Fall tends to be a great time of year many of us love because of the cooler weather, the changing trees, and the multitude of fall events that keep our weekends packed with fun.
What are your family traditions in the fall? If you're on the search for ideas to make this season special for your family, we have an alphabet of ideas for you!
Here's our ABC fall bucket list:
Apple picking. Find an orchard near you!
Bake. Apple crisp is a great place to start!
Camp. Fall is the perfect time of year for camping. Spend your day hiking under beautiful gold and red trees and cuddle close during the cool nights by a campfire. See our 10 Tips for Camping with Kids.
Drive. Take a scenic fall drive and find new places to explore. See our Day Trip Guide.
Explore a local museum. A cold or rainy fall day is the perfect time to finally explore that museum you've been meaning to take the family to see. Check out the Museum list in our Day Trip Guide.
Fall festivals. Because they're so much fun! See our Event Calendar to find upcoming festivals.
Ghost stories. Pull up chairs around a backyard campfire for some spooky Halloween stories.
Haunted house. Boo!
Invite friends over for a soup or chili potluck. Everyone brings their family's favorite for sharing!
Jump in a pile of leaves.
Kite flying. Blustery fall days are the perfect time to get out the kite or make one.
Long walks. Because walking is good for you.
Make your own Halloween costumes! See some family costume ideas. And let your kids do your makeup.
Neighborhood movie night. Check out how to make it extra special with these fun DIY cars for kids!
Oktoberfest! Prost!
Pumpkins! Carve them. Paint them. Cook them. Bake with them. Love them.
Quench your thirst. OK, we had to stretch a little bit on this one ... but how about some warm apple cider with the kids? Warm it on the stove with a few sticks of cinnamon to imbue your home with the smell of fall. Or an Apple Cider Float.
Roast marshmallows over a bonfire on a chilly night.
Scarecrow. Fun and easy family project: Take some old clothes and stuff them with hay or newspapers to make a family scarecrow as part of your Halloween decorations.
Tailgate. Hanging out with friends before the big football game is always a good time. Here are some football day snacks.
Unplug for the day. Turn off the electronics, ignore the TV, and leave the phone behind to spend a beautiful fall day completely tuned in to your family.
Visit a National Park. Did you know fourth graders and their families can visit national parks for free?
Wreath. Have your kids help you collect pinecones and other treasures from around your neighborhood to create your own wreath.
X marks the spot! Create a fall treasure hunt for your kids with a Halloween surprise at the end!
Yawn ... spend a lazy foul-weather Saturday at home cuddling on the couch, watching movies, and maybe even curling up in bed for a lovely mid-day nap.
Zoo! A fall visit to the zoo is always a treat!
Hope this list helps you find your family's ABCs of fall fun!
Jennifer Hill is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Fremont, Calif.
