Backyard Activities to enjoy this fall
The beautiful weather and gorgeous color palette of fall beckons families outdoors to enjoy time together. The good news is that you don’t have to venture far from home for outdoor fun. Here are some great activities you and your children can participate in from the comfort of your own backyard.
Outdoor movie night
Enjoying a movie outdoors on a crisp autumn evening is sure to be a hit with your family. Project the movie on a white sheet against your house, pop some popcorn, bring out blankets and pillows, and cozy up to watch a family favorite together. You can find reasonably priced projectors that attach to a smart phone or computer to make movie viewing easy.
Flashlight fun
From flashlight tag to shadow charades to a flashlight dance party, flashlights can provide hours of fun for the entire family. Check out these fun games played with flashlights and prepare for lots of laughter and good times after the sun goes down.
Evening by the fire
On a cool, fall evening, it’s hard to beat sitting by a warm fire with your family. Basking in the glowing flames and spending time with people you love are a perfect recipe for a relaxing time. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, tell funny stories or ghost stories (none too scary if you have young ones) or sing campfire songs to make it an extra special night. Here are a few “not-so-scary” ghost stories to consider sharing during your campfire evening.
Backyard camp out
After time by a fire, consider extending the evening with a family camp out. Sleeping outside in the fresh air is a great way to appreciate nature. Pitch a tent in your backyard, use blankets to make the floor more comfortable, and lay sleeping bags on top. Don’t forget to bring battery-powered lanterns and make sure to add fluffy pillows and each person’s favorite lovey to make it extra cozy inside! Here are links to a few inexpensive tent options to consider.
Game day
Gather your family for some old-fashioned fun and play games in the backyard. Create an obstacle course, chalk art or hopscotch game, or play horseshoes, ring or bean bag toss, hot “pumpkin” (instead of potato) or musical chairs. A sack race, egg and spoon race and the three-legged race would also be great fun.
Fall scavenger hunt
Make a list of fall-like things that your children can easily find in your backyard. Give each child a basket to collect their items and then challenge them to use the items to create a fall masterpiece.
Here is a free downloadable guide for a nature scavenger hunt.
Fall crafting
Fall is the perfect time of year to do crafts. Set up a table outside and have everyone try their hand at making leaf rubs, painting pumpkins or gourds, creating “nature” art using leaves, twigs, small rocks, moss and other things collected from your yard. You can also make “Eyes of God” using two sticks and fall-colored yarn. Purchase small clay pots from a discount store and have your children paint the pots in fall colors. After they dry, plant pansies in them and then leave them on neighboring front porches with a note from your family as a nice fall surprise.
Leaf mountains and leaf slide
“Leaf mountains” have been a source of entertainment for children for many years. Give each child a rake and work together as a family to build a giant leaf mountain. Another idea is to “build” a mountain at the end of a sliding board and enjoy listening to your children squeal with delight as they slide into the mountain. Warning: This activity may be so fun that your children clamor to build leaf mountains several days in a row! After the activity has run its course, gather everyone together to collect the leaves to recycle or place them in natural areas to let nature take its course.
Build fairy houses
Little fairies may enjoy a warm place to rest this fall, so why not build fairy houses with your children so the magical creatures have a comfy place to land? Join your children for a trek through your yard and gather materials to build your fairy house. Make sure to pick up treasures along the way to help furnish or adorn the creative abode. The fairies will thank you!
Fall picnic
Food eaten outside somehow tastes better, and even more so if enjoyed while taking in views of backyard fall color. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner, spread out a large blanket in a sunny spot in your backyard and enjoy a meal together. To make it more fun, enlist each member of your family to prepare and pack something for the picnic, but let each person’s contribution be a surprise to be revealed at the picnic. You may be amazed at how well the meal comes together.
With the beautiful colors and the perfect weather, fall is simply a delightful time of year. Enjoy time outdoors and create special memories with your family during this wonderful season in your own backyard.
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