Fun Family-Friendly Fall Activities

With summer coming to a close, it’s time to look forward to the arrival of fall and the family fun it brings with it. If you’re looking for a few ideas on how to really get out and enjoy all this short-lived season has to offer, we have a few suggestions:

1. Go Camping

Don’t pack up your camping gear just yet! There’s still plenty of time to enjoy what’s left of the warmer weather. Many of Alberta’s parks and campgrounds are open until the end of September/ beginning of October. You still have some time to pack up and take off for the weekend, play some fun camping games, and breathe in the season’s fresh air.

2. Bake an Autumn Treat

We think most would agree when we say one of the best parts of fall is the smell in the air! And what better way to fill your home with the scents of autumn by baking a few seasonally-inspired treat?

Apples – Consider this oh-so-delectable caramel apple dessert pizza. Not only does it taste and smell heavenly, your kids will really enjoy the pizza-pie twist.

Pumpkins – These petite pumpkin hand pies are also sure to be a big hit. Simple to make and totally tasty, your kids will enjoy forming the dough and cutting out the pumpkin shapes.

3. Attend an Event

Calgary is host to a number of fall-themed, family-friendly events. Here is a couple you might want to consider if you’re looking to get out and so something a little different:

Halloweekends at Calaway Park – Running every weekend from September 9th to October 9th, Halloweekends is a dress-up event that features rides, tricks and treats, face painting and more!

The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival – Dozens of hot air balloon crews from Canada and around the world take to the skies every year for this famous festival. From September 27th to October 1st, you’ll be able to see beautiful balloons dotting the skies over High River – just 30 minutes south of Calgary. This event also features balloon walks, food trucks and the famous ‘Balloon Night Glow’.

The Calgary Corn Maze – With plenty to see and do, the Calgary Corn Maze has been rated Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence and the Parent Choice Award for the Best Family Fun Attraction. What better way to celebrate the harvest season that by getting a little corny? For those looking for a spooky twist, the maze will begin it’s popular Flashlight Nights on Fridays and Saturdays as of September 22.

4. Be Picture Perfect

If you’ve yet to get your pictures done this year, this is the perfect time! Autumn makes for a beautiful backdrop and is ideal for getting a jump start on your Christmas photos. There are many scenic spots around Calgary perfect for a family-photoshoot, so grab the kids and your camera and head out!

5. Watch a Fall Favourite

For those cooler evenings, consider whipping up some cocoa and popcorn for a family movie night. Grab a few blankets and throw on some family-friendly fall classics such as Hocus Pocus, Casper, Halloweentown or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. You’ll have fun revisiting some of your childhood favourites as well.

6. Start Decorating

Last but not least, fall lends itself to some great craft and decorating projects. Consider taking an afternoon to make some fun Thanksgiving or Halloween themed crafts.

Better yet, you can start planning out your costumes! There are plenty of simple kids costumes DIYs and your children are sure to have fun helping you put it together.

Do you have any fun fall pastimes you like to do with your family? We’d love to know! Share your favourite autumn activities in the comments below.