Fall is one of my favourite times of the year. I love the crispness to the air, the smell of pumpkin spice and scarves – bring on scarf weather!! Fall feels like a fresh start more than New Years to me sometimes, like with the chill in the air you can accomplish anything! And with Pierce starting preschool this year, we had to get back into a fall routine as soon as September hit the calendar, sooner than I’ve done in past years with the lingering summer weather. 

There is so much I love about fall including all the activities and cozy afternoons the season brings. There are so many things I like to do with the boys that I like to put together a Family Fall Bucket List. We lay out the options and decide everyone’s favourites to choose and enjoy. I thought these ideas might bring you some inspo to make your own bucket list with your littles. Here are 15 ways to enjoy the new fall season as a family! 

Not in any order…

1.Bake a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving – try these incredible dairy free Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes from Fraiche Living – they’re to die for and healthier than a traditional cheesecake! 

2. Make intentional screen-free evenings – put the ipads away and chat. Go through this list and see what everyone’s top picks are for the weekends ahead! 

3. Paint pumpkins in the boys favourite colours – Martha Stewart recommends acrylic over oil paint

4. Make a fall, cozy music playlist – Include Nora Jones, Ray LaMontagne and local favourite Paul Caldwell, so many great tunes to choose from. Don’t forget to let the kids pick their faves! 

5. Go for a walk in the forest and pick up our favourite fall leaves to make art with – the fresh fall air is so incredible for mama and the littles and letting them choose their leaf to bring home is too cute! 

6. Make a list of 10 things we’re grateful for – we’re big on gratitude. This is a great practice all year round. 

7. Go apple picking with people we love – Taves Family Farm Applebarn is open for the season! This is a great one for aunties, cousins and the whole extended family! 

8. Have a bonfire with s’mores & flashlights – add glow sticks for the kids to make this extra fun! 

9. Read a book or do a puzzle on a rainy day – better yet, set the kids up with a puzzle and get lost in a good book, even if it’s only for five minutes! 

10. Have a fall movie marathon in our pj’s – the boys are getting into Disney movies and I am here for it! Movie cuddles are the best! 

11. Spend a lazy Saturday with cuddles, candles, hot cocoa and brunch treats – Snack days the boys call these, a continuous stream of cozy treats eaten under fluffy throws and blankets. 

12. Have a dance party on the crunchy leaves – pile them up and then jump in and boogie. This keeps my kids entertained for ages and tires us all out! 

13. Do something to make someone else’s day better – writing a card, sending a video message to Grandma or smiling at a stranger. All these things make such a difference and when kids lead the way, it’s even cuter! 

14. Have a fun day at the pumpkin patch – We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pumpkin patches in the Fraser Valley. A few of my top picks for the best pumpkins and most fun for the kids are Maan Farms, Taves Family Farm, and Alder Acres – go for the pumpkins, stay for the gorgeous farm animals and hay jumping pile!

15. Take family photos at the farm – Greendale Acres is a great spot for photos, either in the corn maze or exploring the fields. We also love Laity Pumpkin Patch! Get some incredible pictures and choose some pumpkins at the same time! Piece loves the Farmer Play Centre with interactive wooden displays and a tractor he can “drive.”

I can’t wait to share this list with Gary and the boys and see what their top picks are. Hopefully we can fit in as many of these as possible over the next few months. What are your favourite family fall activities? Do you have traditions or try new activities each year? I’m trying to decide which of these we need to make annual events so let me know how you do your traditions and what activities your family loves best. Happy fall y’all!!!

Images by Northern Wind Photography