Autumn is here — the leaves are changing colors, the temperatures are dropping, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air! With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this season will probably look and feel a bit different compared to last year's. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun! With a little planning and caution, there are still plenty of things you can do. Here are some of our favorite fall family activities.
Note: No matter what fall family activities you partake in, always practice safety first. Wear proper coronavirus face mask protection. Practice social distancing. And sanitize your hands regularly. We guarantee that these protocols will be some of the coolest trends this season!
1. Visit a U-Pick Farm
Fall is harvest season. So if you're planning on carving pumpkins for Halloween or baking an apple pie for Thanksgiving, consider visiting a u-pick farm! Not only is it a convenient excuse to get the ingredients you need, but it's one of those fall family activities that can make lasting memories.
There's just something undeniably unique and peaceful about walking through a sunlit orchard. And whether you want to pick pumpkins, strawberries, pears, apples, or blackberries, u-pick farms usually provide ample variety.
In an effort to be extra vigilant, many u-pick establishments are requiring reservations ahead of time. This lets them control how many people are there at any moment, allows for more sanitization, and helps ensure that these experiences can be safely enjoyed this year. Call ahead before you visit to book an appointment and inquire about guidelines and precautions. Try to visit during non-peak hours. And don't forget your face mask and hand sanitizer.
2. See Some Fall Foliage
Want to get out of your house and get in touch with nature? Take a fall foliage trip! Whether you're on the east coast (Blue Ridge Parkway), in the midwest (Million Dollar Highway), or the west coast (Eastern Sierra Mountains), opportunities abound to see vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow this time of the year.
Don't have a lot of time to dedicate to this? Fortunately, checking out the changing foliage is one of those fall family activities that you can do by simply walking around your neighborhood or driving around your town. You don't have to go far or travel for hours to see fantastic leaf colors. Just keep your eyes open, and don't forget to take some pictures!
3. Decorate For Fall
We've all been spending a lot of time at home these days. So why not bring the fall season inside to enjoy it more? Decorating your home is one of the most underrated fall family activities. It's a great excuse to spend time with your loved ones, and you don't have to make up a reason for why you're stocking up on pumpkin candles and hand soaps.
Don't be afraid to go all out! Hang autumn wreaths on your doors. Swap out your typical hand towels for fall versions. Did you visit a u-pick pumpkin patch? Then it's time to get creative with some pumpkin carving! Tired of the mush that comes with this activity? Try carving a pineapple jack-o-lantern; they're less messy and just as creepy.
If you couldn't tell, decorating for fall is a perfect opportunity to do some arts and crafts with your kids. And this isn't only limited to making Thanksgiving turkey shirts with handprints and fabric paint. Let your toddlers try finger-painting on real pumpkins! Have them color an image on a paper plate, then hang these up for the rest of the family to see. Or let them glue together their own autumn wreath with colorful tissue paper pieces.
The possibilities are endless! All you have to do is imagine.
4. Take a Hike
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do year-round, but it's especially magnificent during this time of the year. You get to spend some time in nature, exercise, and see the fall foliage, all in one activity! Best of all? You probably don't have to travel as far as you think to find some fun, easy trails with amazing views. Check out a site like AllTrails to see what's in your vicinity.
If you do want to take this activity to the next level, consider camping! The weather's perfect right now — not too cold and not too hot. A tent, some sleeping bags, pillows, and snacks are really all you need to admire the twinkling stars up above. Of course, don't hesitate to bring along some firewood, chocolate, and marshmallows in case you're in the mood for making smores or telling ghost stories.
5. Eat Everything Pumpkin Spice Flavored
In recent years, fall has become strongly associated with pumpkin spice flavors. If you're a fan of this trend, well, we really don't need to tell you what to do — you're probably already doing it! Besides lattes, you can now find yogurts, smoothies, protein bars, ice cream, bread, pancakes, waffles, cookies, and cereal that are flavored with pumpkin spice.
Not a fan of pumpkin spice flavor? There's always fall's other best option: Hot apple cider!
Try One of These Fall Family Activities Today
Fall will be over before you know it. Remember, the coronavirus doesn't have to take the fun out of everything — by practicing proper safety precautions, you and your family can safely enjoy the season. So don't be afraid to take a socially distanced hike, see some fall foliage, or visit the pumpkin patch. Fall only comes once a year, and while this year may be a little different, that doesn't mean you can't make the most of it!
Want to get durable, reliable face masks and neck gaiters for your fall family activities? Check out our shop!