2. Hit the books. Little readers love hearing about the changing seasons, while tweens and teens may be ready for a slightly spooky story. Reading by candlelight or lantern light adds to the aura. } 3. Embark on a u-pick adventure. Apples, and pumpkins, oh my! Enjoy time outside and the bounty that can be picked. 4. Gift a loved one a boo basket! What better way to get in your feels about fall than by sharing the excitement with someone special? 5. Decorate for the occasion. Set the autumn ambi- ance with pumpkins and scarecrows, or ghosts and skeletons. 6. Touch grass. And crunch leaves underfoot A walk in the woods is one of the best ways to experience fall and experience the changing seasons firsthand. 7. Attend a community event! There is so much fall fun for families- be sure to check out this month’s Things to Do calendar. 8. Bake something yummy. Apple pies, pumpkin bars, the sky is the limit when it comes to fall fla- vors and delicious desserts. 9. Plan a cozy day in. Puzzles, blanket forts, movies, and apple cider makes for a perfect autumn after- noon together. 10. Carve, or paint, pumpkins! Show off that cre- ativity and get crafty with the crew by transform- ing gourds into masterpieces.
moments. “The fall represents a slowing down and a refocus on the smaller joys that come from togetherness and connection,” Wu agrees. The Clock is Ticking For big-time fall fans, the worst part of the season is that it has to end. Yet, the temporary-ness of autumn may also be a part of its allure. “The fleet- ingness is part of the appeal, making us ultimately more appreciative of what we get to experience each season, and making us look forward to repeating these experiences all over again in the future,” says Wu. On those final dog days of summer, crisp, cool nights are the subject of sincere yearning. During the fall season, most pumpkin patches are only open on weekends, making them feel like a scarce- ly available attraction! Then, ultimately, come mid-October, it doesn’t take much effort to find peppermint flavors and snowman decor. Because life is cyclical, and winter family fun is around the corner. Fall is temporary, fall is limited, and so, fall is to be savored. If you are one of the many people who love fall, you are in good company, because there certainly is plenty to love. And no matter what your reasons are for loving fall, we hope you have the loveliest fall ever in 2026. Happy fall memory-making, families! Top 10 Ways to Embrace the Season of Cozy 1. Cook up a crockpot dinner. There is something so warm and comforting about smelling a tasty dinner slow-cook all day long. Bonus points if it is soup!
fun-but-chaotic unpredictability, whereas fall provides relief by giving children a sense of what comes next. Wu continues by explaining that the predictability can “feel calming by nature and a welcomed relief from all the extra running around we tend to do during the longer and warmer days of summer.” Yes, there is more routine come fall, but there is definitely still room for lots of leisure, too. Kids can find comfort in the routine of being students again, settling into their schedules like a nice warm bath. During fall, many children are able to see their friends with more consistency, now as their classmates or teammates. So where summer may be spontaneous, fall feels like getting the train back on the tracks, which for many, is desirable. A Season of Simplicity On nice weekends, when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, families flock to farms for fall fun. Those just-right days off provide a mood boost as bountiful as a harvest itself! Sunshine on the face, getting your hands dirty to find the perfect pumpkin, bodies in motion. It’s simple, but it is also everything. And as it starts to get a little cooler, and the dark emerges earlier each evening, warmth and light become their own little treats. Inside, we have thick knit blankets, big mugs filled with hot cider, and maybe an ever-so-slightly spooky movie that results in the kids needing to cuddle close to their parents, even though they claim they definitely aren’t scared! Inside itineraries include meaningful time together through game and movie nights, craft time, cook- ing, baking, storytimes, and overall, sweet little
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