Fun Fall Family Activities

Fall's arrival is always marked by the usual suspects: breaking out your pull-over as the mercury drops, seeing your breath in the crisp air, and leaf piles inhabiting your yard. But family time doesn't have to suffer simply because family vacations, beach days, and wearing shorts morphed into recent memories. Here are seven fall activities your family is sure to enjoy.

More: The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Kids and Families

Piling On

 Raking leaves is one annual yard work project  that  doesn't typically move the excitement  needle. So, how do you turn a mundane fall    chore into some family fun? Enlist the kids with  a promise of a catch  at the end. What school-      aged child doesn't enjoy  jumping into enormous  piles of leaves? The more rakes, the faster the    work is completed. And, your children will  enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Hiking

There are few better ways to relish nature's beauty than by hiking through the heart of it. So load up your backpack with water and snacks, lace up your hiking boots, and hit those trails. Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH is ideal for a family hike. Be sure to do your research first as you'll want to bring the proper supplies and, of course, dress appropriately.

Corn Maze

Looking for a fun family walk that doesn't involve hiking up and down mountain trails? A corn maze may be right for you. Each year, the Davis Mega Maze in Sterling, MA offers a new design filled with twists and turns sure to test your mental metal. You're guaranteed a couple of hours of family fun as you retrace your steps in search of the exit.

An Apple A Day

Not many activities represent autumn like apple picking. So visit a local farm to fill a sack or two. Some farms also have animals for your children to feed, hayrides to and from the orchards, and a bake shop where the smell of scrumptious seasonal goodies such as warm apple crisp fills the air. Plus, it's a great way to support a local business. And once you're home, ask your kids if they want to help you turn some of your apples into a piping hot apple pie. Delish!

Pumpkin Carving

 Getting ready for Halloween isn't just about your  child  finding the right costume. Your house  needs to look the  part too. Chances are the same  farm you went apple  picking at sells pumpkins.  So spread the newspapers on  the kitchen floor,  scoop out those seeds, and start  carving. Proudly  display your handiwork on the front  steps to  greet the trick-or-treaters as they come calling  for chocolate bounty.

Fall Football 

If your kids are older, or you just need a dose of nostalgia, it's pretty hard not to have a good time at a high school football game. Take one in at your old high school if you're still local. You might even run into some former classmates or teachers. At the very least you'll leave with a healthy dose of school spirit.

Campus Tours

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a teenager will make. And your guidance helping him navigate the college selection process is critical. Autumn is a great time to take campus tours since school is back in session and teens will see what the college is like when it's buzzing with student life.

Winter will be here before you know it so don't miss out on fall activities with your family.