If you live in a state that experiences all four seasons, you know that fall seems to be a favorite for most. There is something about the dropping temperatures and changing leaves that makes us feel giddy inside. I believe one of the reasons we love fall so much is due to the rich traditions that make even the unsentimental feel nostalgic. Even if your family didn’t get in the fall spirit growing up, we were all surrounded by seasonal decorations and activities in school. Fortunately, getting older means getting to adopt and create our own traditions, old and new. Here are 12 simple fall traditions for the family:
1. Visit a pumpkin patch
I have memories of visiting a pumpkin patch in the month of October from as far back as I can remember. I tend to pick out a similar pumpkin every year, and enjoy searching for the perfect one. The best farms are the one-stop-shops for all fall activities. If there is a hay ride, corn maze, mini petting zoo, and shop with fresh and canned food, count me in! This is such a fun tradition for the family, and a simple way to get your fall fix in one day.
2. Hold a pumpkin carving contest
There is nothing like a little fun competition with family members. After picking out a pumpkin at the patch (or grocery store), hold a competition and vote on the best carved pumpkin. There are many templates online that can be printed out, and there are even carving kits at the store. If you or someone in the family is a great artist, free handing is always an option, too. Mine never turn out quite how I imagine! To spice it up, come up with different categories to be voted on by everyone. For ex. “scariest”, “most creative”, or “most adorable”. Put the pumpkins on the doorstep or front porch for some extra decoration that trick-or-treaters will love. This can also be combined with activities #6, 7 and 8. We made it a tradition to find “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” on TV, and plan our carving session around that. Such a fun way to make memories!
3. Pick apples at your local apple orchard
Growing up, I don’t think we ever went to an apple orchard, so this is a tradition that I have discovered recently and love. There are so many apple flavored fall recipes, so not only is it a fun challenge, but just plain practical! Bake a homemade pie, make apple cider, or some apple sauce. There is something so much more rewarding about picking your own apples than buying them at the store.
4. Make a fall wreath
If you think making your own bouquet at the farmer’s market is fun, try making a fall wreath. There are so many great items that you can get at the craft store to make it as seasonal as possible. This is a fun craft for both kids and adults for a chilly, rainy day. You can double-task and pull up a Halloween movie while creating your version of the perfect wreath. Hang it on the front door, bedroom door, a banister, or a wall. Ours is actually hanging on our bar cart. The possibilities are endless.
5. Rake a huge leaf pile and jump in!
Okay, so this might not be as enjoyable as an adult, but this was one of my favorite things to do as a child. Also, what better way to coerce kids to get a chore done that no one likes doing? I would rake simply because I wanted to play in the leaves. This is a free fall family activity that teaches what its like to “work hard, play hard”. This can be paired with #7, which leads me to…
6. Enjoy some hot cider or hot chocolate by the fire
If you have an indoor fireplace, curl up with a blanket and enjoy sipping on a hot beverage. Get out the hot apple cider that you made with those apples, and post up by the fire with a book. If you don’t have a fireplace inside like us, maybe you have an outdoor fire pit, or know someone who does. Bonfires and hot drinks on a chilly fall night is something worth pursuing at least once every year. The best conversations seem to happen around a fire.
7. Watch your favorite childhood Halloween movies
Around this time of year, everyone starts to get excited for Christmas movies, but family Halloween movies are some of the best! Scary movies are not my cup of tea, but every year I look forward to some classics like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown (particularly I & II ), Twitches 1 & 2, The Addams Family, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, and any Tim Burton movie. I’m sure there are other great classics, but find the ones you enjoy most and enjoy a night in.
8. Bake cookies or a pie
Get some Halloween cookie cutters, a homemade dough recipe, and some orange, white and black frosting. Holiday sugar cookies are a tradition I hope to keep up if/when we have kids one day. If you prefer to bake pies in the fall, choose your favorite filling, and spend a few hours in the kitchen. This year I will be baking my first homemade pie, and I hope to pass those skills along one day. No matter what sweet treat you prefer to make, get a rolling pin, and enjoy some time in the kitchen eating way too much dough with the family.
9. Tailgate or host a football party to watch your favorite team(s)
It wasn’t until college that I really started to appreciate football. However, I loved it when we would have people over for a watch party with all of the irresistible finger foods that can be found at any tailgate/football party. This is such a fun tradition, even if you don’t enjoy watching sports. Make some buffalo chicken dip, open the windows, and invite friends over to enjoy the camaraderie that sports foster. Set up corn hole or throw a football around in the backyard or on the tailgate field. These are the memories that the family will never forget.
10. Visit the farmer’s market for some seasonal produce and flowers in your favorite fall colors
If you didn’t see my post about the farmer’s market, be sure to check it out! Here, you can read an interview with a produce farmer to learn about what’s in season during the month of October. The flowers at the market seems so much more vibrant in the fall, and go well with pie pumpkins and gourds. Be sure to check out your local farmer’s market to decorate your home with some of the beautiful colors of fall.
11. Go on a hike to see some beautiful fall foliage
Take advantage of a sunny day to get out of the house and enjoy one of the best parts of fall; the outdoors. Living in southern Indiana for eight years exposed me to some beautiful nature that is hard to come by in the suburbs. Visit the closest state park or national forest to enjoy the smells and sights of fall. In the Midwest, mid to late October seems to be the best time to see the leaves in their prime. This is a free, fun, family activity that gets everyone some fresh air and exercise. The beautiful colors are such a gift to be appreciated!
12. Decorate for fall and Halloween inside and outside of the home
Decorating seasonally, specifically for the holidays, is such a great tradition where the whole family can be involved. It always felt so magical as a child to see our home transform with the holidays. This is a fun way to stay in the spirit for a couple of months. Whether you prefer spooky or cute, get out the tubs, do a good deep clean, and spend a day really getting in the spirit of the holiday with the fam.
Thanks for reading about my top 12 simple fall traditions for the family. What is your favorite fall tradition, either on this list, or not included here? Let me know in the comments!