As moms, we get busy. It’s way too easy to get caught up in the things that we have to do and forget to do the things we want to do though. I know I get stuck in that trap far too often. The reality is that kids grow up fast and we only get so much time to do the fun stuff. Add these 10 things to your to-do list this fall and make sure they don’t get bumped by something more urgent but way less fun.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

It doesn’t feel like fall until you visit a pumpkin patch. Sure, you could pick out your pumpkin at the grocery store but where would the fun in that be? Take the afternoon to let your kids pick out their own pumpkin. Enjoy the activities that your local pumpkin patch has to offer and forget about your to-do list for a while.

Carve a Pumpkin

I hate carving pumpkins but my kids love it and they have wonderful memories associated with pumpkin carving so I try and make an effort to fit this in. We made it easy one year by pulling out the power tools and carving our pumpkins using a drill. That pumpkin was carved in no time and my boys loved practicing their power tool skills so if you have older kids it can be a fun option.

Play in the Leaves

One of my favorite fall memories is taking my kids on an afternoon walk and coming across a field filled with fallen leaves. My kids had a blast running through the leaves, throwing them in the air, and making piles to jump in. To this day I wish I’d had a camera on me that day but maybe that was part of the beauty of it. We were just living in the moment and enjoying being together. Even if it’s not a pile of leaves, take advantage of any opportunity you have to just spontaneously play with your kids.

Visit a Corn Maze

There are few things my boys love more in the fall than a good corn maze. It’s the ultimate chance to explore. If you have young kids, visit during the day before any of the scary stuff comes out. If you have older kids, split up into teams and turn it into a competition.

Have a Bonfire

Cool fall nights are the perfect time to have a bonfire and roast hot dogs and smokes. We are lucky enough to live close to the beach so we do quite a few bonfires on the beach but if your city allows it you can have a bonfire in your backyard, at a local campground, or even light up your fire place.

Go Camping

I love camping with my family but summer camping trips can get so hot that it spoils the fun. Fall camping trips are something special though. The crowds have usually died down and, if you play your cards right, you’ll still have some beautiful weather. Many of the national parks have educational kits you can check out for kids that are a lot of fun so definitely check those out.

Go on a Nature Walk

I’m always amazed at how many walking trails we still haven’t explored near our home. Make the most out of the cooler fall weather and hit the trails. You can probably find all kinds of hiking options in your area from shorter, more kid-friendly trails, to full-day hikes that you can enjoy over a weekend. Be sure to always bring water, snacks, and basic first aid supplies and make sure someone knows where you are going before you head out just to be safe. It’s a great opportunity to teach your kid basic safety and survival skills. I’ll often have my kids bring a sketch pad so they can keep a record of all their favorite discoveries from our adventures.

Have a Movie Marathon

Life gets hectic. Sometimes you just need to slow down. There’s nothing like a weekend movie marathon camped out in front of the TV with some snacks as a family. My kids have a few favorites they like. At the top of our list is Harry Potter, Back to the Future, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Bake Homemade Bread

I’m not much of a baker these days but there’s something about fall that just requires baking something. There’s nothing like the smell of bread baking. If you don’t have time to bake, feel free to cheat. Grab some frozen bread and doctor it up a bit with butter and sesame seeds. My 11 year old loves to cook. It’s been a while since I’ve made bread but he really wants to learn so I may pass off the bread making to him.

Set a Family Goal

Forget about New Year’s. Goals are easier to keep when you tackle them one at a time so spread them throughout the year and focus on the things you really want to improve. Fall is the perfect time to set a family goal. Put it in writing and post it somewhere everyone can see it. Make it something reachable. Each success makes it easier to stay motivated.

 

What’s on your must-do list this fall?