Fall is such a great time of year, because it brings out something new in everyone. The cool weather is relaxing, so people get outside easier and socialize a bit more. You feel like you're saying goodbye to summer, but also welcoming in the holiday season with all its cozy fireplaces and yummy recipes. In recent years, fall has also become synonymous with pumpkin-flavored everything.
That's great at first, but you might find yourself getting tired of pumpkins after a while. By the time you get one to carve or decorate for Halloween, you may be more inclined to chuck the pumpkin across the yard than smell that scent one more time. So what else is there to do during fall? Read on for some suggestions of how you can spend your autumn time wisely so when the holidays arrive, you're ready to embrace turkeys and ornaments.
DIY Halloween Costumes
Halloween is a big deal for many people, especially those with young kids. It's all about getting the perfect costume, but that's difficult when you don't have enough money to get what everyone wants at the overpriced costume store. Instead, DIY this year by hitting up local thrift stores or making costumes out of craft supplies.
Try making inventive costumes by making headband antlers for reindeer or creating a superhero cape out of an old pillowcase and decorating it with markers. Make it a challenge for everyone to use what they can find. You could even have a candy prize for the kid who makes the most creative costume!
Pumpkin Art
If you can't seem to get away from the pumpkins, try doing something different with them instead. Leave the carving knife behind and opt for a paintbrush or some string. By trying to create unique pumpkin art, you'll have fall decorations unlike anything anyone else has. If you can get some fake pumpkins at the local craft store, you could even reuse your creations next year.
Tailgate a Football Game
Fall and football go hand in hand. It's like Christmas and cookies. You can't have one without the other! That's why one of your fall activities this year should definitely be tailgating at a football game. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks and relax before the big game. It's a great chance to socialize before losing your voice in a cheering crowd. Never tailgated before? There's no need to worry if you brush up on tailgate etiquette before you leave the house.
Friendsgiving
Think of Friendsgiving as another way to show your love to people with food before the craziness of Thanksgiving begins. While Thanksgiving is a special time of year to be with close family around a delicious meal, sometimes it's nice to remind your friends how much you love them too. Have everyone over for a Thanksgiving-esque meal, or order something as simple as everyone's favorite pizza. The important thing is to spend time with the friends you love to say, "Thanks for always being there for me."
Knit Something Cozy
Another thing that goes right along with fall is being able to wear sweaters. Especially with the rise of Pinterest in the last few years, oversized sweaters and cute boots have become the official outfit of fall. Take that cozy sweater up a notch by accessorizing with a scarf or hat. You can learn how to knit in no time, thanks to the Internet.
Go Antiquing
Okay, so antiquing isn't an activity only reserved for fall, but there's something about the season that makes bargain-hunting more enjoyable! When you go to local thrift stores, you'll be more likely to find some old sweaters and discounted fall decorations you can use around the house. Win, win.
Pie Cook-Off
During the fall season, you aren't limited to only making pumpkin pies, so ask your friends to help widen your horizon! Have a pie cook-off to see who can make the tastiest dessert. At the very least, you'll walk away with something new to bake for yourself or your family.
Bonfire
No, you don't have to get out the same old s'mores supplies. Having your friends over for a bonfire dinner is something everyone should do at least once. You can make a variety of recipes, like grilled cheese cooked over an open fire, or chocolate-covered bananas. What could be better than feeling full by a roaring fire?
Start Christmas Shopping
Here's your official reminder to get started on Christmas shopping early. Like, as early as you possibly can. Yes, there will be great deals closer to the actual holiday, but why stress out at the last minute? Do some fall shopping to save yourself the holiday headache later on.
Host a Beer Tasting
Looking for a reason to have people over? Have a fun night with drinks and snacks while supporting local breweries. Ask every guest to bring over their favorite craft beer. You can pour samples into tasting cups so everyone can try something new. Sixty percent of craft beer drinkers opt for craft brews because of the variety, so introduce some new drinks to your friends to support the breweries near you.
Go on a Hike
Besides the ubiquitous pumpkins, what's another thing you think of when someone mentions fall? One of the best things about fall is all the changing leaves that add vibrant colors to your surroundings. Why not go take a hike while the views are still gorgeous? Squeeze out one last hike before the trees go bare and it's too cold to go outside. You'll be glad you did once you're snowed in for the winter.
Fall Activities: Only Limited by Your Imagination!
Trying to find something fun to do during fall can be exhausting if you don't want to do anything involving having to carve or eat pumpkins. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can have fun in fall without them!
Search around your town to see if the community is having any fun fall activities you can join. There really is plenty to do in the fall if you put a little effort into finding something you like.
After graduating from Penn State with degrees in Marketing and PR, Sarah moved to Harrisburg to start her career as a Digital Media Specialist and a writer. She later founded Punched Clocks, a site dedicated to helping young professionals navigate the work world and find happiness and success in their careers.
