Fun Fall Activities
It’s fall, y’all! Temperatures are cooling, and that means it is time to get outside and enjoy the great weather. There are so many fun outdoor fall activities, but today I want to take a moment to suggest just three. These are some of my favorite things to do in the fall, and I hope you love them too!
Leaf Looking
One of the most beautiful things in fall is the changing colors of the leaves! As the season progresses, vibrant shades of yellows, oranges, and reds can be seen all over. I would encourage you to pause and take in this stunning sight that only happens once a year! I spent my childhood in the Midwest with lots of changing leaves, and now that I live in Florida, I dearly miss the vibrant fall foliage. However, my family and I do return to Illinois annually, and it is usually in the fall. We often meander, driving through the countryside, taking in the kaleidoscope of color along the roadway. Jumping in a vehicle and starting a multi-state road trip can be an adventure in itself. However, taking in the beauty of God’s artistry as He paints the landscape with generous strokes of color makes an adventure even more glorious.
If you have the opportunity to travel to or live in the western part of the U.S., the natural mountains and pines create a beautiful backdrop for the reds, oranges, and vivid golden colors of the Aspens. On the other hand, the northeast boasts arrays of maples, birch, oak, and hickory which radiate bold coppers, deep reds, brilliant oranges, and vibrant yellows. So no matter where you go to see the leaves, you’re in for a stunning display!
Also, if you’re looking for the perfect time, many of the top destinations for leaf looking have “foliage maps” and “foliage trackers.” These tools follow local predictions so that tourists can know and arrive at the peak color times. You can find one here.
Pumpkin Patches
As the air starts to cool and the days start growing shorter, one of life’s simple pleasures in the fall is a visit to the pumpkin patch! From Florida to California, from the Carolinas to Illinois, from New York to Texas, pumpkin patches have become all the rage during the fall.
Rows and rows of orange or white pumpkins stand ready for selection beside wooden boxes filled with funny-shaped gourds. Corn mazes and hayrides offer adventure, while caramel popcorn offers festive yet simple family fun that creates memories. Visiting a pumpkin patch can bring joy and enchantment to the young and the young at heart.
Apple Picking
Who doesn’t like homemade apple pie? Well, have you ever picked the apples for that pie? I have, and it’s a fantastic experience! There’s nothing like going to the apple orchard and picking your own apples in the fall.
Depending on where you live in the United States will determine the availability of orchards, but no matter where you are there will be no shortage of apples! And many orchards are not just about apple picking! Orchards often offer hayrides, cider sipping, caramel apples, dunking for apples, apple strudel or donuts, mazes, and other seasonal activities as part of the celebration. September is typically the peak of apple season making it a perfect fall activity. However, depending on the variety, apples can ripen as early as July and as late as November, which gives you a large window of time to do this outdoor activity!
All three of these activities are classic fall adventures that you should definitely try to do this year! No matter where you live or travel to this season, don’t allow fall’s optimal weather conditions to escape without taking advantage of them. Grab your adventure hat and head out to enjoy the God’s wonderful creation that surrounds us.
