Goodbye Summer, hello Autumn! As we begin to break out the apple cider and cozy sweaters in preparation for cooler weather, many activities that were strained by the hazy heat of summer begin to open up once again.

Need ideas to help kick off the incoming season? Check the list below for a list of exciting and safe outdoor activities for the whole family!

  1. Picking pumpkins at the patch – The fall classic has arrived! Pumpkin patches are a staple during the season and can be found at local farms, gardens and markets. Bring along the whole family, a wagon, water and get ready to find some great gourds!
  2. Apple picking at local orchards – Occasionally found adjacent to pumpkin patches, fall fanatics across the country wait all year to find the best apples at the orchard. Grab a barrel full of apples and enjoy making apple sauce, juice, muffins and more.
  3. Bonfire and s’mores night -Locate a designated campsite near you or camp out in the backyard with the most iconic trio of all time: chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. For a fun fall twist, search for pumpkin spice chocolates, marshmallows and cookies to spice it up.
    • Remember: never leave an open flame unattended, use campfire rings or pits, check weather conditions ahead of time, keep flammable materials away from the flame and make sure burned materials are fully extinguished before leaving the area.
  1. Pumpkin painting and carving party – Remember those pumpkins you picked from the patch? Set up a few newspapers or paper bags, paint and brushes, along with a kid-friendly pumpkin carving kit (used with supervision) and watch the creativity let loose!
  2. Hayrides – Whether it’s a spooky or fall-themed ride, hayrides are the perfect excuse to break out your sweaters and boots and go sightseeing around farms and nature trails.
  3. Fall foliage scavenger hunt – Create a list of common and uncommon nature finds to search for at the park or a local hiking trail and compete with your family to see who can collect the most!
  1. Autumn farmers market – Not sure where to find homemade pumpkin spice candles, fresh baked goods and hand-knit blankets? You can grab it all at the local farmers market and bring home bags full of treasures to last the whole season!
  2. Candy treasure hunt – Spooky season is here! Give the kiddos a taste of their favorite time of the year with a guided treasure hunt, with the treasure being candy!
  3. Fall flavors outdoor picnic – Bring a blanket, your favorite fall foods and some warm apple cider to a neighborhood park and enjoy the crisp weather and quality time with your loved ones.
  4. Deck your doors with fall finds – Falling leaves, pinecones and acorns all make beautiful decorations to create colorful fall wreaths and natural decorations to display outdoors.

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The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Story By: Cerenity Dai