Even with summer in the rearview mirror, there are lots of opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy activities with family and friends (or others in your “bubble”). Here are 10 suggestions for fall fun that everyone in your crew—regardless of age—can enjoy.
1. Host your own festival—Has the local fall festival been canceled? Then host your own in the backyard. Pumpkin bowling, relay races, candy treasure hunts, an apple cider and cookie booth, face painting, a fall craft contest with prizes…almost anything your town can dream up, you can do yourself—especially if the kids help with setup.
2. Take a short road trip to see the changing colors—Pack a cooler with snacks, lunch and drinks, and stop along the way for a fall picnic or hike. And don’t forget the wipes in case of pit stops.
3. Go apple picking—Check with your local apple orchard or cider mill to see if they’re offering safe apple picking or other activities.
4. Have a tailgate party in your driveway—Even if your team’s not playing, put on your jersey, make some party snacks and play a game of catch in the backyard.
5. Visit a museum or two—Museums are open and keeping visitors safe with social distancing. Don’t hesitate to contact your local museum for information to see if it’s an option for you.
6. Fire it up—Do you have a fire pit or grill? Head outdoors to grill hot dogs and make s’mores. Tell campfire stories to add to the fun.
7. Make rainy day plans—Gather in the house for a family game and puzzle marathon. Graze on snacks while you play anything from silly board and card games to jigsaw and word puzzles.
8. Decorate your home—Gather fall leaves, acorns, pinecones and other fall-ish things to decorate your porch or other spaces. Buy pumpkins, gourds and autumn-colored flowers to serve as the focal points of your displays.
9. Go on a scavenger hunt—Google “Scavenger hunt ideas,” and you’ll find lots of ideas to help create a hunt in your neighborhood, local metropark or nature center. They’re fun whether you break into competing teams or search together.
10. Visit a corn maze—There are few activities that so loudly shout, “It’s fall!” as winding your way through corridors of corn stalks. If you’ve never been before—and if you’re satisfied with the venue’s safety measures—you’ll likely enjoy the experience.
The days may be growing shorter, but even in this year of social distancing, there’s fun to be had by all.