Autumn Fun for the Family

With autumn comes a change in season and a change in what fun activities are available for families to enjoy. Indoors or outdoors, there are many wonderful and relatively inexpensive things families can do in order to have quality time together.

OUTDOORS

Continuation of Summer

Collecting rocks, bugs, leaves, and plants; bird watching; and nature walks are just a few of the great activities families can enjoy outdoors. Some birds will be starting their annual migration, which will provide additional bird-watching opportunities as they are on the move.

Eating Out

Picnics and cookouts provide opportunities for families to work together, play together, converse, and have quality time. Learning to cook over an open fire, with a Dutch oven, or with a barbeque grill also provides fun and interesting opportunities for families to bond.

Photography

With the relative low cost of digital cameras, as well as their ease of use, photographing the myriad of colorful changes in nature which come with autumn is easily a great option for an outdoor activity.

INDOORS

Fireplace Fun

On a chilly day, it can be great family fun to gather round a roaring fire in the fireplace. Stories can be told, hot cocoa (with marshmallows, of course!) can be drunk, and tickle-fights can ensue. A great quick meal to enjoy by a roaring fire would include hot dogs, followed by s'mores for dessert.

Only the Shadow Knows

With darkness coming earlier in the fall, teaching the kids how to do shadow puppet shows on the walls is a great way to explore creativity and utilize the change in seasons.

Fort Something-or-Other

One thing children love to do regardless of the season is to build forts and tents in the house with anything handy. Sheets, blankets, and couch cushions are the most popular construction materials. Don't worry that it may not be very 'stable', as cushions falling on mom and dad's heads are half the fun for the kids. The more frequent inclement weather of fall is the perfect time to build forts, and this activity can be easily used in conjunction with other listed in this article, as well.

SPORTS

GOAL!

Football and Hockey are just two sports which begin their seasons at the end of summer or at the beginning of autumn. High schools, colleges and universities, and minor leagues provide low-cost opportunities for enjoying these great sports without paying major league prices. You can check online or call the facility nearest you in order to get their sports schedule and pricing. Many sporting events also offer family nights and are making their environment more family friendly. Be sure to ask about special discounts and events for families.

Swimming

Indoor swimming pools are a great way to transition from summer activities to autumn ones. Open year-round, these provide a great way for families to exercise and play at the same time.

Climbing the Walls

Changing weather making you feel like you are ready to climb the walls? Many facilities around the country offer indoor rock-climbing walls and Velcro walls for entertaining exercise opportunities. This video shows what a Velcro wall looks like with jumpers in action. Some companies offer Velcro walls for rent or sale for home use, as well.

Whatever you decide to do, the most important part is to just have fun together. Let your imagination run wild, and revel in this special time with each other. Indoors or out, there are many things families can do to enjoy the coming of autumn, and time together.