If you’re wondering what kinds of things families can do this fall, you’re in luck—this time of year is filled with traditions, outdoor adventures, and school-year rituals that make memories last. Families love orchard trips, pumpkin patches, cozy crafts, and simple traditions like leaf collecting or baking together. September is the perfect in-between season: not too hot, not too cold, and filled with opportunities for connection.
Here are 13 ideas—some outdoorsy, some school-related, and others just plain fun—that help families make the most of this beautiful month.
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Visit a Local Apple Orchard
Nothing says fall like picking your own apples. Most orchards also have hayrides and cider tastings, making it a full day out. When you get home, try turning your haul into a pie or crisp together. Having a kid-friendly apple corer or baking kit on hand makes the process easier—and turns it into an annual tradition.
We have gone to Lynd's Fruit Farm almost every year for over 20 years. I started this tradition when I was pregnant with my middle daughter and it's still one of our favorite fall activities.
Attend a Fall Festival
Small-town harvest festivals and September fairs offer parades, live music, and games for kids. To make the trip easier with little ones, bring a wagon or stroller to help with exploring the festival grounds. We also love bringing reusable snack containers and water bottles to lighten our bill at the food trucks!
The Circleville Pumpkin Show has been one of our favorite fall festivals since I was a teen!
Host a Family Homework Kickoff Night
Instead of treating homework as a chore, set the tone for the year with a fun family kickoff night. Create a homework station stocked with colorful pens, organizers, and notebooks. Add a cozy lamp and play calm music in the background. Even something as simple as a reusable snack tray makes kids feel motivated and ready to dig into learning.
Plan a Backyard Campout
You don’t have to drive far to enjoy camping weather—set up a tent right in the backyard. Bring along a few lanterns or string lights to make it cozy once the sun goes down. A marshmallow roasting set is always a hit, and looking up constellations together with a simple star guide adds an educational twist to the fun.
Head to a Pumpkin Farm
Many pumpkin patches open in September and come with extras like corn mazes, petting zoos, and hay rides. Bring home a few pumpkins for decorating or carving later. Sturdy carving tools or reusable trick-or-treat bags make the activity safe and more enjoyable for kids.
Cheer at a High School Football Game
Friday night games are more than sports—they’re about community atmosphere. Kids will enjoy the music of the marching band and concession-stand treats. Bring a cozy stadium blanket, grab some hot cocoa from the school's concession stand and make this a regular Friday night fall tradition.
Family Volunteer Day
The fall months bring a wonderful time to teach kids the value of giving back. Whether you work together at a school sponsored event, help sort food pantry donations, or join a park clean-up, volunteering together makes a lasting impression. Matching t-shirts or reusable gloves turn service into a family bonding moment.
Create a Family Time Capsule
Mark the start of the school year with this creative project. Have each family member choose an item to represent where they are right now—photos, drawings, or even small toys. Place everything in a decorative box and set a future date to open it together. A memory journal or printed family photo makes the capsule even more special.
If you want a ready-made time capsule, this one from Amazon is a popular option.
Enjoy a Nature Hike & Leaf Collecting
Early fall hikes offer cooler air and pops of color from turning leaves. Collect a few along the trail to press, dry, or use in an art project later. Kids love having their own explorer pack with a magnifying glass or binoculars, turning this simple walk into an adventure.
We used to make these Fall Nature Hike Collages every year when the girls were little!
Attend a County or State Fair
Local fairs are a September staple—rides, livestock shows, and classic fried food make them family crowd-pleasers. Handheld fans, reusable bottles, or a sturdy collapsible wagon help manage long days with kids in tow.
Make Apple Cider Donuts
Skip the back-to-school photoshoot and head to the kitchen! These apple cider donuts bring the flavors of the orchard right into your home. I have had success with this recipe! It is a kid-friendly baking project that doubles as a sweet family memory.
Take a Bike Ride on Local Trails
Grab your helmets and head for a trail or state park. September usually delivers cool, comfortable biking weather--but, this year's weather may be good for it deeper into October. Reflective gear helps keep everyone safe, especially on family evening rides.
Make a Halloween Craft: Mason Jar Ghost Lanterns
For a festive craft night, turn empty mason jars into glowing ghost lanterns. This mason jar ghost lantern tutorial is a pretty easy one to follow!
Kids will love displaying their lanterns on the porch or windowsill, and they make adorable Halloween decorations.
Helpful Tips to Make the Most of September
- Pack Smart for Fall Adventures: Blankets, water bottles, and comfortable shoes make fairs and football games more enjoyable. A wagon or stroller can be a big help with younger kids.
- Make School Season Special: Cozy homework stations, seasonal crafts, and reading corners encourage kids to embrace the routines that come with a new year.
- Mix Fun With Learning: Backyard campouts, cooking together, or time capsule projects let kids learn while still having fun—it’s the best of both worlds.
- Capture Candid Moments: I love grabbing quick snapshots at an orchard or while crafting with the kids rather than trying to wrangle everyone together for a posed photo. Grabbing shots of the family having fun, being real or being silly create memories that mean the most over time.
Final Thoughts
Between new school routines and the excitement of fall, September offers endless opportunities for family fun. From apple orchards and football games to backyard campouts and apple cider donuts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make the most of the season by mixing outdoor adventures, cozy family traditions, and little rituals that bring joy—you’ll create not just memories, but fun traditions your kids will look forward to year after year.
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