Autumn is a wonderful season and a beautiful time of year! The changing colours, the cooler temperatures, and the family traditions are endless! Read my list of awesome fall family activities for some motivation and inspiration for the awesome time of year.

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Apple Picking (While Drinking Beer)

There is a place where this dream is a reality! Bad Apple Brewing Company Ltd. – located on the shores of Lake Huron – is a must-stop on your tour of Ontario’s West Coast. My husband loves their local craft beer and we frequently visit their beautiful property.

Since fall is when the apples are ripe for the picking, this is the best time of year to call on this brewery. Their multi-variety of apples are very affordable! We stop at the shop to pick up a paper bag to collect our pickings and head out to the orchard!

Before joining us, hubby stops at the bar for a pint of beer, and then joins us to pick a few apples! See?! Apple picking while enjoying a beer! A classic family activity the whole family can enjoy!

Trail Walk (Scavenger Hunt)

We enjoy a trail walk any time of year! However this is one of our favourite fall family activities especially. A walk in the woods is beautiful any time we go! But in the fall, the scenery is breathtaking!

Ontario’s West Coast has many trails to offer! From simple 1k beginner trails for those families who still require a stroller to 2.5k and up for the more advanced hiking group. We often frequent these trails because they are so close to home!

Hey, since you are already on the trail, give this scavenger hunt a go! There is something for the whole family to find – young or old!

Corn Maze (& Farm Fun)

Outdoor family fun at it’s best! Kustermans Family Farm is the epitome of fall family fun! For an extremely reasonable admission, one can pick pumpkins, tackle the corn maze, go on a wagon ride, visit the petting zoo, and ride the little tractors – all in one day!

Pumpkin Patch (At the Veggie Stand)

In order to support local, we tend to visit the same rural neighbourhood farm stand for our pumpkins, gourds, and squash. We regularly visit Masse Farms throughout the year for in-season produce.

But in fall, we hunt for all things autumn-decor, fall baking and savory recipe ideas, and of course, the necessary pumpkins to create our outdoor adornment!

(Raking the Leaves in the Yard) Leaf Jump

With the changing season comes the falling leaves! Yard work is a must in autumn! But there’s no reason to dread this task! Get the whole family in on the work (before the fun)!!

Make a game of raking the leaves into a big pile and then let the kiddos jump and play! Buy a few halloween themed bags to fill the leaves with for some added outdoor decor!

Related Post: Fall Nail Colour Faves

(Chrysanthe)Mum Picking

Garden centers and greenhouses are full of beautiful fall planters and unique decor ideas. Fall mums adorn our front porch and house entrance each and every year

Kids enjoy being a part of the design decision making as well. So be sure to let the kiddos pick a colour or variety of autumn plant for their own contribution.

Pumpkin (Carving & Porch) Art

Halloween is not necessarily a super celebrated time for my family. But in recent years we’ve gotten into the spooky spirit more and more. The exterior lights, night-of-the-living-dead design is usually left up to my husband.

He goes overboard on everything! Lights, bloody limbs, smoke shows, and pumpkin creatures! Last year he made a flamingo out of a gourd, some feathers, and a little paint!

Mind you we don’t go super pumpkin-carver extraordinaire – we do have fun carving and creating! Add a few corn stalks, some straw bales, and a bunch of glow-in-the-dark spiders – and we’re ready!

(Horror) Movie Marathon

Don’t judge our parenting here, but our daughter loves horror flicks! TBH we don’t let her watch any super gory, no based-on-a-true-story psychological thrillers, or nightmare inducing scenes.

The month of October features 31 days of scary movies – to be more specific Friday the Thirteenth marathons! Jason Voorhees is our eight year-old daughters hero.

However there are plenty of more family friendly Halloween selections that won’t freak out your children – Scoobie Doo, Casper, Hocus Pocus, and Three Witches.

Fall Baking (With Seasonal Produce)

Apple pie, white chocolate pumpkin cookies, and cranberry turnovers are that much more delicious in the fall – when the produce is in it’s prime and locally available. My family loves fall baking – thus we do this bonding activity on a weekly basis!

Camp Fire (in the Fire Table)

Just because the air is a little crisper in passing days doesn’t mean that outdoor fun has to end. An evening fire is a terrific way to end the night and safely get together with friends and neighbours. We invested in a fire table this year and they’re worth every penny! Less mess, hassle free igniting, and plenty of warmth! Bring on the smores!

Roast Pumpkin Seeds (From the Pumpkin Carving)

Since you’re already carving pumpkins, why not save a few handfuls of seeds for roasting!! Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack that the whole family can enjoy – roasted with a little olive oil, salt and whatever seasonings you prefer.

Autumnize (Fall Decor) Your Home

Personally, I’m not one to completely change my interior decor with the changing seasons. However, we do add some fall inspired trinkets, candles, wall decor, and of course, fall leaf strands strewn everywhere! To each their own, though! Change your design style weekly if it tickles your fancy!

Sideroad Tour (& Bring Your Camera)

Something we like to do as a family is just take a drive on gravel roads. Sideroads can be so much fun to tour sometimes! Less traffic, wildlife, and the scenery can be amazing! Be sure to bring a good camera (and maybe a tripod) in order to take a few pics – and maybe an impromptu mini family photo shoot!

Family Fishing (With a Side of Hot Chocolate)

Even though the cooler weather has arrived, the fish are still biting! Salmon run in the fall (hello, dinner idea) and other fish can be caught in the fall as well. The bite may not be as active as in the summer months, but the possibilities are still there. Be sure to check your local regulations to see what is open and what waterways are fishable.

When the kids are sick of fishing (instead of catching), make a stop at Tim Hortons or McDonalds for a hot chocolate or tea to warm themselves.

(Arm) Knit A Scarf

Every year (almost) I like to make a gift for family and friends around the holiday season. I’ve made picture frames, photo books, and scarves for family members. A couple of years ago I made an attempt at arm knitting and it was really cool. I simply sourced a basic instructional video on YouTube and, after a little trial and error, succeeded at making a very cool scarf.

You can also create a chunky throw blanket or a cute little rug by arm knitting. Give it a try!

(Roasted Vegetable &) Squash Soup

While on your visit to the local farm stand for you pumpkins, pick up some squash and root vegetables to make a delicious fall soup. Simple, delish, and oh so warming on a cool fall day – soup is a must for autumn!

Source Pinterest for a simple recipe, but I just wing it each time I make it. Start by roasting butternut squash, carrot, onion, garlic, and parsnip (tossed in a little olive oil). After this first step, add the veggies to a blender and blend with some vegetable stock until kinda smooth.

Transfer this mixture to a pot. Add your cream, wine, and spices and heat through. Enjoy for lunch, dinner, and freeze the rest in single servings for later. Yum!

Whatever you do (or don’t do) this autumn season – do so with love and joy and to make lasting memories! Cheers!