum. We would ride the train to the pumpkin patch, and when we arrived, there was a hay maze and a petting zoo. There was even a campfire where the kids could roast marshmallows for s'mores.
Visit A Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a classic fall activity that offers fun and adventure for the entire family. The challenge of finding your way through the twists and turns of a corn maze is thrilling. It's a great way to enjoy fall fun and create lasting memories. Many corn mazes also have themes or added activities, making the experience even more entertaining.
Nature Walks and Scenic Drives
Fall is the perfect time for nature walks and scenic drives. The vibrant fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for a family hike or a leisurely drive through the countryside. Local parks and nature trails are ideal spots to enjoy the fall colors. The crisp fall air and the beauty of nature make these outings refreshing and enjoyable. Whether you go for a short walk or plan a full day trip, these activities are a great way to appreciate the season's beauty.
Exploring Neighborhoods Decked Out for Halloween
Some neighborhoods go all out with Halloween decorations, turning their streets into spooky wonderlands. When I lived in San Francisco, there was a neighborhood that went all out for Halloween, and it was so fun to walk through and check out the houses. When my kids were little, we would drive into the city just to walk around and see all the amazing decorations. It's a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy some quality time together.
Attending a High School Football Game
Attending a high school football game can be a fun way to spend a fall evening with your family. Whether you have young kids or teens, it's an exciting way to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the festive atmosphere. Grab sweatshirts and blankets, cuddle up in the stands, and cheer on your local team. If your kids are little, choose the high school they might attend someday to get their school spirit started early. It's a fun activity that can become a cherished fall tradition.
Practical Tips for Fall Family Activities
- What to Bring: Pack a picnic, wear comfortable shoes, bring bags for your apples and pumpkins, and don't forget sunscreen and hats for sunny days.
- Cost Considerations: Check the entry fees for orchards and pumpkin patches. Some activities like hayrides and petting zoos might have additional costs.
- Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays are less crowded. Check local event schedules for special festivals and activities.
- Weather Prep: Dress in layers to stay comfortable with fluctuating fall temperatures. Bring rain gear just in case.
- Safety: Keep an eye on young children, especially in busy areas. If your child enters a corn or hay maze make sure you know where it exits. If you and your husband are both there have one person wait at beginning and one at the exit.
Fun and Creative Fall Crafts for the Whole Family
Fall is the perfect time to get crafty with the family. The colorful leaves, cool air, and festive spirit make it a wonderful season for creating and decorating. Here are some fun and creative fall crafts that you can enjoy with your loved ones.
Leaf Crafts and Decorations
One of our favorite fall activities is using the beautiful leaves that fall everywhere. It's so simple and enjoyable. You can start with leaf rubbings. Just collect leaves of different shapes and sizes, place them under a piece of paper, and rub over them with crayons. The imprints are always a hit with the kids, and it’s a fun way to bring a bit of nature indoors.
Another great idea is making leaf wreaths. Gather the leaves you collected and glue them onto a circular base. Hang it on your front door to give your home a festive fall touch.
Or, try threading leaves together to create a fall leaf garland. You can hang it across your mantel or staircase for a cozy, autumn vibe.
DIY Halloween Costumes and Decorations
Creating your own Halloween costumes and decorations is another fun activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. Let your kids' creativity shine by encouraging them to make their own costumes. Use items from around the house or visit a thrift store for supplies. This not only saves money but also makes for a memorable experience, especially for older kids.
When it comes to decorations, get the kids involved in making spooky ghosts, bats, and pumpkins. Use paper, glue, and markers to create these fun decorations and hang them around the house. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon together and get into the Halloween spirit.
Making Candles and Seasonal Decorations
Making your own fall-themed candles is both fun and practical. You can use scents like pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon to fill your home with the smells of the season. This is a classic fall activity that brings warmth and coziness. Imagine lighting these candles while you enjoy a cup of warm apple cider and wrap yourself in cozy blankets.
For seasonal decorations, try making pinecone centerpieces or acorn wreaths. These simple crafts can enhance your home’s fall atmosphere. Plus, creating them together is a wonderful way to spend quality time as a family.
Carving Pumpkins
Pumpkin carving is a timeless fall tradition. Spend an afternoon carving pumpkins with your kids. You can use stencils to create intricate designs or let the kids draw their own. This activity is not only fun but also a great way to bond with your family.
And don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds! Clean them, season them, and roast them for a delicious and healthy snack. This adds a special touch to your pumpkin carving experience and ensures you use every part of the pumpkin.
Baking Apple Pie and Other Fall Treats
One of the best ways to celebrate fall is by baking together as a family. The smell of fresh apples and spices filling the house is simply irresistible.
Start with a classic apple pie. It’s a fun and easy recipe that kids can help with. Peel and slice fresh apples, mix them with cinnamon and sugar, and let them fill the crust before baking.
Another favorite is pumpkin pie. It's a must-have for the fall season, and making it together can be a delightful experience. For something different, try caramel apples. Dip fresh apples into melted caramel and let them cool for a sweet treat. Don't forget about peanut butter cookies. They’re quick to make and always a hit with the kids.
Have a Fall Picnic or Host A Cook-off
Fall is the perfect time of year for a picnic or a cook-off. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable to spend time outdoors. Pack a picnic basket with seasonal foods like sandwiches, apple cider, and pumpkin muffins. Choose a beautiful place for your day trip, like a local park or a scenic spot with fall foliage.
If you're looking for more excitement, host a chili cook-off. Invite friends and family to join in and share their favorite chili recipes. It's a fun way to enjoy fall foods and spend quality time together. Add this to your fall bucket list for a memorable fall fun activity.
Making Hot Chocolate and Roasting Marshmallows
As the evenings get cooler, there's nothing better than cozying up with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Make a big pot of hot chocolate and let everyone add their favorite toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Roasting marshmallows is a fun activity for the whole family. You can do it over a fire pit in the backyard or even over the stove. Once they’re perfectly toasted, enjoy them with your hot chocolate under cozy blankets. This is also a great way to enhance a family movie night. The warmth and sweetness of these treats make fall evenings extra special.
Enjoying Fall Festivals and Community Events
Attending Local Fall Festivals
Fall festivals are a fantastic way to embrace the season and spend time with your family. These events often feature live entertainment, food vendors, and a variety of fall festivities that everyone can enjoy. Local farmers bring their best produce, and there are usually plenty of activities for kids, like face painting, games, and pumpkin patches. Harvest festivals are especially popular, celebrating the season's bounty with food, crafts, and live music. These festivals are perfect for a day out with the family, providing endless fun and a great way to make memories.
Visiting Petting Zoos and Farms
Another exciting activity is visiting petting zoos and local farms. Many farms offer fun fall family activities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking at a local pumpkin patch. Petting zoos are a hit with younger children, who can interact with friendly animals. These visits provide a great opportunity to learn about farm life and enjoy the fresh fall air. It's a wonderful way to spend a day outdoors, and the kids will love getting up close with the animals.
Visiting a Haunted House
For a bit of spooky fun, look for haunted houses in your area. Some organizations set up haunted houses, and sometimes neighbors go all out and turn their homes into spooky attractions. When my kids were little, they loved going through a haunted house in our neighborhood. I always ended up screaming more than they did! It's a thrilling experience and a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit. Just make sure to choose a haunted house appropriate for your kids' ages.
Volunteering and Community Service
Fall is also a perfect time to give back to the community. Volunteering at a food bank or helping neighbors with household chores can be very rewarding. These activities teach kids the value of helping others and improve mental health by fostering a sense of community. Whether you’re raking leaves for an elderly neighbor or sorting donations at a food bank, volunteering as a family is a great way to spend quality time together make a positive impact, and teach your children the value of giving back to their community.
Entering a Family 5K
Participating in a family 5K, like a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, is a fun way to promote fitness and spend time together. These events are usually casual and often have fun themes or costumes. It’s a great way to burn some calories before the big meal and enjoy the crisp fall air. Plus, running or walking a 5K can become a memorable family tradition. It’s also a good way to instill healthy habits in your kids while having a blast.
Cozy Indoor Activities for Cooler Days
When the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some cozy indoor activities with your family. Here are a few ideas to keep everyone entertained and create special memories.
Family Movie Nights and Game Nights
Hosting a family movie night is a fantastic way to spend a cool fall evening. Choose a lineup of fall-themed movies or a scary movie for a bit of Halloween fun. Some great options include classic family favorites and newer releases that everyone will enjoy. Gather the entire family, grab some cozy blankets, and make some popcorn for a fun night in. If movies aren't your thing, try having a game night. Board games, card games, or even video games can be a great way to bond with older kids and have fun together.
Reading and Storytelling
Reading and storytelling are perfect activities for chilly fall days. Encourage your family to read fall-themed books together. Set up a cozy reading nook with blankets and pillows, and let everyone pick their favorite fall stories. If you have a fireplace, gathering around it for storytelling can be one of the best ways to spend a crisp fall evening. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the season and spend quality time together.
Creating a Fall Bucket List
Creating a fall bucket list is a fun way to ensure you make the most of the season. Sit down with your family and come up with a list of things you want to do together. Include a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, like baking fall treats, visiting a pumpkin patch, or having a family movie night. This list of things will keep everyone excited about the season and provide plenty of fun fall activities to look forward to. It's a great idea to check off items as you go, creating lasting memories along the way.
Related: Christmas Activities For Teenagers
Conclusion
Spending quality time together as a family during the fall is incredibly important. The activities we've discussed, from exploring pumpkin patches to cozying up for movie nights, offer wonderful ways to bond and create lasting memories. I encourage you to try out some of these fun fall activities and perhaps even start new traditions that your family can look forward to each year.
What are your favorite fall activities and traditions? Share them in the comments below – I’d love to hear how your family makes the most of this beautiful season!
