Happy first day of fall! Cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, crisp air, and shorter days make fall a great time to get outside and try something new. Here are a few ideas to add some fun to your autumn:
- Make a leaf maze. You’ve tried a leaf pile. This year, try arranging fallen leaves into a maze or labyrinth. We’d love to see pictures of your designs!
- Make art with nature. Gather leaves, twigs, pinecones, and other natural materials and use them to create your own artwork. Experiment with different textures, shapes, and colors. Try this nature painting project.
- Have a solar-oven cookout. Put the autumn sunshine to work and make s’mores in a solar oven. Learn how to make your own.
- Go on an apple adventure. Try three varieties of apples you’ve never tasted before. Better yet, visit a local orchard and pick your own.
- Make a nature mandala. Gather colorful leaves, acorns, rocks, pinecones, and other natural treasures and arrange them into a temporary design. When you’re finished, leave it where you found it for someone else to discover.
- Watch an outdoor movie. Check your community calendar for an outdoor movie screening. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and enjoy a movie under the stars.
- Take a fall photo challenge. Take five photos that capture what fall means to you. Look for colorful leaves, interesting shadows, wildlife, or simply a favorite autumn view.
- Go bird-watching. Set aside an hour to see how many different birds you can spot. Bring binoculars if you have them and keep a list of your sightings.
- Follow a squirrel. Take a break from your usual routine and spend five minutes watching a squirrel. Where does it go? What does it find? You might be surprised by how calming a little wildlife watching can be.
- Try a new fall food. Roast butternut or acorn squash, taste a persimmon, cook with fresh herbs, or try another fall fruit or vegetable you’ve never had before.
- Have a bonfire night. Invite friends or family to gather around a fire, roast marshmallows, and tell stories. No bonfire? A fire pit or even a cozy porch gathering can work just as well.
- Simply enjoy the season. Grab a book and your favorite fall beverage and spend some time sitting outside. Listen to the wind moving through the leaves, watch the clouds, and enjoy a few quiet minutes without a screen.
Whatever you do, get outside and enjoy the season!
