Fall Activities the Whole Family Will Love, Starring Pumpkins

With cooler temperatures and kids returning to the classroom, fall is perfect for spending some quality family time outdoors. Whether you are artsy, sporty or just love breathing in fresh air, we have the perfect activities that everyone big and small will enjoy. Grab your flannels and partake in one or all of our suggestions. While we can’t promise that all of these are mess-free, we do guarantee fun will be had by all.

There is no fall season without decorating pumpkins ahead of Halloween. Before we share some DIY ways to spruce them up, we wanted to mention that if you live in Los Angeles, San Diego or West Palm Beach, Florida, Uber Eats will deliver your favorite seasonal items to your front door from Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins range from $5 - $15 and carving and painting kits are from $12-$25. The added bonus is that the delivery fee is free on items over $15.

Okay, so you now have your pumpkins. You can either go the traditional and messier route of carving and saving the seeds and filling for pumpkin confections later or you and your kids could get creative with crayons. This is perfect for anyone who isn’t exactly Picasso with a paint brush. All you need is a blow dryer, glue and a wide array of colors. (We suggest doubling up with the same color.)

Another way to make your pumpkins stand out is giving them a marbled effect using nail polish. This method is a bit more complicated, but the results are super chic and will have your friends asking where you bought them. You will need a few colors, a tub for distilled, room temperature water and best if you use mini pumpkins.

For those that want to avoid decorating real pumpkins, creating them with papier mâché is a fun idea. We admit this is the most intricate option, but it will absolutely be the most rewarding. Instructables has explained how to turn a balloon into a pumpkin with an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide, complete with photos.

Another activity that doesn’t involve pumpkins or crafts is going on a nature walk. With the leaves changing colors and the temperature being more manageable, walking or even hiking with the family is a great way to spend time together and get in those steps. During the walk, play I Spy, collect acorns and foliage and then plan to have a picnic while taking in the views.

Heading to a farm for some outdoor fun is always a welcome idea. So many places during the fall months have petting zoos, corn mazes, apple picking and hay rides. Also, during the pandemic, some places got creative with pop-up Halloween sites that you can drive through for a socially distant option. In Calabasas, California, for example, the Nights of the Jack is an immersive experience for all ages.

Back home, it’s time to wind down with a movie… but with a twist. Instead of piling on the couch, set up a screen and projector outdoors. Bring out blankets, bean bag chairs and loads of popcorn for an evening under the stars. Movie suggestions: Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, Coco, October Sky and finally The Blind Side.