Spending time with family is one of life’s most valuable treasures. Fall is a beautiful season to bring everyone together, especially with all the festive harvest events. Unfortunately, with technology and life’s daily obligations competing for attention, family plans tend to slip lower on the priority list.
We’re all guilty of it. There have been times when I worked like a crazy lady all week, skipped evening rituals with Andrew—like our food challenge or watching The Big Bang Theory—and took personal time to unwind in the tub instead. We all need solo time, but we also need to prioritize family. What better opportunity than right now? Here are some activities to bring the family together for fall.
Apple picking and hayrides
Sure, it’s stereotypical, but you can’t argue with tradition. Apple picking gets the family outdoors and active while everyone enjoys healthy treats. Get in the fall spirit by dressing in overalls and boots, then hop on a hayride to visit different trees around the orchard. You may discover apple varieties you’ve never tried before.
When you get home, set aside some apples for baking. Apple cider, pie or cobbler—choose something your family loves. Have everyone pitch in and play a role. If I learned anything from competing on Cupcake Wars, it’s that the more hands in the kitchen, the better.
Cornfield mazes
Minus the scary movies, cornfields offer endless family fun. Research nearby farms and find one with a corn maze.
Some can be pretty complicated, so agree on a simple plan for staying together and retracing your route. Looping in circles for hours might dampen the fun, especially when little ones are impatient.
Pumpkin carving
Is there an artist in the family? Get creative with some good old-fashioned pumpkin carving. Take a road trip to a pumpkin farm and let everyone choose a favorite. Bonus points if you can navigate with a ’90s atlas instead of GPS.
Suggest that everyone choose a pumpkin that matches their personality. An interestingly shaped, wonky one may be perfect for the silly family member, while a cute mini pumpkin can be exciting for toddlers.
Take the pumpkins home and bring out the carving tools. Each family member can carve a design or face, with adults handling the cutting for younger children. After the kids go to bed, cuddle up on the couch with pumpkin-spice lattes. You deserve it.
Leaf treasure hunt
Get exercise, adventure and learning all at once. Embark on a nature journey with the family, either around your neighborhood or on a nearby forest trail.
Before you leave, print a checklist of different leaf types with pictures. Chestnut, maple or oak—see how many types and colors you can find. Whoever finds the most variety wins. You can even play a memory game later at home to see who remembers each leaf’s name.
Spending family time together doesn’t always have to mean movies, malls or video games. Take advantage of everything fall has to offer.