As the days grow shorter and the leaves turn golden, fall is the perfect season to slow down, connect, and make memories together—no screens required! Whether you’re looking for quick after-dinner fun, a full weekend adventure, or cozy indoor activities, here are some screen-free ideas for families to enjoy this autumn.
- Go on an outdoor adventure! Take a stroll around your neighborhood or a local park and collect colorful leaves. Bring them home to press in books or use in crafts.
- Visit a pumpkin patch. Pick your own pumpkins and then have a decorating night at home. Paint, carve, or add silly stickers.
- Go to a corn maze and work together as a family to find your way through. It’s a great way to practice teamwork and problem-solving.
- Enjoy apple picking! End the day by making applesauce or apple crisp together.
When the weather turns, have some cozy indoor fun too. Choose a chapter book to read together each evening. Taking turns reading aloud helps build listening skills and fosters great conversation. Use crayons and paper to make rubbings of your collected leaves, or arrange acorns, pinecones, and twigs into creative collages. Pick a game everyone enjoys or challenge yourselves with a big puzzle you can work on over several nights. Try simple recipes like pumpkin bread, roasted pumpkin seeds, or caramel apples. Kids can help stir, measure, and taste-test.
Enjoy simple, everyday moments. Rake leaves into big piles and jump in them. Light a candle at dinner and let each person share their favorite part of the day. Bundle up and go stargazing on a clear night.
Fall only comes once a year, and these simple, screen-free traditions can become memories your family will treasure. The library is here to help, too! Check out books about autumn crafts, fall cooking, or nature walks, and don’t forget to join us for storytimes and family programs this season.So grab your sweaters, put your phones aside, and enjoy the magic of fall together!