Screen-Free Fall Activities for Families to Enjoy Together
Looking for fun, cosy ways to connect as a family this fall — without screens? Here are 10 simple, budget-friendly ideas to help you slow down, enjoy the season, and make the most of those crisp autumn days together.
Why We Needed a Screen-Free Reset
As the weather cools down, I’ve noticed our family’s screen time tends to creep up. In the summer, playing outside felt effortless — swimming, biking, exploring. But once the chill sets in, it takes a bit more creativity (and persuasion) to get everyone out the door.
What I’ve learned is this: a little preplanning makes all the difference. If I’m enthusiastic and make it sound fun, my kids are almost always on board — no matter the weather. Bonus points if we invite friends to join us!
Here are some of our favourite screen-free activities we’ll be doing this fall (and hopefully, you will too).
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1. Go on an Autumn Hike
Head out for a family hike to soak in the changing colours, breathe the crisp air, and collect fallen leaves or acorns for seasonal crafts later. Bring along some snacks and a thermos of cider or cocoa to make it extra special.
2. Visit an Apple Orchard or Pumpkin/Sunflower Patch
There’s something so grounding about picking your own food. Visit a local orchard to stock up on apples for pies, crisps, or school snacks. If pumpkins are more your thing, let everyone choose one for carving or baking. Our local Pick-Your-Own does a beautiful sunflower patch every year. It’s a simple way to support local farms and teach kids where their food comes from.
3. Backyard Campfire + Hot Cocoa Night
You don’t need to wait for summer to enjoy a campfire! Gather around the fire pit with cosy blankets, tell stories, and sip warm drinks. Try roasting apples rolled in cinnamon and sugar instead of marshmallows for a wholesome twist. Just roast on a stick over fire until the skin is dark and easy to peel off, roll in cinnamon and sugar, roast again over fire until caramelized, cool and enjoy!
4. Collect Natural Materials for a DIY Autumn Wreath
Go on a walk to gather pinecones, cedar, spruce, grapevines and dried grasses. Then, turn your finds into a seasonal handmade wreath to hang on your door.
5. Plant Garlic for Next Summer’s Harvest
Garlic is one of the easiest crops/herbs to grow — and fall is the perfect time to plant it! One clove will grow into a full bulb by next summer. It’s a satisfying project that teaches patience, and the harvest is so rewarding. You don’t need a lot of space to do this.
6. Host a Family Board Game Night
Check your local thrift store for gently used games (there are always treasures to be found!). We love mixing in a few new ones with our family favourites — it’s amazing how much laughter a good board game can bring. I highly recommend this boardgame if you have multi aged kids like we do.
7. Play Charades
This classic game never gets old. Our youngest is five, and watching the kids act out their clues is hilarious. It’s simple, free, and full of joy — the perfect indoor activity for cozy fall evenings.
8. Work on a Puzzle Together
Choose a puzzle that’s just challenging enough for everyone to enjoy. It’s a quiet, screen-free way to unwind and connect — especially when paired with a warm drink and soft background music.
9. Create Reusable Fall Decorations
Craft simple, natural decorations that you can bring out year after year — think dried orange slices, homemade garlands, or beeswax candles. These little touches make your home feel warm and seasonal without the clutter. We have a garland of autumn coloured paper leaves that my daughters traced and cut out themselves that is 10 years old now. We still put it up every year.
10. Bake Together
Use your orchard apples for pies, muffins, or crisps. You can also pre-make Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts and freeze them early — your future self will thank you! Baking together is such a fun (and tasty) way to make memories.
A Final Thought
Fall moves quickly — between back-to-school routines and upcoming holidays, it’s easy to miss the magic in the middle. Setting aside intentional, screen-free time reminds us that the simplest moments often become the ones our kids remember most. 🍁
