Simple Fall Activities For Families

Last Updated on September 2, 2023 by Diane Hoffmaster

I am a very simple creature.  I don't decorate my bathroom for every holiday, nor do I create elaborate weekend getaways for my husband and me. In my mind, simple is better in just about all cases.  If you are looking for simple fall activities for families to welcome in the cooler weather this month, I have a few you might enjoy.  

Check out a few of my frugal fall decorating ideas and embrace simplicity in all its many understated ways!  Many of these fun fall activities can be enjoyed by children as well as adults so make sure you get the whole family involved.

Simple Fall Activities to Celebrate Cooler Weather

While corn mazes are fun, have you seen the price of the tickets?  For a family of four, many fun fall activities can get expensive.  They are nice to enjoy occasionally and everyone should enjoy a corn maze once in their life.  But every weekend can get pricey.  

Here are a few inexpensive fall activities that you can enjoy on those weekends when you want to save a bit of money.

Bake a pie

While you may think of time spent in the kitchen to be 'work' and not 'fun', I assure you that baking a pie or two CAN be fun!  Enlist the kid's help and schedule it during a time when you are not swamped with other commitments.  You can go apple picking with the family and then turn the fruits of your labor into a delicious dessert.

Go on a hayride

A hayride is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Typically, hayrides take place on a farm, and guests are invited to ride on a flatbed trailer that is pulled by a tractor or other vehicle.

The trailer is usually filled with hay, which makes for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Hayrides can be an excellent way to see the countryside and get some fresh air. They are also a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

If you are going on a hayride, be sure to dress warmly and wear closed-toe shoes. And don't forget to bring along a blanket or two in case it gets chilly!
 

Plant a fall garden

Gardening is not just for spring.  Many plants, both food, and flowers do very well when planted in the fall.  Check out this post about things to plant in November and you will be amazed at how many crops will grow in fall.  

The great thing about planting a garden is that while you may have to put in a bit of work and money in the beginning, in a few months you will be reaping the rewards of your hard work!

Go apple picking together

Going apple picking together as a family is a great way to spend some quality time together while getting some exercise and fresh air. It's also a fun way to learn about different types of apples and how they are grown.

Apple picking usually takes place in the fall, when apples are at their peak ripeness. To find a good place to pick apples, you can ask around at your local farmers' market or do a quick search online.

Once you've found a good spot, it's time to head out and start picking! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. And don't forget to bring a bag or basket to put all your apples in.

After you've finished picking, most farms will have a place where you can wash your apples before eating them or taking them home. Going apple picking is a great way to enjoy the autumn weather and create some lasting memories with your family.

Go on a nature walk

Nature puts on a truly stunning display during the cooler months.  Changing leaves, dropping nuts, and wildlife busy getting ready for winter are fun to observe for both adults and children.  

Take a nature walk and breathe deeply of the scents of fall!  You could purchase a nature walk journal and record your observations as you go. Writing is a wonderfully freeing and inexpensive hobby!

If your child has a fall birthday, consider getting them the Science on a Nature Walk kit to make your walk even more educational.  

If you live near a beach, head over there and enjoy the quiet sands now that all the sunbathers have gone home.  Then, check out these beach-themed crafts and encourage your kids to get crafty. 

Check out my post on what to do with acorns if you need fall craft inspiration.

Have a Picnic

You could have a backyard picnic or pack up your basket and head to the park.  Hiking into the mountains and eating at your campsite is another great way to enjoy fall (as long as you have the right fall hiking clothes to keep you warm!).  

If you decide to plan a whole weekend away in the woods, check out my camping tips for beginners before you go.  If you just want to take your lunch with your kids to the local park, try to make it a waste-free lunch if possible.  Or, at least make sure you pick up your trash before you go home.  

Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather.  Invest in a nice picnic blanket and take a nap in the great outdoors!

Build a fire

Nothing says fall quite like building a fire and toasting marshmallows, right?  This is one of my favorite fall activities.  We have a fire pit on the patio and it is the perfect place to enjoy a mug of Mexican hot cocoa or a glass of wine.

If you don't have the energy to build a fire pit, consider buying a cast iron fire pit and setting it up in the driveway.   Set out a few lawn chairs and you are good to go!

Carve a pumpkin

Carving a pumpkin can be a ton of fun and very inexpensive.  You can go to the pumpkin patch and enjoy the festivities there or just pick one up at the grocery store.  I prefer the pumpkin patch since it's loads of fun to do with the family.   Check out these tips on what to wear to a pumpkin patch and then load up the car for a fun fall adventure. 

Once you have your pumpkin print off a template for your design and make sure you have a good pumpkin carving knife. Don't forget to toast those seeds afterward.  They make a delicious snack!

Fall is my all-time favorite time of year and I will definitely be finding a few ways to get outside and enjoy myself this month! 

Make a homemade scarecrow

Making a homemade scarecrow is one of my favorite simple fall activities for families. All you need is an old shirt and pants, some straw, and a few other materials.

First, stuff the shirt and pants with straw to create the body of the scarecrow. Once the body is complete, it's time to add the finishing touches.

For the head, you can use an old pillowcase or cloth sack filled with straw. To give your scarecrow a face, use buttons, yarn, or fabric scraps for the eyes and nose, and use twine or ribbon for the mouth.

Finally, add any accessories you have lying around like a scarf or hat. Making a homemade scarecrow is a great way to recycle old materials and bring some life to your garden or yard.
 

Like this post?  Check out these family fun month ideas!