15 Fall Activities to Enjoy

Even though it’s not officially fall yet, I feel like September ushers in the season with its shorter days and kids being back at school. As you gear up for this popular season, take a moment to plan some fun like these 15 fall activities!

1. Go Apple Picking!

The fresh air will do you good and the activity isn’t too taxing.

Check with your local orchards to find out what’s currently available on the trees. In our area, orchards list what’s ripe for the picking each week.

2. Take a Leaf Peeping Walk

Get outside once the trees change color and enjoy a walk along a colorful trail or sidewalk.

Is there anything more enjoyable during the autumn season than colorful leaves crunching under your feet? You could even plan an overnight trip to a campground or a favorite Bed and Breakfast.

3. Gather Dried Flowers and Grasses

While you’re out taking a leaf peeping walk as part of your fall activities, be sure to gather dried flowers, grasses, and other bits of nature. Make a pretty arrangement with them for a centerpiece or vignette.

4. Press Leaves for Artwork

Remember lugging out a few volumes of an encyclopedia to press leaves? You can still enjoy this favorite of fall activities and then display the leaves in glass frames.

5. Make a New Recipe with the Earth’s Harvest

Try a new fall recipe. Shop a local farmer’s market to find what’s in season. They might even share a favorite recipe with you!

The newest recipe I’ve tried this season is Butternut Squash Quinoa Chili.

6. Make a Fun Display for Trick or Treaters

Halloween is a ways away, but you can plan ideas now to embellish a porch or walkway for the little goblins that will soon be visiting you!

If you’re not the crafty type – make a pumpkin stack. Cut off the stems of the bottom pumpkins to better balance the stack. I always have one of these on or near my front porch.

Or simply line small pumpkins up the steps to the front door.

7. Dine at an Outdoor Cafe

While it’s still warm, dine al fresco before bidding goodbye to summer. Wear a sweater or light coat if it’s cool out and enjoy lunch, dinner, or a glass of wine on the patio of your favorite restaurant.

8. Hang a Pretty Wreath on Your Front Door

If you’re feeling creative, make your own fall wreath or buy one locally. Your wreath will beautify your home through Thanksgiving (no need to rush Christmas, right?).

9. Take a Drive in the Country

Plan a car trip for the fall and find a new country road to explore. When I was a kid we’d head to Parke County, Indiana, to enjoy the Covered Bridge Festival during the fall season, driving from one covered bridge to the next. But any tree-lined country road will do!

10. Read a Spooky Story

Maybe I’m a kid at heart, but I enjoy haunted house stories and films as Halloween got closer. You might even try watching The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix!

11. Enjoy a Bath by Candlelight

Normally I don’t like the shortening of days that comes with the season, but I try to find fall activities to enhance enjoyment of earlier nightfall – like a bath by candlelight.

12. Visit a Local Vineyard and Winery

I feel very fortunate to live just 5 miles down a country road from a vineyard and winery. Even though it’s Illinois, all of the wines at Acquaviva are pretty amazing.

13. Make S’mores with Friends and Family

I’m a bit of a s’mores snob. I only eat them now if they’re made with homemade marshmallows. They are so much better that way!

14. Enjoy the Beauty of a Fall Sunset

Fall sunsets seem more brilliant than any other time of year.

15. Go Moon Watching

Head outdoors and enjoy a glowing full moon. It’s almost as spectacular as an autumn sunset.

What other fall activities do you like to enjoy?