Do you struggle to spend intentional time with your family? We get it. As the holiday season kicks into high gear, we realize time together does not always equal quality time. So before Christmas shopping, holiday programs, and grandma’s sweet potato casserole dominate your calendar, we pulled together our favorite seasonal to-dos in this fall bucket list.
This list was created with you in mind (well, us too) to help your family create more memories and spend time together over the next few weeks. Simple ideas to help you reach your community and each other as the air turns crisp and leaves display their brightest hues (or, depending on where you live, you just pretend).
Happy fall!
Family fall bucket list
1. Create a thankful jar.
Each day, have each member of the family think about something they’re grateful for. At the end of the month, look back and see all the blessings God provided.
2. Make caramel apples.
Cover your favorite apple with caramel and decorate with your favorite toppings. Or for an easier treat, slice apples (or buy ‘em pre-sliced … we won’t judge), slide each onto a mini-skewer, and dip in caramel.
3. Visit a pumpkin patch.
Pick out a pumpkin for each family member or pick one to decorate together. Grab our “Gospel in a Pumpkin” for a fun activity, games, and even some stencils to use!
4. Rake a neighbor’s leaves.
Find a neighbor that would be blessed to have the leaves raked out of their yard, and show your kids that even the smallest of hands can pitch in to make a big difference.
5. Volunteer at a food bank/soup kitchen/homeless shelter.
Before those hands start writing out Christmas lists, remind them it’s better to give than receive. The lessons they’ll learn will last far longer than the latest gaming system.
6. Take packaged treats to a neighbor.
Take treats to a neighbor with a fun note just to brighten their day. Have the kids decorate sugar cookies in the shape of leaves, throw together a fun snack mix, or show off your best pumpkin recipe. Pie, anyone?
7. Try a new soup recipe as a family.
On a cold day, a great bowl of soup can feel like a warm hug (maybe gazpacho for you warm weather folks). Find that recipe you have been wanting to try and make it together. Kids can help measure, dice veggies, or take turns stirring.
8. Take a nature walk.
This time of year can be so beautiful! Take a few minutes to enjoy nature and God’s creation! Prepare a scavenger hunt for kids to find things like acorns, heart-shaped rocks, or animal tracks along the way.
9. Make a pine-cone bird feeder.
Help feed the birds with a simple pine cone, peanut butter, and bird seed. Watching them eat can bring hours of joy!
10. Jump in a pile of leaves.
Release your inner child! Make a big pile of leaves then jump in them as a family.
11. Decorate placemats for Thanksgiving dinner.
Have your children make placemats for each person joining you. See if they can personalize them based on what they know of each person.
12. Make blessing bags for homeless people.
Pack gallon-sized zip-top bags with toiletries, snack-size treats, warm globes, bottled water, or other useful items to hand out when you see a homeless person and help spread a little cheer.
13. Take blankets and hot cocoa outdoors to star gaze.
There is something about a cool, crisp night and looking at stars that is so peaceful. Take a few minutes out of your day to enjoy God’s creation with the family!
14. Visit a corn maze.
If your area offers one, gather the kids and see how fast you can make it out of the maze. Warning: A lot of places offer scarier versions at night.
15. Have a fall-favorites party.
Invite a few of your favorite people over, and ask each family to bring their favorite fall treat: hot apple cider (with red hots, of course), their slightly famous chili, pumpkin bread, whatever says “fall” to them.
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