Fun Outdoor Activities for the Fall

Fall offers cooler weather that finds many people enjoying time spent indoors. Whether you are with family or friends, the beauty of the autumnal months creates an air of nostalgia that aids in celebrating the season – here are a few ideas to consider to help capture it:

Go Apple Picking

Nothing says Fall like a juicy apple picked fresh from a tree. First, find a local orchard that allows you to pick your own apples.  Call ahead of time to make sure they’re open and check on conditions and possible limitations & protocols.  Once you’ve arrived, refrain from just yanking fruit from the trees with abandon. Pinching apples too hard can bruise them, and so can throwing them roughly into a bucket.  Instead, gently twist the apples from their stems and lay them into your container. You might use a backpack, burlap sack, or add some seasonal flair with a handmade wicker basket (see tutorial from Lady Lee’s Home).  Make a day of the experience, hike around, get dirty and take in the colors of the season.  When you get home, you can use the fresh apples to make a warm apple pie or some hot apple cider.  Mmmm. 

Plant Bulbs in your Garden for Spring

Bulbs planted in the fall produce the first blooms of next year’s season, so spending a little time now will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood come springtime.  That means if you haven’t already, it’s time to head to your local garden center or nursery.  Take the kids with you and ask them to help you pick out some of their favorite flowers.  You’ll want to plant the bulbs soon after you purchase them and before the ground freezes.  American Meadows has a handy-dandy guide that explains when the best times are to plant wildflower seeds in your region.  Select a site with lots of sun, plant the bulbs at a depth of three times the width of the bulb and make sure to protect the area from critters like voles and chipmunks.

Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder

Have birds near your home?  Spend a few minutes making some pinecone bird feeders – a decorative and simple craft for kids – and watch your flying friends peck away all afternoon.  Here’s an easy how-to guide with what you’ll need and a step-by-step process of how to make them.

Find a New Hike

Even if you’re an avid hiker, chances are there are still a few trails left untouched by your boots within a reasonable driving distance. Yes, you may have done all the “big names” in the region but there’s something to be said for the roads less traveled. Head over to AllTrails on the web or with the app and discover some fresh terrain to explore. Even if it’s a simple walk in the woods, you’ll be surprised at what might arise in terms of calmness, stress release, and appreciation for life’s softer moments.

Tip: Use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on shovels to allow the dirt to easily slide off.