As the leaves turn golden and fall’s crisp air rolls in, now is the perfect time to get creative with family activities. While cozying up with hot cocoa and pumpkin-flavored treats is always a favorite, I suggest we spend this autumn exploring several out-of-the-box fun-filled ideas that your entire family will love.
On that note, here are some unique fall activities that’ll spark your imagination and bring your favorite folks together in ways that go beyond the usual seasonal routine.
Create an Outdoor Family Art Gallery
Falls offers a plethora of natural beauty. Take advantage of all that visual bliss by turning your backyard into an outdoor art gallery. Collect leaves, acorns, and twigs during a nature walk, then get creative by turning these fall treasures into pieces of art. From leaf rubbings to nature collages, everyone in your clan can contribute their masterpiece. Once the art is complete, display the creations on a clothesline or hang them along your porch for a memorable outdoor family exhibit.
DIY Fall Photo Scavenger Hunt
Kids love exploring, so encourage their wanderlust by heading out on a fall-themed photo scavenger hunt. Create a list of seasonal items to capture on camera, including a squirrel gathering acorns, the first red leaf you spot, or a neighbor’s pumpkin display. Give each family member a camera (I’m a sucker for a Polaroid) or phone and see who can capture the most compelling photos.
Backyard Camping with a Twist
Who says camping is just for summer? Not I. You can still set up a tent in your leafy backyard, but go full fall by incorporating elements of the season. Roast marshmallows by a fire pit while sharing ghost stories, or have a “s’mores-off” to see who can create the most creative version of this classic treat. You can even do a DIY hot apple cider bar with a wide assortment of toppings to sip on as you stare at the stars above.
Family Harvest Bake-Off
Do you like comfort food as much as I do? If so, fall is the season for apples, pumpkins, and all things warm and bliss-inducing. Instead of a traditional bake day, organize a family bake-off. Everyone can create their own apple pie, pumpkin bread, or harvest-inspired treat. To add a sense of friendly competition , create categories like “most creative,” “best presentation,” and “most likely to disappear first.” You’ll not only fill the house with amazing smells; you’ll also summon everyone’s inner chef.
Storytelling Under the Stars
Embrace the magic of autumn evenings by hosting a storytelling evening under the stars. Gather around a fire pit or wrap up in cozy blankets in your backyard, and let each family member share a favorite story. This can be a personal memory or a favorite tall tale. You can also turn up the creativity by having everyone craft an original story, one inspired solely by fall’s sights, sounds, and smells. It’s a fun way to spark imaginations and connect through storytelling.
Leaf Pile Obstacle Course
Who can resist the charm of jumping into a pile of crunchy fall leaves? Turn things up a notch by creating a leaf pile obstacle course in your yard. Set up different stations where family members can leap into leaf piles, crawl through tunnels of foliage, or race while balancing pumpkins. It’s an active way to enjoy the changing season and embrace the playfulness of fall. And if it gets your ticker going a little bit, that’s just as well: it’s a chance to burn off some of those calories you’ve gained from all that pumpkin pie.
DIY Fall-Inspired Music Jam
As music moms, we already know our families love music. That’s why I love the idea of using the sounds of fall as inspiration for a DIY music jam. Collect items from nature—like acorns, pinecones, sticks, and crunching leaves—to create makeshift instruments. Add in some traditional instruments, or simply use your voices to create rhythmic fall-inspired beats. Have fun experimenting with the sounds of the season and perhaps even create a new fall family anthem.
Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkins might not seem like the ideal bowling ball, but that’s what makes this activity so much fun: it’s extremely difficult. Set up some “pins” using bottles or cans, and use small pumpkins to see who can knock them all down. This quirky twist on traditional bowling will “strike” a chord with all of your favorite fall fellows.
This fall, I hope we’ll let our families’ creativity shine with these out-of-the-box activities. Whether it’s making music with nature, telling stories under the stars, or turning pumpkins into bowling balls, these innovative activities are guaranteed to add some fun, laughter, and connection to your autumn days.
The Music Mom: Eileen Carey 