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Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean the family fun has to stop! With cooler weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect time for East Texas families to enjoy the best fall activities. Here’s a list of ideas to keep the fun rolling all season long!
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Bake Seasonal Fall Treats—PIE!! But that is a daunting task. Instead, make a galette. It’s a free-form pie that takes a fraction of the prep and cook time but tastes just as amazing. I’ve been eat peach galetts all summer, but I’m excited to switch out the filling to pumpkin on apple.
Go on a Hay Ride- find a ride at one of the many Fall Festivals happening during September and October. Check out the full list HERE
Go on a Nature Walk-
Legacy Trail or Rose Rudmund Trail- Tyler TX
Tyler State Park- Tyler TX
Faulkner Park- Tyler TX
Synergy Business Park- Kilgore TX
Davey Dogwood Park- Palestine TX
Jump in a Pile of Leaves-
Sit by a fire pit & make S’mores- Look up Different s’more recipes using Resse’s cups or caramel squares. Check out the list of My Fall Must-Haves for a smokeless firepit and marshmallow roaster.
Stargaze- don’t have a telescope of your own head over to the TJC Planetarium Saturday, Oct 5 and Nov 2 to use their telescopes and hear more about the stars & planets you’ll see in the night sky
Go to a High School Football Game- I hear Longview’s team is pretty good.
Take a drive and see the fall leaves- find some country road and take a drive with some snacks, tunes playing on the radio, and roll down the windows.
Visit a U-pick pumpkin Patch- check out the list of pumpkin patches around Tyler
Run Through a Corn Maze- you’ll need to head over to
E5 Family Farm – Henderson TX
Great Harvest Farm – Montalba TX
Yesterland – Canton TX
Visit a State Park-
Tyler State Park
Dangerfield
Caddo State Park
Host a Movie Night-
The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown,
Free Birds,
Hocus Pocus,
Casper,
Coco,
The Adams Family,
The Nightmare Before Christmas,
Hotel Transylvania,
Harry Potter,
Goosebumps,
are some great family-friendly movie options.
Enjoy your fall/pumpkin treats as you watch the movie.
Shop at a Farmer’s Market-
Tyler,
Mosaic District,
Whitehouse,
Palestine,
Go on a Train Ride-
or
For a smaller (and free) train ride head over to the Iron Horse Square in Mineola TX for a ride on the mini diesel engine train. Check the calendar to know when the train is running.
Go Camping or glamping in a cabin- or camp in your backyard. it’s the perfect time of year to be outside in nature.
Attend the State Fair –
or
Have fun at a Fall Festival- Check out my extensive list of the best 17 fall festivals around. View the list HERE
Carve a jack-o’-lantern- do you make a spookie or silly face?
Roast Pumpkin Seeds – soak the seeds in salt water before roasting.
Enjoy pumpkin everything- Do you love pumpkin spice? Look up recipes (or buy at the store) for some of our favorite pumpkin treats:
pumpkin cookies,
pumpkin yogurt,
pumpkin spice milk,
Pumpkin spice caramel popcorn.
Make warm drinks to enjoy:
Wassail (apple cider)
Hot Chocolate
What is your favorite warm fall drink?
Visit a sunflower field- you’ll need to head over to:
or
Visit a haunted mansion- personally, I wouldn’t say I like being scared, but if your family is into it head to this POST for all the haunted events
Make caramel apple bar: Caramel apples are a tasty fall treat but can be a ton of work. Instead, slice the apples then dip individual slices in caramel sauce, and add your topping: candies, marshmallows, nuts, or sprinkles.
Have a picnic in the park- Grab your picnic blankets and head to the park. Check out the list of My Fall Must-Haves for a great picnic blanket.
Walk on crunchy leaves- or try to find heart-shaped leaves.
Host a potluck chili dinner- consider hosting one with friends and neighbors before you all head out and go trick-or-treating around your neighborhood.
Visit First Monday Market- Get ahead of your Christmas shopping at one of the biggest craft markets in Texas. The fall months are the perfect time to go: the weather is cooler making the trip more enjoyable. Plus fall and Christmas decorations are out. My oldest and I have a mom/son date every year to shop for Christmas presents. More Details
What are your favorite family activities to do together in the fall?
