Happy fall! In most people’s eyes, as soon as Labor Day is finished, it’s time to indulge in all things fall. That means pumpkin spice lattes, Hocus Pocus, planning your Halloween costume, and decorating the house with all things pumpkin.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for fun fall activities, you’ve come to the right place! Here at FitMyFoot we’re lovers of staying active, and with the days getting colder and darker, this is no excuse! In fact, we believe that fall is the best time of the year to enjoy the outside before it gets to winter. In this article we’re going to share some of the most popular fall activities you and your family can enjoy to stay healthy and active.
- Go for a fall walk
Depending on where you live in the U.S., you might be lucky enough to enjoy the changing seasons by going for a fall walk and admiring the beautiful orange and yellow leaves. For the best fall foliage, you’re likely going to be based in Maine, Arkansas, New York or Vermont, according tothis article by Travel and Leisure.
If you’re located somewhere without many trees, it might be a fun idea to plan a family trip to your nearest fall foliage destination. It will help you get in the fall spirit while staying outside and active.
- Try a long hike
The summer is hot and humid. While a beaming sun and long days of sunlight may sound like the perfect time to hike, it can be difficult for hiking newbies or people in at-risk groups like those with asthma or arthritis. In reality, the best time of the year to go hiking is the fall. Not only will you enjoy the fall trees, you will find that the weather is cooler and more forgiving for physical activity.
If you’re looking for the best places to hike, check out this article we wrote that coversThe 7 Best Hiking Trails in the U.S.
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- Visit a pumpkin farm
Every state has a pumpkin farm or two, so you most likely won’t have to go far to enjoy a day out with your family at a pumpkin patch. These usually open at the end of September and go until the beginning of November.
Pumpkin patches are a great way to get outside and get into the fall spirit! If you have young children, this trip will be particularly beneficial. A pumpkin farm provides opportunities to engage children in learning. By giving your children the freedom to roam and pick their own pumpkins will give them a sense of independence and pride. You can also use this as a helpful teaching opportunity to share insights into fall and Halloween, and why pumpkins are used.
- Go apple picking
Apple picking will no doubt be an experience you won’t forget. Not only will you be able to roam the natural environment, you’ll go home with a bunch of apples that you can use to make an apple pie - it doesn’t get morefall than that! Aside from the take-home, you can enjoy a plethora of other benefits including:
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Stress relief - Spending time in nature is associated with more positive emotions and fewer negative ones. This is measured by an elevation in endorphins - happy hormones, and a reduction in cortisol - your stress hormone.
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Connect with nature - Buying your apples from the grocery store disconnects you from the process of nature. This isn’t an issue in itself, but it can be a wonderful feeling to pick your own apples from the ground, helping you feel part of the process as such.
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Learning opportunity - For parents, apple picking can be a great opportunity to teach your children about where apples come from and how they grow.
- Burn calories while having fun - If you’re keen on cutting calories, this should be your go-to fall activity. An hour-long walk around the orchard can burn up to 360 calories!
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- Go to a fall festival
Many states hold local fall festivals. These are usually designed with children in mind, offering face painting, pumpkin carving, and more. It’s a chance to socialize and get in the fall spirit, while being able to enjoy the time outside and staying active.
Check outthis article by Country Living that covers the 29 Best Fall Festivals and Fairs Across the United States.You’re bound to find something!
- Play or watch a sport
Fall means it’s sports season. Whether you’re going to be participating in the sport yourself or just going along to watch your local team, getting involved in sports can help you get motivated to stay active during the fall. If you’re interested in taking up a sport this fall, check out this articlewe wrote for specifics on how to get involved.
If you just want to stay by the side lines, that’s fine too! There are many live events you can attend, ranging from your local high school team to the NFL. It’ll be a fun day out for all the family!
- Train for a turkey trot
As we wrote in our recent article, fall is the best time of the year to run! From total running newbies to seasoned professionals, signing up for a turkey trot provides a clear goal that you can work towards. Turkey trots happen across the U.S., and are considered a friendly and fun opportunity to try your hand at competitive running.
Try and get a group of friends, family or colleagues to sign up with you and enjoy the friendly competition and accountability that comes along with preparing for a race.
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Final thoughts
With the seasons changing, it’s the perfect chance to reflect on the progress of your year and try a few new things. For healthy and active families, these fall activities will go down a treat and make you remember this fall forever.
