1. Fun with apples
Check and see if there is a local apple farm in your area. Don’t let the little ones stop you from going; most farms have pre-picked apples that you can purchase and you can still enjoy a scenic walk through the orchards.
After you’ve arrived home, plan a fun-filled event with friends and neighbors and make caramel apples. Pick a variety of candies to roll the apples in or even make mulled apple cider!
2. Make a wreath
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make a festive fall wreath for your front door or mailbox. Go on a walk and hunt down some leaves with the kids to glue on a paper plate, or trace their hands and cut them as the leaves. For those less crafty, visit a craft store and buy some fall supplies. The kids will have a blast helping pick everything out and hanging up the finished product.
3. Harvest booze and boos
Thinking of having a Harvest get-together? There’s a lot of great fall brews to be had. Think of all the hard ciders, pumpkin beer and more. Give the kids treats and glows ticks and have everyone pitch in with an old favorite or a new beer to try out while celebrating life around the bonfire.
4. Get lost in a corn maze
Corn mazes can be a ton of fun and a great way to spend some time outdoors as a family. Most places that host corn mazes have smaller ones for younger children and more difficult ones for adults, some of which are open after dark. So grab the flashlights and head out for some spooky fun!
5. Visit a pumpkin patch
What is the fall without pumpkins? Many pumpkin patches offer more than just pumpkins. You can usually find pony rides, petting zoos, bounce houses and so much more. While you’re there you can pick out your pumpkins to carve, but don’t forget the baking pumpkins so you can get your pumpkin pie on.
6. Fall photo fun
You can capture some really beautiful photos with the fall colors, so get out there and find some picturesque spots! If you live near a military base, ask around as a lot of military spouses freelance as photographers. It’s a great way to get a quality photographer while supporting the military community at the same time.
7. Host a chili and fixings party
It’s football time whether you’re watching College or Professional football games, invite your buddies over for an inexpensive get-together by hosting chili and the fixings. Have everyone pitch in and bring their favorite side dish for an easy and inexpensive get-together.
8. Collect for your food bank
The holidays are just around the corner and food banks will need help. Start a food drive at work or in the neighborhood. It’s an easy way to give back to those less fortunate while at the same time teaching young children about philanthropy.
9. A Visit from the Phantom Ghost
Revel in surprising some of your favorite people with a visit from the Phantom Ghost to play “You Got Boo’d”. This big tradition takes place across many base housing neighborhoods and it’s a lot of fun. Get the kids involved with ringing the doorbell and running away – they love it!
10. Haunted house of horrors
If you have older kids, a Haunted House might just be the place for them. Many charities utilize them as a way to raise money to pay it forward to others. This may be just the excuse your teens are looking for to dress ghoulish and get away with scaring others. If your kids don’t want to participate, you can always go visit one as a family and see who can keep a straight face the longest.
This article was originally published at Military1.com