Because autumn won't last forever!
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Crimson leaves, chilly evenings, and cozy sweaters mean autumn has arrived! For many of us, it's the best time of the year to get outdoors because sweltering temperatures have moderated. Plus, there's still plenty of daylight to enjoy fall activities outdoors, and the weather hasn't turned too chilly to spend time in our fall gardens in the evenings.
Whether you live in the city or the country, the best fall activities don't have to be expensive; many are free things you can do with family and friends close by or even at home. And other activities you can do only once a year, so it's worth it to indulge while you can. From pumpkin spice drinks and potluck parties to backyard bonfires and weekend getaways, autumn is all about living in the moment! If you're like us, you're not yet ready to cozy up for winter, so grab all the fun you can right now.
If you're ready for an adventure this fall, check out our bucket list of the absolute best fall activities for all ages; we promise there's something for everyone! You can enjoy most of these activities with friends, the whole family, or even solo if you need some downtime alone. Or bring along your favorite person or fur baby in the whole world and embrace the season in all its colorful glory. Because, sadly, autumn won’t last long!
Here are our favorite fall activities for every member of the family to enjoy.
Many farms welcome visitors for you-pick fun, or you can grab a prepicked basket if you're feeling lazy. Then make delicious treats such as apple pie, apple fritters, or apple cobbler at home. Don't forget to pick up a quart of fresh apple cider too.
It's an iconic part of Halloween! Make sure to light it up for the trick-or-treaters; an LED candle will help it last longer.
Read more: 75 Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas
Your garden doesn't have to fade away in late summer. Plant fall flowers such as mums, asters, and pansies to provide pops of color until the first hard freeze.
Many farms and you-pick orchards offer fall hay rides. Slip on a cozy sweater and enjoy this old-fashioned fun. Kids will love it.
Fall is the perfect time for a lazy picnic at a nearby park. Or just spread out a blanket in your own backyard. It doesn't have to be complicated: Even plain, old sandwiches taste better alfresco.
Embrace the cooler days of autumn with a hike. Even a short amble around a local lake or natural area is invigorating on a sunny fall day. The Hiking Project app lets you search the trails in the National Park system; you can even narrow it down to family-friendly ones.
Pack everyone in the car and head out for plenty of oohs and ahhs as you enjoy the passing scenery near you. Check your state's tourism site to learn when leaves are predicted to peak and find the best places to see them.
Read More: The Most Beautiful Places in the World to See Fall Foliage
Yes, you can do it! Check out baking videos or grab a premade crust; it still counts. Bonus points if you bake it from apples or pumpkins you picked yourself.
Shoulder season—aka between summer and the holidays—is a great time to score deals because you won't be paying peak prices. If you didn't get away yet this year, book a few days somewhere you've always wanted to go or revisit a favorite destination.
Autumn is the time to plant bulbs so you can enjoy flowers next spring, when you need color the most after a long, dark winter! Easy choices include daffodils and allium, which digging rodents tend to leave alone. Or choose tulips if you can protect them from critters.
It's back-to-school time, so why not learn something new yourself? Visit a national park or historic site to discover something you didn't know before about your state or region.
Celebrate the Harvest Moon in September or the Hunter's Moon in October with a potluck party. Check out the dates of the autumn full moons here.
Sure, it's pumpkin spice latte time. But what about all the other pumpkin-themed foods that get introduced every year? Bake (or buy) something new to really spice things up.
There's something to be said for chilling out and traveling in old-fashioned style in the autumn. Search "local train rides," then book early because these events tend to fill up fast.
Visit a local producer of wine, cider, spirits, or beer. Make it a day trip, or spend the night in a romantic B&B nearby your destination.
This is an absolute must. So many new portable bonfires and fire pits make building a smoke-free fire super easy even if you've never done it before. Don't forget the marshmallows!
Bring on the snack foods! It makes cheering on your favorite team even more fun. If you want to go all out, bring a portable grill and all the fixings for lunch.
Gather your friends for a soup or chili cookoff, with everyone bringing their favorite recipe. Keep them warm by setting up slow cookers.
Read more: 65 Best Fall Soups for Chilly Autumn Nights
Fall is the best time to plant a shrub because temperatures are cool and rainfall generally is more plentiful. Just make sure to plant at least six weeks before the last expected frost date in your area so your shrub can get established before winter.
Whether your theme is classic autumn with cornstalks and gourds or a ghoulish Halloween display, decorate your house to celebrate the season.
Read more: 40 Elevated Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch This Fall
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