Free Family Activities This Fall
Who doesn’t love fall? It’s that time of year where it’s starting to finally cool down a bit. It’s glorious when you’re able to walk to the mailbox without sweating profusely. This time of year is full of the warmest colors and crisp fresh air. Finally we can start drinking pumpkin spice latte’s again, or apple cider if that’s more your thing. We’re able to pull out our cute and cozy sweaters and snuggle up with our kids around the fire. We also get to do those fun fall activities like going to picking apples at the orchard or taking a hayride around the pumpkin patch.
Though these activities are so much fun, the cost can sometimes prohibit some from being able to really enjoy the fall. Being married to a pastor and having five kids to budget for, we have always had to get creative with spending less.
Maybe you have the financial ability to do whatever you’d like, or maybe you don’t, but nonetheless, these are activities that are crowd pleasures amongst kids of all ages.
Deconstructed Thankful Tree
Start this family tradition and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Grab some white cardstock, or colorful paper if you’d prefer. Print several pages of various leaf shapes and cut those out. Make enough for each family member to be able to write one out once a week, every day in fall, or for a month leading up to thanksgiving.
Everyday, you and your kids will sit down and write out one thing you are thankful for on a leaf and tape it to the wall. Do it as a family and share that one thing each of you are thankful for together. As time goes on, everyone has to get a little more creative, but that’s where some of the most beautiful things surface.
The thankful tree is a fun way to practice thankfulness all throughout the fall season as a family. It truly is perfect it is leading up to the Christmas season, coming in with a heart of gratitude rather than one of neediness.
Jumping In Leaf Piles
This was one of my absolute favorite things to do in my childhood. Now it’s our turn to do this with our own kids. Wait for the weather to be that perfect fall temperature where it’s nice and cool, maybe a little breezy and sunny. Give your kids turns with raking up the leaves into giant piles. And let your kids think you are allowing them to rake the leaves rather than making them. It’s a win win situation. You get to enjoy all of the fun without any work.
Now jump away! Kick them around, put on music and dance around in them. Throw them up in the air and let them fall on you. Get out your camera just in case, because I can guarantee you are going to get some real genuine smiles out of them. Don’t forget to join in on their fun! We can’t let them have all the fun without us! Though you will inevitably get leaves and dirt in your hair and clothes, just forget about the mess for just a minute to enjoy this time with your kids.
In a fast paced world of being an adult, sometimes it takes consciencely slowing down and choosing to live life like a child again.
Movie and Popcorn Night
There is no better time for a movie and popcorn night than during the fall season, because Halloween movies are the best! If you don’t celebrate halloween, pick whatever you’d like! There are so many good movies to stream or rent. The goal is just to create sweet memories as a family.
Grab the bag of popcorn to pop and listen to all the kernels popping in the microwave. Then grab your warm glass of hot cocoa. Add some marshmallows or whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Kids usually prefer as many toppings as you’re willing to shell out.
Turn the fire on, grab some cozy blankets and pillows, and again forget about the mess till after the movie is done. Snuggle up next to your kids and relax. Allow them or maybe even yourself to fall asleep to the comfort of the evening.
Make it a fall tradition or even a year long tradition for Friday night movie night. Whatever night works best for you and your family. As chaotic as it can be sometimes, you’ll never regret taking intentional time to be with your family.
Creating Memories
Creating memories with your kids shouldn’t and doesn’t need to cost you tons of money. You shouldn't have to go broke to be able to love on them each and everyday. Giving your kids family experiences that refresh both their soul and yours what matters most. Learn to enjoy the fall season or any other as a family.
