20 Affordable Outdoor Activities to Do This Fall Beyond the Pumpkin Patch
When fall is on its way, so many of us dread the thought of the coming colder weather. The first cold breeze sends a shudder down the spine of summer lovers, and they immediately start stocking up on blankets and movies for hibernation until spring, only to come out for the family visit to the pumpkin patch. I'll admit, I enjoy cuddling up on my couch just as much as the next person (as much as my toddler permits). But there are so many activities we can do outdoors during autumn, before winter weather becomes unbearable, and we're forced indoors. And is the fall really that cold anyway?
In the area where I live, even though it's not as scorching hot in during the fall months (September to November) as it is in the summer (June to August), the days are still pretty warm. Especially in the month of September. Obviously, as we get closer to December, a jacket becomes an everyday item. But the occasional, uncharacteristically warm day still pops up at least until late November. Our city is famous for its Indian summers (which we are definitely repaid for during February and March). That being the case, we can definitely get a lot of use out of those days. Even on a cold day, if it's not snowing, the family can throw on coats, hats, and boots, and get plenty of enjoyment from activities that are especially fun during this time of year. Let's refresh our memory on some of those activities, that I'm sure everyone's experienced at least once in their childhood. Who knows, fall might become one of our favorite times of the year!
Hay Ride
During this time of year, farms are harvesting and bringing all their fruits and veggies in for the winter. Hayrides are especially fun to do at this busy time on the farm, when all the food has reached is maturity. This year, just be sure to call ahead for public safety protocols so everyone can happily enjoy their time outdoors.
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor movie screenings usually start at the beginning of summer. But what many may not know, is that a lot of locations don't stop showing films until November. That's most of autumn, that can be spent watching a good movie with the family and breathing fresh air, in locations like this (which is in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia) and can also be done from the safety of a car.
Camping
Yes, that's right, I said camping. We already know that its going to be chilly. In addition to the scenery, camping in fall gives us a chance to do some of the other activities on this list all in one weekend. During fall, it's possible to enjoy nights outdoors because the mosquitoes are gone for the season. Here are eight other reasons why camping in fall is a good idea.
Bird-Watching
Bird-watching in the fall is a really special experience. In the spring and summer, we see the baby birds hatching and learning to fly. In summer, we see the birds living their best lives, fluttering around and getting food. But in fall, we have the chance to see flocks of birds fly towards the equator for warmth. It's really beautiful to witness.