Cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage; fall is the perfect time of the year to get outside and exercise. Get the entire family involved and enjoy some quality time together while you get moving. There are several fun fall activities you can do as a family. Below are ten ideas that will help you and your family stay active during the fall season.
1. Enjoy the outdoors.
Go on a fall drive to look at the colorful leaves. Pick a destination spot to get out and play an active family game. On your way home discuss your favorite things about fall.
2. Rake leaves.
During autumn, you can’t stop the leaves from falling. Get the entire family outside to help rake leaves. It doesn’t have to be “work,” it can be fun too. Rake up a large pile of leaves and take turns jumping into the leaves. This is fun for the kids and adults. When everyone has had a turn, put the leaves into large bags. If everyone helps, it won’t take long.
3. Take a walk.
Bundle up and enjoy the crisp fall air by going for a walk. Choose different routes every time so you don’t get bored. Let the kids collect colorful fall leaves along the way to keep them entertained.
4. Pick your own pumpkin.
Visit a pumpkin patch and let the kids explore and pick out their own pumpkin. Carve the pumpkins for Halloween and don’t forget to roast the seeds for a healthy snack.
5. Game on.
During halftime of your favorite football team’s game, round up the family and go outside and play your own football game. If you don’t have enough people for a game, just throw the ball around for fun.
6. Go on a hike.
Enjoy the changing colors of the leaves and go on a hike. You can hike on nature trails, through parks, in the mountains, through the forest, or anywhere where there are designated hiking trails. Get some great exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery that Mother Nature has provided.
7. Visit an apple orchard.
A trip to a local apple orchard is a great way to enjoy the fall harvest season. Walk around the orchard and pick a bushel of your favorite apples. Enjoy a healthy apple snack and bring some home to make homemade applesauce and caramel apples.
8. Get out the bikes.
Go on a family bike ride around the neighborhood or take your bikes to your favorite park. Make sure mom and/or dad bring water bottles and healthy snacks for the ride.
9. Play at the park.
Visit a local park and have a day of fun. The activity choices are endless. Play Frisbee, football, kickball, or fly a kite if it is a windy day. You can also play tag or hide and seek or play on the park’s equipment. Bring a healthy picnic to share; everyone will be hungry after a day of hard play.
10. Plant bulbs.
Get your hands dirty and plant bulbs to enjoy in the spring. Make it a team effort-have the parents dig the holes and the children place in the bulbs.
Written by Maria Lichty, Skimbaco’s Healthy Lifestyle & Vegetarian Food Expert.
Maria Lichty is the co-creator of Two Peas and Their Pod, a successful food and recipe website. Maria and her husband, Josh, are known as the “cooking couple.” They make a great team in the kitchen and love sharing their recipes with the world. Maria is also passionate about health and wellness. She has a degree in health promotion and enjoys helping others make positive health behavior changes. In her free time, Maria also enjoys traveling, exercising, reading, and spending time with her adorable nieces and nephew.
