Fall is a wonderful season. The leaves change color, the weather becomes cooler, and there are many fun activities to enjoy outdoors. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, or a pumpkin spice latte, or whatever your cool weather drink of choice might be and take a look at our list of 9 awesome autumn activities for you to enjoy this fall.
Go for a walk or hike in the park
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change color, taking a walk in the park can be a great way to enjoy the autumnal scenery. The crisp air is invigorating, and the colorful leaves are a sight to behold. Whether you stroll along a paved path or hike through the woods, you're sure to appreciate the beauty of nature during this transitional season. Just be sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the cooler temperatures and uneven terrain can make for a challenging walk.
With a little preparation, you're sure to enjoy your time outdoors. It's a good idea to bring along some snacks and water, and if you're hiking in an area with steep inclines or rough terrain, be sure to take precautions against falls and injuries. And of course, make sure to observe all safety guidelines for hiking in the wild. With these things in mind, you're sure to have an enjoyable and safe hike during the autumn season.
Visit a corn maze
Visiting a corn maze is a quintessential fall activity. There's something magical about getting lost in a sea of tall stalks, knowing that the only way out is to keep moving forward. Corn mazes can be found at farms across the country, and they range in size and complexity. Some are simple affairs with a few twists and turns, while others are sprawling labyrinths that can take hours to navigate. No matter what type of maze you choose, you're sure to have a unique and fun-filled experience. Just be sure to bring along a sense of adventure!
As is true for just about all of the activities on our list, be sure to dress appropriately. Fall is a beautiful season, and while the necessary clothing varies greatly depending on where you live, wearing layers is always a good plan.
Take a scenic drive through the countryside
There's something special about taking a drive through the countryside in the fall. The leaves are turning all sorts of beautiful colors, and the air is crisp and fresh. It's the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The best part about fall drives is that you never know what you're going to see around the next bend. Maybe it's a herd of deer grazing in a field, or a flock of geese flying overhead. Either way, it's sure to be a beautiful sight.
Why not take the train?
There's something special about taking a train ride through the countryside. Maybe it's the leisurely pace, or the way the landscape unfolds before you like a big, beautiful painting. Whatever the reason, there's no denying that there's something magical about trains. If you're looking to experience it for yourself, there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from. In the United States, Amtrak offers several beautiful options, including the Adirondack line in New York and the Coast Starlight line in California. Or, for a truly unique experience, you can take the Snow Train in Colorado, which travels through some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery in the country.
Trains evoke a sense of nostalgia, and that's a big part of why people love them so much. They conjure up images of bygone eras when travel was a more leisurely affair. Today, trains are still a popular way to see the countryside, and there's no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the countryside than from the comfort of a train carriage. If you have trains around you, this may be the most enjoyable kind of "autumn ride" available!
Still time for boating, in some places
If you live in an area that stays a bit warmer as we head into fall you may be lucky enough to enjoy a boat ride. Of course you need to be close to water, too, as that’s pretty important for boat rides. If you’re near a big lake though, we definitely recommend finding a way to spend a little time on the water this fall.
Sure, it’s a bit colder on the water so you’ll need to add some additional layers of clothes, or at least bring some in a bag with you. We assume you’ve got the snacks and drinks covered as well. But when you see the beautiful landscape reflected off the calm, glass-like water, there’s nothing better. Being on the water is magical, and while it’s a ton of fun on a hot day when you’re jumping in and out of the water to cool off, it’s also incredibly nice to bundle up, enjoy a beverage, and just look at nature around you.
Attend a fall festival
Fall festivals are a great time to enjoy the cooler weather and celebrate the harvest season. From apple picking and pumpkin carving to hayrides and corn mazes, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. And of course, no fall festival would be complete without delicious food like roasted chestnuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, and caramel apples.Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family or a romantic outing with your significant other, a fall festival is the perfect way to savor the season. Festivals always have something for people of all ages, though the terrain can become churned-up and uneven by the end of the day, so if you are bringing along older parents or grandparents, keep that in mind. Otherwise shop at all the local vendors, ride the carnival rides, and eat treats until you're ready to burst!
Play games like cornhole, tag, or frisbee golf
Few things are more quintessentially summer than playing outdoor games with friends. Whether it's a game of cornhole in the backyard, a rousing game of tag at the park, or a round of frisbee golf in the woods or at the beach, there's something special about spending time outdoors and enjoying some friendly competition.
Not only are outdoor games a great way to enjoy the fall weather, but they can also be a fun way to get some exercise. And while winning is always nice, outdoor games are really about spending time with friends and family, laughing and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So round up some friends and head outside for some fun. After all, fall is meant for get-togethers and time with those we care about most!
Have a picnic lunch outdoors
There's something about fall picnics that just feels magical. Maybe it's the cool air or the stunning array of colors as the leaves change. Whatever the reason, there's no doubt that picnicking during autumn is a truly special experience.
One of the best things about fall picnics is the food. Cozying up with a warm bowl of soup or chili is the perfect way to enjoy a fall day. And of course, no picnic is complete without some freshly baked pumpkin bread or apple pie. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, fall picnics are the perfect opportunity to slow down and savor the simple things in life. So grab a blanket, a basket of your favorite Fall treats, and head outdoors for a picnic you won't soon forget.
Ride bikes
Many people pack away their bikes for the winter too early and miss the best time of year to ride outside. Fall is actually an ideal time to go for a bike ride. The cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to exercise, and the scenery can be simply breathtaking. Plus, there’s no need to worry about sweating through your clothes or getting sunburned.
Sometimes you want to get outside and see the scenery, but hiking limits you to a short distance, unless you're an elite backpacker! Car rides are great to see a lot of the landscape but you're not really "in" nature when you're riding in a vehicle. Going for a bike ride can really be the best of both worlds. It's much easier to cover a greater distance easily when you're on a bike. A 20 mile hike seems crazy to most of us, but a 20 mile bike ride can expose us to many areas we never walk around and may only take an hour and a half.
Go apple picking or pumpkin picking
In the fall, there are two classic activities that many people enjoy: apple picking and pumpkin picking. Both activities can be a lot of fun, and they're also a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh autumn air. Of course, one of the best parts of apple or pumpkin picking is getting to take home a bushel of fresh fruit (or vegetables, in the case of pumpkins). There's nothing quite like enjoying a pie made with apples that you picked yourself, or carving a pumpkin that you selected from the patch.
Apple or pumpkin picking can also be a fun activity for the whole family. When choosing a place to go apple or pumpkin picking, be sure to research the options in your area. Some farms may offer more than just picking, such as hayrides, petting zoos, and corn mazes. Others may have special events, such as apple cider making or pumpkin carving demonstrations. Once you've found the perfect place to go, all that's left to do is enjoy the outing!
Stargaze at nightfall
There's something about stargazing at nightfall that is both ethereal and peaceful. Maybe it's the way the stars seem to magically appear in the sky as the sun sets, or the way the world suddenly becomes calm and quiet. Whatever the reason, stargazing is a cherished pastime for many people. It's a great way to unwind after a long day, and it can also be a fun activity to share with friends or family. The best part about stargazing is that it's free - all you need is a clear night sky and a sense of wonder.
For centuries, people have looked to the stars for guidance and inspiration. Today, stargazing is still a popular pastime. There is something magical about standing under a blanket of stars, contemplating the vastness of the universe. Whether you are looking for a particular constellation or simply enjoying the view, stargazing is a great way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Enjoy Your New Fun Autumn Activities
Every season has its ups and downs, and they vary greatly depending on where you live. If you’re up in New England then you truly have four distinct seasons that allow for completely different activities. In a place like sunny San Diego you get to enjoy nice weather all throughout the year, but maybe you miss out on some of the great activities people enjoy in the other seasons.
Autumn is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and participate in fun activities with friends and family. No matter which activity you pick off our list above, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season. You can also check out this great article on 61 Fall Activities To Add To Your Bucket list for some more inspiration.
The main point we try to get across here is that spending your time with your friends and family is really the most important thing we can do. We all work hard, and life is hectic and crazy all the time. When you have some free time and you need to unwind, try to find new ways to engage with the people around you. No matter the season, no matter the activity, just get out there and DO something with your time. It can be so easy to get sucked into the next season of your favorite show on Netflix, or even marathon-binging a show you don’t even really like can eat up a whole weekend. Instead of doing that, look around you, go outside, and find something you can do with the people around you.