5 fun fall weekend family activities

Charlene Prince Birkeland, Lifestyle Editor

I've been seeing lots of Twitter chatter about how the weather is already changing. An early morning chill followed by a warm day. Leaves are falling from trees. It's pitch dark at 6am. And pumpkin spiders are setting up shop with gorgeous webs they spin, seemingly in minutes.

All telltale signs that fall is approaching.

I'm on the West Coast, and while the first signs of fall are definitely apparent, I know we still have a heatwave or two coming in a few weeks. But I'm digging the way the seasons blending into each other. And I'm excited about how fall will change our family weekends.

Add these fall favorites to your to-do list:

  • Stroll the local farmers' markets. In addition to a change in weather, fall brings new fruits and veggies, flowers, and of course gorgeous (and creepy!) gourds to farmers' markets. Take the kids for a leisurely stroll through your farmers' market -- or visit one in a nearby town and sample seasonal favorites. While you're at it, bring home some fresh produce for a snack or to add to your dinner!

  • Visit a pumpkin patch. Even if your kids are older, take a ride to a pumpkin patch! Take in all the Halloween decorations. Get lost in a corn maze. Take photos of your kids sitting on enormous pumpkins! (And don't forget to buy some kettle corn for a sneaky treat.)

  • Go on a family bike ride. I can already hear the sound of the leaves crunching under bike tires. Pack a lunch and stop along the way for a snack.

  • Bundle up and hit the beach! Do you live near the coast? Dress warmly (if you need to!) and visit the beach. It looks, feels, and sounds different in the fall. (Or maybe it's just me trying to remind/trick myself that summer isn't almost a year away!) I'm a big fan of beach picnics anytime of year.

  • Take a field trip to an apple orchard. Apple treats are a fall favorite. Visit a local apple orchard, pick a bounty the fresh fruit, and return home to make a delicious apple crisp, apple pie, or applesauce. Yum.

What are you looking forward to doing with your family this fall?

Share your child's fall photos and any other fun, embarrassing or incredible moments that you have captured on the Moments of Motherhood Flickr Group. While you are here take part in discussions with other moms.