Fall is my absolute favorite time to get outside with my children. The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing, and everything feels cozy and adventurous all at once. Baking and movie-watching classics sound wonderful, but heading out on a backpacking trip or hike as a family always calls me and my husband. Here are some of our go-to fall activities that make this season so much fun with our 3 kiddos!

1. Toddler-Led Nature Walk

This is such a simple and fun way to enjoy the beauty of fall! I have a 5, 7, & 9-year-old now, but when they were younger, we’d love heading to a nearby park or trail and going on a “leaf hunt.” I give the kids little baskets, and they collect the most colorful leaves, sticks, and rocks they could find. We end up with so many treasures, and it’s a great way for the kids to learn about the different colors and shapes. Plus, it’s free and gets everyone outside for some fresh air and exercise.

2. Family-Friendly Hiking

Personally speaking, hiking in the fall is THE BEST time to hike—no more sweating in the summer heat, just cool, crisp air and beautiful scenery! When the kids were younger, we’d pick easy trails that they could handle in a day. Pack a backpack full of water, snacks, and of course, the Trail Magik, and let them run ahead to explore. It’s all about letting them set the pace, so they stay excited. We always stopped halfway through for a little picnic. It’s such a great way to unplug, enjoy nature, and have fun together. Throw in a scavenger hunt for more activities along the way!

3. Backpacking Adventure

Our personal family fall-time FAVORITE activity! If you’re feeling adventurous, try a family backpacking trip. Okay, so we didn’t get our full 10-15 miles a day in like we did before kiddos, but we found many trails that were 2-5 miles in for an overnight or weekend trip, and 2-5 miles out! It was perfect! And the more we went, the easier and stronger our kiddos got along the way. It’s like stepping into a new world for them, and the memories we make are priceless. I always say this: ‘backpacking is true generational wealth!’ Again, create a scavenger hunt to help keep those little minds off how tired their legs are!

4. Fishing Fun

I grew up in Montana, and fishing on the Yellowstone was always a fall favorite in our house! We never did anything too fancy. Just sat on the bank and caught a few Browns and Rainbow Trout. Today, we fish in the ocean on a small dock 5 minutes from our house. My oldest son, who’s 9 years old, always turns into the best teacher with his younger siblings as he’s THE best fisherman in our household! And even if we don’t catch anything, the kids love just being by the water, watching and learning the ways of water. It’s one of those laid-back activities that really lets us slow down and enjoy the moment together.

5. Exploring State or National Parks

We love taking day trips to state or national parks in the fall. The colors are just gorgeous, and most parks have easy trails that are great for families with young kids. Sometimes, we’ll stop by the visitor center, where they have kid-friendly activities like learning about wildlife or local history. It’s an awesome way to mix fun with a little learning, and the kids always feel like explorers! We head out to Joshua Tree, Valley of Fire, or Sequoia National Park as often as we can in fall!

6. Paddling on Calm Water

If your kids love water, try canoeing or kayaking on a calm lake, river, or ocean. Each fall, all the tourists head home and we get our little town of Dana Point back to ourselves. Since we homeschool part-time, we can head to our local harbor with a kayak and a stand-up paddleboard and go explore most days with very few people around. There are so many homeschooling opportunities to be had on the water! We take it slow and just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

7. Fall Camping Trip

Lastly, what would fall be like without camping trips? Cool, crisp air, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, warm coffee in the mornings, making pancakes on the griddle, and getting cozy by the campfire. The kids help collect sticks, make s’mores, and we all snuggle up in the tent at night. Well, we used to snuggle up in a tent; now we have the Trail Magik Adventure Mobile my husband and I, and our 3 kids pile into! Ha! SO many wonderful memories! It’s a chance to completely unplug and enjoy some real family time. Plus, nothing beats waking up to a fresh, cool morning outside.

Enjoy the Magic of Fall with Your Family
Fall is such a magical time to be outdoors with the kids. Whether we’re hiking, fishing, or just enjoying a cozy picnic in the woods, these activities bring us closer as a family and help us appreciate the beauty of the season. So grab your backpack, grab your Trail Magik Kid Carrier, water, and your favorite snacks, and get outside!