14 Fall Traditions to Start With Your Family This Year

Fall is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy moments together as a family. From simple outings to fun traditions at home, there are plenty of ways to make the season special. Starting a few new rituals this year can bring everyone closer and create memories that you’ll look forward to repeating each autumn.

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Host a Backyard Bonfire Night

A crisp autumn evening is the perfect setting for gathering around a fire. Families can bundle up in cozy blankets, roast marshmallows, and sip warm drinks while enjoying the glow. The crackling wood and cool air create a relaxed atmosphere where stories flow easily and laughter comes naturally.

To make it more special, set out simple snacks like popcorn or caramel apples. Children love helping prepare treats, while adults appreciate the chance to unwind. It’s an easy tradition to repeat each year, and it offers a chance to slow down together before the holiday season rush begins.

Go Apple Picking Together

Spending a day at a local orchard is both fun and rewarding. Kids enjoy climbing ladders or filling baskets, and parents appreciate bringing home fresh fruit. The outing becomes even more memorable when everyone participates, making it feel like a true family adventure.

Once home, the apples can be turned into pies, sauces, or simply eaten fresh. Cooking together stretches the experience beyond the orchard and into the kitchen. Over time, favorite recipes will start to carry memories of each trip, adding another layer to the tradition.

Bake Pumpkin Treats as a Family

Few activities say fall quite like baking with pumpkin. Whether it’s muffins, cookies, or pie, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the kitchen instantly sets a seasonal mood. Kids love measuring spices or stirring batter, making it a hands-on tradition for all ages.

You can even make it playful by choosing a new recipe every year. One fall might feature pumpkin cheesecake, while another could highlight savory pumpkin bread. The variety keeps the tradition fresh while still tying it back to the comfort of seasonal flavors.

Decorate Your Porch With Pumpkins and Mums

Transforming the porch into a seasonal display is a fun project for the whole family. Pumpkins of all sizes, colorful mums, and even hay bales can be arranged to make the space inviting. Children often enjoy choosing their own pumpkin or helping decide where each item should go.

The best part is that decorations can be adjusted year after year. Some families may prefer a rustic look, while others lean into bold colors and patterns. No matter the style, the tradition brings a sense of pride and signals the start of the season every time you walk up to the door.

Plan a Leaf-Peeping Walk

Heading outside to admire fall foliage offers a simple but memorable way to connect. Families can stroll through parks or along trails while collecting colorful leaves. It’s an activity that requires no equipment and can be tailored to any age.

After the walk, the leaves can be pressed into books or used in homemade crafts. This makes the outing both enjoyable and purposeful. Over the years, leaf collections may even serve as a visual diary of family adventures each fall.

Visit a Corn Maze or Pumpkin Patch

Corn mazes and pumpkin patches combine outdoor adventure with seasonal charm. Kids enjoy running through winding paths, while adults appreciate the chance for photos and fresh air. Choosing a pumpkin at the end ties the experience together.

Many farms also offer extras like hayrides or apple cider stands. These small touches make the trip feel festive and worth repeating each year. Over time, the annual visit can become a family highlight of the season.

Carve or Paint Pumpkins Together

Pumpkin carving is a classic activity, but painting opens up endless creative options. Families can pick a theme or simply let everyone express themselves. The activity works well for children of all ages since painting is safer for little hands.

Once finished, the pumpkins can be displayed on porches or dining tables. Lighting them with candles or fairy lights adds a magical glow. This tradition combines creativity with seasonal décor, making it a fun and lasting memory.

Start a “Thankful Jar”

A thankful jar is a simple tradition that helps shift focus toward gratitude. Each family member writes down something they’re thankful for and adds it to the jar throughout the season. By Thanksgiving, the jar is filled with thoughtful notes.

Reading the slips of paper together becomes a meaningful moment. It encourages reflection and sparks conversation about what matters most. Families often find this tradition uplifting and easy to carry forward year after year.

Create a Fall Movie Night Rotation

Movie nights feel extra cozy when paired with blankets and seasonal snacks. Families can take turns picking favorites, from lighthearted Halloween specials to fall-themed classics. Popcorn flavored with cinnamon or caramel adds a festive touch.

Rotating movie choices makes sure everyone gets to share their picks. Over time, the list becomes a mix of familiar favorites and new discoveries. These evenings offer a reliable way to slow down and enjoy each other’s company at home.

Go on a Scenic Fall Drive

Scenic drives highlight the beauty of fall without requiring much planning. Families can pack snacks, bring a playlist, and enjoy the colorful landscapes from the comfort of the car. Even short routes provide opportunities for stunning views.

Stopping at small towns or roadside stands can turn the drive into a mini-adventure. Children enjoy stretching their legs while adults browse for seasonal treats. A yearly fall drive offers a refreshing break from routine and a chance to connect while traveling together.

DIY Fall Crafts

Homemade crafts allow creativity to shine during the season. Families can make wreaths, leaf garlands, or pinecone centerpieces with supplies that are often free to gather outdoors. It’s a low-cost activity that doubles as seasonal décor.

Each year, the projects can change, keeping the tradition interesting. Children take pride in seeing their work displayed, and parents appreciate the handmade touch. The crafts often become keepsakes that bring back memories each time they’re unpacked.

Attend a Local Fall Festival or Fair

Local festivals are filled with seasonal energy and charm. Families can enjoy rides, listen to music, and taste favorite fall foods like kettle corn or funnel cakes. The excitement of the fair atmosphere makes it a memorable outing.

Supporting community events also adds meaning to the tradition. Children may look forward to certain rides or games, while adults enjoy seeing familiar faces each year. The mix of entertainment and tradition ensures it becomes a family favorite.

Take Family Photos in a Scenic Spot

Fall’s colors make the perfect backdrop for family photos. Whether at a park, orchard, or simply the backyard, capturing moments in autumn light creates special keepsakes. The routine of doing it each year provides a visual timeline of your family.

Many families use the photos for holiday cards or framed displays. The tradition doesn’t need to be formal—sometimes candid shots are the most cherished. Over the years, these images tell the story of growth, change, and shared memories.

Host a Backyard Campout in the Cool Air

Camping at home offers the fun of the outdoors with the comfort of nearby amenities. Families can pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and tell stories under the stars. The cooler fall air makes it more comfortable than summer camping.

Adding lanterns or string lights gives the campout a magical feeling. Kids often love the idea of “camping” so close to home, while parents enjoy the simplicity of the setup. It’s a tradition that combines the adventure of camping with the ease of being right in your own yard.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.