The Cheesier the Better
What comes to mind when you think about fall activities? Pumpkin carving perhaps. Maybe the odd trip to Spirit Halloween. But the cooler months are so much more than that! With such gorgeous views and so many activities, it’s time to embrace your cheesy side and get the most out of the season.
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1. Haunted Houses
Say what you want about haunted houses, but they’re a must-do fall activity. Sure, those scare actors might chase after you, and heaven knows we don’t appreciate strobe lights after the age of 30, but campy haunted houses are the perfect dose of nostalgia.
2. The Pumpkin Patch
We know you can buy pumpkins at the grocery store, but there’s nothing better than picking your own right from the patch. Hay bales, family portraits, and twisting vines all await you—grab your best cozy sweater and take home your prized gourd!
3. Making Cookies
Whether you’re ripping into that Pillsbury log or making your own from scratch, you can’t do fall without cookies. Invite friends over or have your cat don a little chef’s hat as you put together your gooiest creation.
4. Scary Movie Marathon
With no shortage of scary movies available, you and your loved ones have plenty of options to sift through. The good news is that even if you don’t like anything too scary, some children’s movies also hold a pretty good fright.
5. Jumping Into Leaves
Raking leaves may be a cumbersome chore, but jumping into them is its own reward—regardless of whether or not you have munchkins in the house! Hopping into a fresh pile of crunchy leaves is the fastest way to be a kid again.
6. DIY Decorations
From wreaths and garlands to pumpkins and paper leaves, you can make all sorts of DIY decorations. Don’t feel like you need to stick to major holidays either! Though we love Halloween and Thanksgiving, you can always focus on generic deco that lasts for months.
7. Pumpkin Carving
Have you even had a successful fall without carving pumpkins? Whether you invite loved ones over or sit down with the kiddos, etching designs into those plump canvases is what spooky season’s all about. Even if Halloween’s over, you can still paint them or have them as part of your porch decor!
8. Corn Mazes
Alright, maybe haunted houses aren’t your thing—fear not, because corn mazes are just as fun and just as autumnal. It’s true that some have scare actors but most only require a little brain power and the occasional sip of a pumpkin spice latte to get you through.
9. Plan a Whodunit Dinner
Step into your own Agatha Christie novel this season! Round up some friends, get dressed up, and plan elaborate scenarios until you all slowly turn on each other, wondering who was responsible for this shocking scene.
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10. Adult Costume Party
On the other hand, some would rather dress like Sherlock Holmes, not be him. If that’s the case then an adult Halloween party is perfect. After all, tasty treats and funky costumes aren’t just for children.
11. Playing Classic Horror Games
Sometimes it isn’t enough to watch a horror movie—no, true scream queens want to step into the action. Enter video games. Everything from Silent Hill and Amnesia to System Shock and Resident Evil is plenty capable of delivering a good fright.
12. Decorate the Porch
Autumnal decor isn’t just for Halloween! Pumpkin flower pots, mums, and painted corn husks look good all season long, giving your porch the makeover it deserves. You can keep the deco up for Thanksgiving or leave it until sleigh bells come calling.
13. Have a Bonfire
Even if you don’t have a fire pit in your backyard, cold beach days and camping excursions work just fine too. Gather your loved ones and bring the good snacks because fall isn’t complete without homemade s’mores.
14. Make Candy Apples
Speaking of good snacks, candy apples are an autumn staple. Dip ‘em in caramel, roll them in crushed nuts, or drizzle them with chocolate—however you choose to indulge, candy apples are the perfect blank canvas for your sweet tooth.
15. Host a Friendsgiving
Some would rather spend Thanksgiving with friends, and that’s okay! Friendsgiving is the ideal answer to that conundrum, allowing best buds to clink glasses and catch up over the holiday season.
16. Check out Fall Festivals
Your neighborhood likely has more fall activities planned than you know! Farmers’ markets and festivals often have all-day events for people of all ages, which means you can make a day of it with just about anyone.
17. Apple Picking
All sorts of apple-based desserts are just a trip away! Bring loved ones or make a solo trip out of it, picking only the freshest fruit for your kitchen. It’s also a good arm workout lugging all those crisp galas to the car.
Photo by Ryan Arnst on Unsplash
18. Fall Picnic
We know this sounds a little crazy, but hear us out! Rather than fight for a spot on the grass, your favorite park isn’t half as crowded in the fall. Not only that, you’re also surrounded by beautiful foliage and crisp temperatures.
19. Build a Blanket Fort
When was the last time you built a solid blanket fort? Well, there’s no time like the present! Beat those rainy days and spooky movies from the comfort of your own hideout. You can recruit help or piece together your own masterpiece, decked out with fairy lights, pillows, and snacks.
20. Go on a Hayride
There’s no reason why kids should hog all the wagon rides! Hop in and soak in all the autumnal scenery this season—it’s an affordable joyride anyone can enjoy.
