By: Alexandria Grace

I get it.

Autumn is a go-getter season. 

It’s a time where the busy bees thrive and procrastinators quiver. With classes starting up, weekly events being marked on calendars, and the days getting longer, it’s no secret fall is all hustle-and-bustle, and can often lack escapades to breathe and relax. 

But...it’s such a vividly beautiful season that beckons the Creator to be revered. 

It’s good, and much needed, to take a break and enjoy the cinnamon winds, hazy skies, and changing leaves that God artistically crafts for us to experience. Despite the rush of September, October, and November, it’s healthy for each of us to find the time to take a step back, and spend moments with our family and friends. To do fun activities that don’t involve a lot of planning or pizzaz. 

With that being said, I know a lot of you might be struggling to come up with some ideas to schedule into your already overcrowded planners. And so, I took the time to compile a list of enjoyable and easily doable activities that I think you, your family and your friends can be entertained by this season. 

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#1

PUMPKIN PAINTING

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I love pumpkins. I’m maybe not a huge fan of tasting them in lattes, but I can’t help but adore the scent of baked pumpkin seeds and the smell of pumpkin spice candles. In autumn, it’s common to see pumpkins used as table or porch decor, no matter the size, shape, or color. Those who celebrate Halloween are drawn to create jack-o-lanterns. As someone who’s not into spooky holidays and would much rather buy discount candy after the fact, I have a different activity for you all to consider doing. And it’s the painting of pumpkins. 

Personally, I think it’s a really creative and chill activity to do with friends and family, or even by yourself. You could visit your local pumpkin patch or farmer’s market to get the perfect pumpkin, and make a short trip to Walmart to grab some brushes and face-paint if you don’t have any lying around the house. Designing and decorating pumpkins with paint is really fun afternoon activity that can make some cool autumn art for your house, and great memories. 

#2

PICNIC 

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Okay, so this activity is definitely one you want to partake in with friends and family, but I think it needs to be mentioned. 

Picnics are a great way to mix good food with great conversation. With a simple weaved basket, a checkered blanket, and some snacks (caramel apples and cinnamon rolls are two of my top picks, haha), you could make an aesthetically pleasing outing either at a park or in your own backyard! Half the fun of a picnic could be making goodies at home to put in your basket, or even going to the store to get food. 

#3

BAKING

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While on the topic of food, I couldn’t not mention this autumn activity option! I’m no chef, or even mediocre cook. I prefer to stay out of the kitchen and let those who know what they’re doing, well, do it, haha! 

But…baking is something I think everyone can have fun doing. And during the autumnal months, creating and making baked goods is a great way to spend those chillier days tucked away at home. There are so many recipes on Pinterest for you to look into if you want ideas, but some of my favorite snacks to make are berry pies, cookies with cute fall-inspired shapes, cinnamon rolls, caramel pretzels, etc. I could make a list that goes on forever! 

Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, or whatever your diet, I think anyone could find some treats to make this season and have fun doing it. 

#4

GRATFUL LISTS

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So, I’m one of those weird people who love to make lists. Please don’t banish me to the woods, haha! 

In this season where we can get so caught up in business and swept away in fear of change, I firmly believe that we have much to be grateful for, regardless. As a Christian, I know I should always be rejoicing in the Lord and thanking Him for all He’s done and will continue to do, for me and for those I love. 

Since I’m the farthest thing from perfect when it comes to maintaining the mindset of thanksgiving, I will often make lists of what I’m grateful for, to help me give thanks to God for what He’s given me and even taken away from me, to benefit me. 

I couldn’t encourage you all enough, if you’re anything like me, to make a list of things that you’re thankful and grateful for. I also think that making these types of lists are a fun way to spend your time, and can be made into an enjoyable activity to do in groups of friends. 

#5

READING

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Okay. I know, I know. But what else do you expect from a girl who writes and reads for a living? 

I’m a firm believer that if you don’t like reading, you just haven’t found the right book yet. That was how it worked for me…I hated reading until I found my story. 

To me, there’s no better way to relax than reading a good book and drinking some tea, even and especially in autumn. Mysteries and dark fairytales are often favored by readers and nonreaders alike in this season, but I prefer warm and cozy novels that give me warm fuzzies, haha! 

I think reading is a great way to spend some alone-time, but you could totally create a bookclub with friends, too! 

#6

THRIFTING

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I’m no fashion guru, but whenever I go shopping for clothes, I typically thrift. I hate seeing cheapened, nice pieces go to waste. 

With autumn besieging us, a lot of women are either pulling out or creating their fall look-books. With that being the case, I think that thrift shopping could easily be made into an enjoyable escapade for a group of girlfriends to pursue, or a mother-daughter date, or even granddaughter-grandmother outing! 

I think thrifting clothing or accessories is a super creative and energizing way to spend your free time, and the activity could totally provoke lots of polaroid memories! 

#7

FALL PHOTOSHOOT

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Speaking of thrifting clothes, what better way to use said splurged pieces than having a fun, fall-inspired photoshoot?!

I think having a photoshoot with friends is a must. Whether those photos get shared on social media or are kept framed privately on your wall is up to you, but pictures are great keepsakes and reminders of memories. Getting your girlfriends together for a weekend photoshoot is a great activity to do seasonally, one full of laughter, style, and silly faces. Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to take beautiful and weird photos with a gorgeous autumn backdrop? 

#8

BOARD GAMES

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Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think board games are boring in the least. 

Personally, I believe board games can evoke great bonding experiences for family members and friends, haha! I have fond memories of spending dusty fall evenings at my grandmother’s house, playing games like CLUE, and even card games like War, Crazy 8’s, and Go Fish. I also have hilarious remembrances of competitive games of Monopoly at home with my parents and siblings, as well as LIFE and Dominos. 

Board games can cure boredom, when you’re with great company. Which is why I think they need to be mentioned in this list of go-to autumn activities for lazy afternoons and tired evenings. 

#9

BIKE RIDING

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So, this one sounds simple, but I felt the need to end this list off with a sportier option, haha! 

I can’t think of a better way to see the sights of fall than going on a bike ride, either by yourself or with family and friends. 

Biking is a great way to get exercise, as well as take in the fresh air and scenery of autumn. It’s not a slow activity, but it does get you to slow down and take in the world at your own pace, much like hiking or rollerblading (yes, I had to mention rollerblading, too). 

Also, I think biking is a fun means of touring either your own neighborhood or larger town, depending on where you live, as well as a simple activity to help you get away from your electronics for a while. 

#10

JEWELRY MAKING

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I had to end this list with jewelry making. I couldn’t NOT. 

Making string and beaded bracelets and necklaces, along with other friendship accessories, used to be a typical afternoon activity for girls. What happened? 

I think making jewelry is a fantastic way to spend your free time this season, whether by yourself or with friends. There are so many styles and designs you could try making with just simplistic beads and an array of colorful string! 

I also think that hand-made jewelry make great holiday gifts…maybe not yet Christmas, but possibly Thanksgiving?

Who says you can’t give presents to your friends and family on Thanksgiving, to show how thankful you are to have them in your life?

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There you have it! 

I could’ve gone on forever, but hopefully this list is helpful for those of you who are looking for some easy and entertaining autumn activities!

Let me know in the comments if you’re going to be trying out any of these ideas, or tell me what you ARE planning to do with friends and family during these next few months!

Share some of your favorite fall activities with me below.