65 Fun Fall Activities That Kids and Adults Alike Will Enjoy

Scout out a location with a great view of the eastern horizon and be there at sunset to watch the Harvest Moon rise on the evenings of September 28, 29, and 30, 2023. The date changes every year, but it's always the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. Our ancestors relied upon this annual lunar event for extra light at harvesttime, but for most of us today, it's simply a chance for us to stand in awe of Mother Nature.

What is a Harvest Moon? Here's why it's so cool.

Wherever you are, there is sure to be a fall fair or festival near you. So grab your sweater and get ready for games, rides, and epic state fair food. Willing to make it a road trip? Check out our roundup of the best fall festivals across the U.S.

Whip up a cozy concoction that will fill your home with delightful autumn aromas.

To make an Apple Pie Simmer Pot: Evoke the nostalgia of a Saturday spent baking alongside Grandma. Add two apples (sliced), one finger of ginger (sliced), and three cinnamon sticks to a pot of two to four quarts water set over low heat.

To make a Perfect Pear Simmer Pot: Settle in for a lazy chilly morning with a good book, a blanket, and an earthy scent. Add two pears (sliced), one lemon (sliced), two drops mint extract, and four drops vanilla to a pot of two to four quarts water set over low heat.

Need inspiration? Check out these fall photoshoot ideas and fall Instagram captions too.

Got a few apples past their prime? Use them for a fun game. Gather vintage produce baskets in assorted sizes, and designate points for each vessel. Write the game name and point assignments on green card stock. Split up the family as Team Red and Team Green, and take turns tossing to find out who is the winner.

Flowers aren't just for spring! This beautiful arrangement makes the most of ranunculus, dahlias, and Queen Anne's lace nestled in a basket or a wood bucket. Don't worry about perfection: Keep the arrangement loose and casual.

Road trip to see the changing leaves in a small town you've never explored before! Two of our favorite destinations for the season? Sperryville, Virginia and Lambertville, New Jersey.

Discover more small towns in the U.S. for prime autumn leaf peeping.

No treat says "autumn" quite like a crisp caramel apple. Simply melt caramels according to the instructions on the bag. Role in peanuts, if desired.

Ditch your devices the next time you head on a family camping trip and focus on the fun to be had in the world around you with this kid-friendly craft.

To make: Pick up a round wood slab and four leather strips. On the slab, form a grid (pictured at left) with the strips and secure each end with an upholstery tack. Once in the woods, gather two five-piece groupings of found objects such as small rocks and pine cones to use as game pieces.

Leafy greens aren't the only way to eat your veggies! This perfect fall salad subs in hearty radicchio, and the pears and gorgonzola cheese are the perfect add-ons.

Get the recipe for Roasted Pear, Sweet Potato, and Radicchio Salad.

The perfect definition of "me" time is a cozy nook, a warm cup of tea, and a book you can't put down. In search of new reading material? Check out our top fall book picks for 2023.

Take your fall dinner party up a few festive notches with these seasonal place cards. Draw a letter on paper, then cut out and tape to an apple. Using a straight pin, lightly prick along the outside of the letter to make an outline, and then fill the letter with cloves.

Stack vintage aluminum colanders to create a picture-perfect kitchen display.

To make: Cut pieces of floral foam to fit in the bottom and middle colanders. Push colanders into foam to help them stay in place. Place pumpkins around the bottom and middle colanders and completely fill the top colander. Add bittersweet sprigs throughout.

See more beautiful fall centerpiece ideas to bring the season to your table.

Fall is the time to cozy up your home with soulful pieces from decades past. Our guide to the 50 best small towns for antiques will help you figure out where to head.

It's officially stew season! Spend a lazy fall Sunday warming up in the kitchen while cooking one of our favorite soups and stews.

Whether you're in the market for hand-woven baskets or preserved-on-site jams and jellies, we challenge you to step away from the internet and shop a charming country store instead.

Let your neighbors know how excited you are for the season with a front porch curb appeal using all the festive fall decor—pumpkins, mums, a pretty fall wreath, and vintage finds. It will make the perfect backdrop for your family Instagram photos.

There are so many cute and clever DIY Halloween costume ideas out there for women, kids, families, and more. For instructions for this Johnny Cash-themed "Ring of Fire" couples' costume, head to our collection of clever pun costumes.

Invite friends to bring their favorite fall dishes for a casual get-together to celebrate any ol' occasion—or for no reason at all!

Layer a variety of plaid fabrics and accessories on top of your farmhouse table for the perfect backdrop to your casual family dinners all season long.