As much as I love my kids, being cooped up indoors all weekend isn’t exactly my idea of a good time—especially after a long workweek. But heading outside for some quality family time? That’s a whole different story. With fall just around the corner and the weather cooling down, there’s no better time to take advantage of the great outdoors. Plus, if we’re being honest, getting the kids out of the house is sometimes the only way to maintain our sanity as parents.
So, for all you fellow dads who love spending time with your kids but maybe don’t love everything about the outdoors, here are 20 fall adventures that won’t require you to transform into Bear Grylls. These activities are perfect for September weekends, no matter where you live. And hey, fresh air beats another round of “Dad, I’m bored!” any day.
1. Hiking on Local Trails
Now, before you groan, I’m not talking about an extreme mountain hike where you need ropes and a survival kit. Think more like a stroll through a nearby park or nature preserve. The kids can burn off some energy, and you can enjoy a walk that’s flat and manageable. Bonus points for finding a trail with a scenic view (or a snack stand).
Dad Tip: Keep snacks handy. Nothing derails a peaceful hike like a hangry 7-year-old.
2. Apple Picking
A classic fall activity that’s fun for the whole family. Find a local orchard, grab a few baskets, and let the kids pick apples while you sneak one or two for yourself. It’s surprisingly relaxing, and the kids will love being part of the harvest.
Pro Tip: Turn it into a competition—who can find the biggest apple? Spoiler alert: you’ll win because you’re taller.
3. Backyard Camping
If you’re not quite ready for a full-blown camping trip, backyard camping is a great compromise. Set up a tent, build a small fire (if it’s allowed), and make s’mores. You’re still close enough to the house for bathroom breaks, but far enough to feel like an adventure. Plus, you can bail and sleep inside if the ground gets too uncomfortable—no judgment here. I am not kidding you, we did this the summer of 2020 and my kids still talk about it as if it was yesterday.
4. Fall Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of fall-themed items for the kids to find—red leaves, acorns, pinecones, maybe even a squirrel if you’re lucky. Let them roam around the yard or local park searching for treasure while you “supervise” from a comfy bench with a drink in hand.
5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patches aren’t just for Instagram photos—though you’ll probably end up taking some anyway. Most patches have activities like hayrides and corn mazes that will keep the kids entertained while you pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve (or set on the porch to rot by Thanksgiving).
Don’t Forget: If you do the activities, check their pockets before putting their stuff in the dryer. Because while the corn is fun, they always tend to put some in their pocket and that popcorn won’t be as good as microwave popcorn.
6. Leaf Pile Jumping
This one is both easy and effective. Spend 10 minutes raking up leaves into a giant pile, then let the kids go crazy jumping in. They’ll have a blast, and you’ll be reminded of your childhood—until someone gets leaves in their hair and starts crying. But hey, it’s fun while it lasts. I am excited for these moments since doing therapy because every other year this drove me nuts. Now I am more relaxed and ready to take on this activity and really make the memories we all have done as a child.
Dad Move: Wear gloves. It’s all fun and games until you’re elbow-deep in wet leaves.
7. Family Bike Ride
With cooler weather, a family bike ride can be a great way to get everyone out and moving without breaking too much of a sweat. Choose a flat, scenic route, pack some water, and pedal your way to a fun afternoon. We love taking our Madsen bucket bike and the kids request these rides all the time. And the best is throwing a blanket back there with them and bluetooth speaker to play all our favorite songs to sing to as we ride around town.
Pro Tip: Avoid steep hills unless you want to explain why Dad had to walk his bike up the slope.
8. Outdoor Movie Night
If the thought of trekking through the wilderness doesn’t appeal, why not bring the fun to your own backyard? Set up a projector, lay out some blankets, and have an outdoor movie night under the stars. The kids get to feel like they’re at a theater, and you get to sit down for two hours. Win-win.
9. Kite Flying
There’s something incredibly satisfying about flying a kite—once you actually get the thing in the air, that is. Head to a nearby park with an open field, catch some autumn breezes, and let your kids experience the simple joy of kite flying. (Just be prepared to untangle some string. It’s inevitable.)
10. Fishing Trip
Take the kids to a local lake or pond and spend the day fishing. It’s a quiet, laid-back activity that requires minimal movement—perfect for dads who want to enjoy the outdoors without too much exertion. Plus, the kids will be excited to reel in their first catch, even if it’s just a tiny one. Know that if y0u don’t own fishing supplies, you can rent it. You don’t have to buy everything just for a single trip, but worth getting stuff to do this once to make sure if you do or don’t really like it.
Dad Tip: Bring snacks. If the fish aren’t biting, at least everyone can snack away the boredom (clearly, we love snacks around here).
11. Explore a Botanical Garden
If your kids love exploring but you’re not keen on getting muddy, a trip to a local botanical garden can be a great compromise. They get to see cool plants, you get to stroll on paved paths. Plus, fall colors in gardens are stunning this time of year.
12. Canoeing or Kayaking
If you live near a body of water, renting a canoe or kayak is a fun way to spend a few hours outdoors. It’s a great mix of adventure and relaxation, and you don’t need to be an expert paddler to enjoy it. Just make sure everyone’s wearing life jackets—safety first, folks. The thing about this is it’s completely out of our comfort zone. Those are the things that always become the most fun, in my opinion!
13. Nature Photography Walk
Give each of your kids a disposable camera or let them borrow an old phone and go on a nature photography walk. They can snap pictures of trees, animals, or anything that catches their eye. At the end, you can create a “gallery” of their best shots and talk about what they found interesting.
14. Go to a Fall Festival
Fall festivals are a great way to spend time outdoors without having to plan every detail. Most festivals have everything from food trucks and games to live music and craft booths. Let the kids run around, play some carnival games, and indulge in some fried dough.
15. Stargazing Night
Grab a telescope, lay out some blankets, and spend an evening stargazing. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with minimal light pollution, you’ll be able to spot constellations, shooting stars, and maybe even a planet or two. Even without a telescope, pointing out familiar constellations to your kids can be a magical experience.
16. Geocaching
For the uninitiated, geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt. Download a geocaching app, and it will guide you to hidden caches (containers) that people have left in public places all over the world. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the outdoors, and the thrill of finding a “treasure” keeps the kids engaged. We have talked about doing this for years, and never actually did it. But this is the year that I feel like we really need to give it a try.
17. Hayrides
Nothing says fall like a hayride. Find a local farm that offers hayrides, and let the kids hop on while you enjoy the crisp autumn air. Most hayrides last just long enough for you to enjoy the scenery without getting too itchy from the hay bales.
18. Visit a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a quintessential fall activity, and they’re a hit with kids of all ages. Some are simple, while others are so complicated that you’ll wonder if you’ll ever find your way out. Either way, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon wandering through the towering corn stalks.
19. Attend a Sports Game
Fall means football season, but if your kids aren’t quite ready for a full NFL game, look for local high school or college games. The atmosphere is electric, the tickets are cheap, and the kids get to experience the thrill of live sports.
20. Fly Drones in the Park
For the tech-loving dad, flying a drone with your kids in a park is a fun way to get outside without breaking too much of a sweat. Let them take turns piloting, or just watch as they try to navigate without crash-landing into a tree.
There you have it: 20 outdoor adventures perfect for dads who love their kids but might not always love the idea of spending a full day outdoors. The key is balance—find activities that are fun for the kids but don’t leave you feeling like you’ve just completed a survival challenge. Happy fall adventuring, dads!
