In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it often feels like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. From work and chores to school and commitments, time slips through our fingers like sand.

And just when we think the day couldn’t get any shorter, the fall season arrives, and daylight itself shrinks away. Don’t let the shorter days of autumn pass you by. Seize the opportunity to make every moment count, especially with your children. To help, we’ve put together 20 enchanting fall activities to savor this season with your family.

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Feel free to jump straight to the list by clicking the orange text below. But in case you were needing more motivation to get out of the house with your family this fall, we’ve included some background on a little thing called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

>> Jump to the list of fall kid-friendly activities <<

A Deeper Reason to Get Out this Fall

While the fall season brings about an enchanting atmosphere of crisp air and beautiful scenery, this time of year can sometimes also alter our mood and energy levels. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as “the winter blues,” is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, typically in the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight.

The arrival of shorter days and less sunlight can lead to subtle mood changes, feelings of sadness, lethargy, and a general sense of unease. It’s important to be mindful of these seasonal shifts. Luckily, there are ways to combat SAD.

Consider incorporating more outdoor activities into your routine, even during the shorter days. Sometimes, a bit of fresh air and time spent in nature with loved ones can do wonders to lift your spirits and help you savor the beauty of autumn.

While we welcome cooler weather and a more relaxed way of life, keep in mind the importance of taking care of your well-being and enjoying these moments with your loved ones.

Don’t forget your wagon! We love our portable wagon that folds up and fits flat in our trunk, ready to tote around our kids, pumpkins, and more during fall festivities.

Here are 20 fall activities to try with your kids:

1. Say Farewell to Summer with a Labor Day trip ↗
2. Create Personalized Halloween Art ↗
3. Peep the Leaves with a Scenic Driving Tour ↗
4. Make an Easy, Delicious Fall Treat ↗
5. Visit a Historic, Spooky Town ↗
6. Have a Bonfire (Need help starting a fire?)
7. Carve a Pumpkin (Here are free printable pumpkin stencils)
8. Visit Silver Dollar City Harvest Fest ↗
9. Go to the Pumpkin Patch ↗
10. Visit a Farmer’s Market
11. Have Spooky Movie Night (with these family-friendly nostalgic titles)
12. Explore a Haunted House ↗
13. Have a Zipline Adventure ↗
14. Make Leaf Art (spark your inspiration here)
15. Go on a Nature Hike ↗
16. See the Arkansas Grand Canyon ↗
17. Schedule a Glamping Weekend ↗
18. Set up a Backyard Stargazing Night
19. Go on a Historical Ghost Tour ↗
20. Try Geocaching in Crisp Air ↗

Bonus idea! Get crafty with this Creepy Creatures River Rock Craft Kit and paint some Halloween-themed river rocks with your kids.

Explore a Family Adventure with Budget-Friendly Tips

Break through the mundane with a fall family vacation. The season offers a generous selection of longer weekends, providing the perfect opportunity to create an unforgettable weekend trip with the kids. Keep your family and your wallet happy as you plan with these tips:

• 12+ Family-Friendly Things to Do on Vacation in Branson
• 12 Frugal Travel Tips for Budget-Friendly Family Vacations