As warm summer days start to cool down, giving way to the changing of foliage colors, the whole family can look forward to many cozy afternoons bathed by the warm autumn sun. Every fall presents great moments and fun activities to enjoy with your family. And while there’s definitely no shortage of things to keep you busy at this time of the year, it doesn’t hurt to take a day or two away from the familiar routine.
Plan your family fall getaway (or Halloween staycation), and make memories that will last a lifetime with these inspirational, family-friendly activities.
Gather the Family for a Yearly Fall Party
Throwing a family-only party to celebrate the new season can easily become a family tradition to bring each of the members closer together. Think of it as a simple gathering outdoors with great food and a chance to enjoy one another’s company.
Because of the constant act of busyness among many families, it’s sometimes hard to pause and see how everyone is doing. Family retreats give everyone the opportunity to check on one another without feeling pressured or pushed.
See to it that everyone clears their calendars on the date, and make it a yearly tradition. That way, they’ll know when to expect it. A family-exclusive gathering like this helps maintain family ties and establish strong family support, which is important to the well-being of every family member.
Visit National Parks
The easiest way to cultivate your children’s love for the outdoors is to give them the opportunity to explore it at a young age.
Going trail hiking with them at a national park during the most colorful season of the year will surely create a memory they will forever cherish. Aside from letting them see the beauty of nature firsthand, this is also the perfect opportunity to teach them some nature-leaning hobbies and life skills. Furthermore, they can learn how to catch a fish, how to read a map, how to identify certain animal and plant species, and to appreciate the simple luxuries of life.
Make sure your trip becomes memorable for all the right reasons. Pack right, and be sure you have all the insulation you need. Fall temperatures can get cold at night, after all. A well-insulated tent, a reliable pair of gloves or mittens, and a good layer of clothing can help keep the chill at bay.
Most importantly, always remember to consult the weather forecast before you head out.
Have a Family Scary Movie Night
Make sure autumn nights don’t get as cold as the dropping temperatures. Spice up evenings with the family by planning movie nights! You can head out to the theater if there’s an interesting show that fits your family’s taste. Otherwise, just hop on your pajamas and bring in the popcorn!
Bond over scary movie classics, perhaps with carefully prepared snacks on some nights. Take turns picking the titles. The kids will love it!
Enjoy the Scenery at the Park
Head out for a family picnic on a magical fall afternoon. Indulge in the beautiful cacophony of children playing under a beautiful midday sun. The orange leaves catching the sunset have to be the perfect backdrop for the family photo of the year.
Prepare some delightful snacks for the whole family, some treats for the pooch, and indulge the whole family on a special lazy day this fall season.
Make a strict picnic rule against digital devices. Encourage your family to interact through conversations, explore through play, and recognize good moments when they happen. The kids, especially, may not see the benefit right away, but they surely will be thankful you did.
Tell Stories over a Bonfire
The best Halloween nights are spent gathered around a fireplace, telling stories about spooky encounters. If you happen to be outdoors, build a bonfire, and take turns sharing (mis)adventures and anecdotes.
Nothing trumps a pleasant evening under the stars, exchanging tales of one another’s lives, true or not. Every family deserves a night like this, with a hot mug of coffee, tea, or cocoa in hand.
Final Word
Make the season unforgettable with these simple yet noteworthy ideas. Be sure the family is in it together. Set simple family rules when going out. Teens and small kids may not be so receptive to the benefits of family activities in the fall at first, but if you put time, effort, and consistency into these projects, the lasting benefits are all worth it.
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