Plan on a Fun Fall with These Family Activities

As much as we all love summertime, it's safe to say you’ve been counting down the weeks, days, and hours until the first day of fall. Before long, you'll be Googling "fall activities near me" and looking for the best fall things to do now in your area. To help you get started, we've rounded up one heck of a fall bucket list of items that you'll want to prioritize this time of year.

Between hayrides, backyard camping, and visiting corn mazes, there are plenty of ways for you and your family to stay busy this autumn. These activities for all adults and kids alike make the most of autumn and all that comes with it—the crisp air, cozy atmosphere, and the freshest fall foods, for starters. Outdoorsy types will want to take full advantage of the good weather with a hike, scavenger hunt, or peaceful morning walk, while those who prefer lighter activities might opt for a scenic drive down an open country road or settling for a night in with movies that celebrate fall.

And let’s not forget about all the easy fall recipes either! This is the time to fire up the oven and make way for the best seasonal creations, from pumpkin pie recipes to pumpkin bread recipes. No matter how many fall crafts, outings, or recipes you manage to get through, prepare to have an absolute ball this fall.

Let your neighbors know how excited you are for the season with a front porch curb appeal using all the festive fall decor—pumpkins, mums, a pretty fall wreath, and vintage finds. It will make the perfect backdrop for your family Instagram photos.

Invite friends to bring their favorite fall dishes for a casual get-together to celebrate any ol' occasion—or for no reason at all!

Layer a variety of plaid fabrics and accessories on top of your farmhouse table for the perfect backdrop to your casual family dinners all season long.

Put those extra blankets stuffed in your linen closet to good use. Hang a large white bed sheet from your fence to re-create a big screen. Make a palette on the ground with all the extra fluff, and settle in under the stars as you and your family watch these classic kids movies.

Find inspiration in the monthly cross-stitch patterns that appear in Country Living and download our free templates for a year's worth of inspiration.

Spiff up your fall fashion with a cute new outfit. Take this as an opportunity to clean out and organize your closet. Drop off items you haven't worn in a year to a local donation spot.

The best way to make raking leaves less of a chore is to promise your kids a chance to dive right into the biggest pile in the yard (after which you'll need all hands on deck to pack them up into trash bags!).

Toast a new season with a fresh fall cocktail. We love this Grapefruit, Honey, and Rosemary Smash for its refreshing, yet rich, flavor.

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Love apple pie, but looking for something a little more outside-the-box to wow your family with this year? These pie-spiced apple fritters pack the same (albeit even sweeter) flavor and only take 30 minutes to make. Read: Apple pie has officially met its dessert match.

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If you own a pickup truck, simply add hay and load the whole family in for a ride around the country.

Whether you have time to decorate every room in your home, or simply want to add a small festive touch to your dining room table, celebrate the rich fall florals with a creative fall centerpiece.

Dine al fresco with your family when the crisp, fall air ushers in. Cover each chair with a plaid blanket to wrap up in after the sun sets, then set the mood with cozy candles and a hearty feast. Good for you if you have a red-barn backdrop!

There are so many cute and clever DIY Halloween costume ideas out there for women, kids, families, and more. Want to make friends laugh with your costume this year? You'll love these funny options.

Set up your own fall festival at home for a fun-filled weekend extravaganza, complete with a gourd ring toss, pumpkin knock-down game, and fun prizes for all.

Bypass gameday traffic by parking the truck and turning it into a buffet for all your favorite tailgating snacks and drinks.

Pack a few bags, bundle up, and make a day trip to a local forest this fall. Little ones will have a blast exploring new territory, especially if there's a spectacular aerial view waiting for them at the end.

Light up your porch or walkway with this jack-o'-lantern, or get creative and dream up your own designs.

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Give your garden an autumn makeover by filling planters and flower beds with fall favorites. You simply can’t go wrong with mums and stacks of pumpkins for ultimate fall curb appeal!

Forage your backyard, pantry, or craft closet for supplies and use whatever you find to create a pretty fall wreath for your front door.

Use fresh finds from your local farmer's market to make apple-flavored cakes, pecan pies, and more. Talk about an impressive centerpiece for Thanksgiving!

In the spirit of Halloween, take turns reading kid-friendly ghost stories outside by the fire or under the covers with a flashlight. Spark creativity by encouraging family members to make up their own.

Sharing is caring! Whip up a big batch soup recipe to serve to extended family, friends, and neighbors. Freeze some for yourself to have this winter, too.

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Let the chilly weather outside be your inspiration for choosing warm finds at your local antiques shop storefront or online store. Seasonal collectibles, like these ceramic turkey figures and salt and pepper shakers, make for a festive holiday table or buffet.

Escape your living room and soak up the crisp, fall air from your backyard campsite. Bonus: You'll have access to indoor plumbing!

Craft your own personal pumpkin patch using old quilts and fabric scraps. To make, start with a round piece of fabric and a ball of batting (about the size you want your finished pumpkin to be). Gather the fabric up around the batting and hot glue it together in the center. Collect dried stems, or purchase faux stems, and attach with hot glue for a realistic touch.

Nothing tastes quite like fall like a slice of freshly baked pumpkin anything—cakes, bread, cookies, you name it! We're especially swooning over this Pecan-Pumpkin Bundt Cake!

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Fill your home with the aromas of autumn with a homemade scent or candle, like this apple-candlestick combo.

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There's nothing like the fresh taste of fruit picked right from the tree. Bring home a bushel, then serve up creative takes on classic recipes such as apple ring pancakes or cheesecake-stuffed baked apples.

Put fall leaves to good use as a crafting material for fun seasonal DIYs, like these foliage-covered pumpkins.

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Use it to make a rich and cheesy casserole or even pizza. There's just so much you can do with winter squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, and patty pan squash.

Take in the changing leaves and crisp fall air on a relaxing fall foliage train trip. There are several across the country that are perfect for fun day trips and family excursions.

Spread fall cheer by delivering a freshly baked dessert to a neighbor or family member. Ask them to do the same. Now that's the ideal "pay it forward!"

Get the recipes for Maple Granola Pecan Pie (left) and Apple Crostata.

Surprise the guys and ghouls in your household this October 31 with a spook-tacular Halloween celebration. Keep things far from kitschy with a DIY broom chandelier, which you can hang Mason jar candles from using black twine. Shred a black linen tablecloth for extra eerie flair, then add candlesticks and votives for a haunting glow.

All of the best pumpkin farms and patches offer so much more than fresh picks these days. With hay rides, corn mazes, food markets, and more, they're a one-stop shop for autumnal activities.

Update your door in style with a DIY wreath. This creative owl will give your visitors something to hoot about!

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If some of your favorite recipes could use a refresh, try adding pumpkin for some extra fall flavor.

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Take advantage of the last few nice nights before winter arrives with a backyard bonfire. Just think of it as another excuse to whip up the ultimate s'mores recipe!

Pick up a dozen at your local farmer's market or find them at a nearby apple orchard. You can also put your baking skills to the test and make 'em right at home.

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Cider, caramel, cinnamon, apple, and more! These tasty sangria recipes feature all the best fall flavors and make the perfect cocktail for parties and brunches.

As trees come alive with fall colors, take a drive down an open country road just to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ask kids to see how many different colors or trees they can identify along the way.

Use your pumpkin carving discards to make a sweet or savory snack for the family. Try pumpkin seeds on salads or mixed into brittle, too.

Make this the year you finally master that gorgeous lattice top.

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Autumn is a breath of fresh air—literally. Let your home breathe it in too while the weather is just-right.

Get in the spirit of the season by watching a quintessential fall movie. For date night, stream flicks like When Harry Met Sally. For a family movie marathon, watch The Blind Side or one of the many Harry Potter movies.

Warm up your family and friends by gifting them handmade scarves this year. We won't blame you if you make one (or five!) for yourself.

Ready, set...scour! Find a printable scavenger hunt online, then set out on a nature walk or neighborhood scavenger hunt and see how quickly your crew can cross everything off the list. Perfect for some friendly family or neighborhood competition!

With all the twists and turns, this outdoor fall activity is fun for all ages. The more challenging the course, the better! Find a corn maze near you.

Decorate your mantel for fall by adding flair, like a cute Halloween garland.

It may seem early, but you'll be glad you have it done once the holidays hit!

Get in the Halloween spirit and pile the family in the car to look at all the fall front stoop decor.

It doesn't get cozier than a log cabin in the mountains. Time your trip with peek foliage for the best views.

Carve it, paint it, or leave it in its natural state. Then proudly display it on your front porch for a warm welcome.

If you spent summer canning fresh ingredients to save for later, make trades with your friends and neighbors. You might just discover a new favorite fruit or vegetable to put up next year.

Download or this complete checklist of essential fall activities for free. See how many you can complete before winter begins!