Healthy Fall Activities

By Kara Sylvia, Homemade Health Coach Team

Engage in a variety of healthy autumn activities to stay active, enjoy the beauty of the season, and boost your physical and mental well-being. Explore the outdoors, enjoy seasonal produce, or simply take in the sights and sounds of autumn – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Go Apple & Pumpkin Picking

Apple and pumpkin picking are quintessential fall activities that capture the essence of the season. These events offer a chance to gather fresh produce, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the crisp autumn air, enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, and experience the seasonal charm of rural life.

Both apple and pumpkin picking offer a nostalgic and hands-on experience that connects people with nature and traditional farming practices. They are ideal for all ages and provide a great way to bond with loved ones, create memories, and celebrate the fall season. The sense of accomplishment in picking your own produce, coupled with the beauty of the autumn landscape, makes these activities a highlight of the season.

Apple picking is a beloved fall tradition where families and friends visit orchards to handpick apples straight from the trees. This usually takes place from late August through October, depending on the region and the variety of apples. It’s a fun way to explore different apple types, from sweet Honeycrisp to tart Granny Smith, each perfect for various culinary uses like pies, cider, or just a fresh snack. Many orchards also offer additional experiences like hayrides, apple cider tasting, and farm-to-table dining, making it a full-day outing.

Pumpkin picking is often associated with Halloween and the fall harvest season. Visitors to pumpkin patches can wander through fields of pumpkins, selecting the perfect one to carve into a jack-o’-lantern or use for cooking. The experience is often enhanced with other farm activities like corn mazes, petting zoos, and seasonal markets selling fall-themed goods. Some farms also host pumpkin festivals, where you can find pumpkin-themed games, contests, and food.

Sign Up For a Race

Autumn is a favorite time of year for many runners due to the comfortable temperatures and  beautiful scenery.

Here are a few well-being benefits of fall running:

Cooler Temperatures: Fall brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures, which can make running more enjoyable and less exhausting compared to the heat of summer. The crisp air is refreshing and often leads to better performance and endurance.

Reduced Risk of Overheating: With the lower temperatures, there’s less chance of overheating, making it easier to run longer distances without feeling drained.

Stunning Fall Foliage: Running amidst the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall foliage can be a visually rewarding experience. The changing landscape can also provide a mental boost and make your runs more enjoyable.

Peaceful Atmosphere: The quieter, serene environment of fall, with fewer people on the trails and roads, offers a peaceful running experience.

Better Sleep: Regular exercise like running can improve sleep quality.

5Ks, 10Ks, and Marathons: Fall is a popular season for races, from 5Ks to marathons. The cooler weather and beautiful scenery make it an ideal time for setting personal records or simply enjoying a race experience.

Festive Themes: Many fall races have festive themes, like Halloween runs or turkey trots, adding a fun and community-driven element to your running routine.

Supporting Causes: Many 5K races are organized to raise funds for charities or causes, giving participants the chance to contribute to something meaningful while staying active.

Go Hiking

Hiking in the fall is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the unique beauty of the season. The cooler weather, vibrant foliage, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the best times of the year to hit the trails.

Enjoy Stunning Fall Foliage

Vibrant Colors: One of the most compelling reasons to hike in the fall is to experience the breathtaking array of colors as the leaves change. The reds, oranges, yellows, and purples create a spectacular natural landscape that makes each hike feel like a new adventure.

Photographic Opportunities: The fall scenery provides countless opportunities for photography, whether you’re capturing wide landscapes or close-ups of the colorful leaves.

Peaceful Atmosphere: The quietude of fall hiking can be incredibly calming, offering a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life.

Finding local hiking trails is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of resources available both online and offline. Here are some of the best ways to discover hiking trails near you:

Online Trail-Finding Platforms & Apps

AllTrails: One of the most popular apps for finding hiking trails, AllTrails offers detailed information on trails around the world. You can search by location, difficulty level, length, and user ratings. It also includes maps, reviews, and photos from other hikers.

Hiking Project: This app, by REI, is a user-driven platform with detailed trail maps, GPS coordinates, and reviews. It’s great for finding both well-known and hidden gems in your area.

TrailLink: Operated by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, TrailLink focuses on multi-use trails, including hiking paths, that have been converted from former rail lines. It provides detailed trail descriptions and maps.

Komoot: A navigation app designed for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running. It allows you to plan routes, find trails, and download maps for offline use.

Google Maps: Simply searching “hiking trails near me” in Google Maps can provide a list of nearby trails, parks, and natural areas. It also shows user reviews, photos, and directions.

Visit a Farmer’s Market

A trip to the farmers market in autumn is a delightful way to experience the season’s bounty & support local agriculture. The atmosphere is vibrant, with an abundance of fresh produce, homemade goods, & seasonal delights that highlight the flavors & colors of the season.

Seasonal Produce

Apples and Pears: Fall is apple season, so you’ll find a wide variety of apples and pears, perfect for snacking, baking, or making cider. Many markets also offer fresh-pressed apple cider, a seasonal favorite.

Pumpkins & Squash: Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, along with an assortment of winter squashes like butternut, acorn, & spaghetti squash, are plentiful. These are great for cooking hearty soups, pies, & roasted dishes.

Root Vegetables: Fall brings an array of root vegetables like carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, & parsnips. These vegetables are versatile & perfect for roasting or adding to stews and casseroles.

Leafy Greens: Cooler weather encourages the growth of leafy greens like kale, spinach, & Swiss chard. These greens are nutrient-dense & perfect for salads, sautés, and soups.

Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are often available in the fall, just in time for holiday cooking. They can be used in sauces, baked goods, or even as festive décor.

Fall Decor: Farmers markets often feature handmade fall decorations like wreaths, corn husk dolls, & gourds, perfect for adding a seasonal touch to your home.

Local Crafts: Artisans may sell handcrafted items such as pottery, candles, & knitted goods, which make for great gifts or cozy additions to your home.

Mums and Asters: These vibrant fall flowers are a staple at farmers markets during the season. They add a burst of color to gardens & outdoor spaces.

Herbs and Late-Blooming Plants: Fall markets may also offer herbs, ornamental grasses, & other plants that thrive in cooler weather, perfect for late-season gardening.

Visiting the farmers market provides an opportunity to connect with local farmers, artisans, & community members. It’s a chance to learn more about where your food comes from & how it’s grown.

A fall trip to the farmers market is more than just shopping—it’s a way to celebrate the harvest, embrace the season, & support local farmers & artisans. Buying fresh, local produce supports your community & encourages healthy eating.

Go Leaf Peeping – Foliage Drives

Going for a drive to enjoy “leaf peeping” is another quintessential autumn activity that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. Leaf peeping refers to traveling to view and photograph the changing colors of the leaves during the fall. It’s a relaxing way to appreciate nature’s vibrant display while exploring scenic routes and charming towns.

The changing leaves offer a stunning array of colors, from fiery reds and oranges to golden yellows and deep purples. Each tree species contributes its unique hue, creating a patchwork of color across the landscape.

Plan to stop at scenic overlooks, parks, or small towns along your route. These stops allow you to stretch your legs, take photos, and fully appreciate the surroundings.

Enjoy Local Flavors: Visit local cafes, bakeries, or roadside stands for seasonal treats like apple cider, pumpkin pie, or freshly made donuts.

A fall drive for leaf peeping is a peaceful and inspiring way to enjoy the season’s beauty, connect with nature, and explore new places. Whether you’re traveling near or far, the vibrant colors and crisp air of autumn make for an unforgettable experience.

Many of the best leaf-peeping spots are found along winding country roads, through forests, and along mountain ridges. These roads often lead to breathtaking overlooks, serene lakes, and quaint villages.

Historic and Cultural Sites: A leaf-peeping drive can also take you past historic sites, covered bridges, orchards, and farms, adding a cultural and historical dimension to your journey.

Crisp Air: The cool, crisp air of fall makes for a refreshing drive with the windows down or during short stops to take in the views.

Rake Leaves

Raking leaves in the fall can be more than just a chore—it can be a satisfying and enjoyable activity that connects you with the season and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Make raking leaves into a fun and rewarding experience!

Physical Activity: Raking leaves works your arms, shoulders, back, and legs, providing a moderate-intensity workout that can help improve your strength and endurance.

Cardio Exercise: The repetitive motion and the effort of moving leaves can also get your heart rate up, making it a good cardio exercise that burns calories.

Enjoying the Outdoors

Fresh Air: Raking leaves is a perfect excuse to spend time outside in the crisp, cool autumn air. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy the season, especially on a sunny fall day.

Connecting with Nature: Being outdoors allows you to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of fall—crunching leaves, rustling trees, and the earthy scent of autumn.

Mindful Activity: The rhythmic motion of raking can be meditative, helping to clear your mind and reduce stress. It allows you to focus on the simple, repetitive task and enjoy the moment.

Sense of Accomplishment: There’s something satisfying about seeing a yard go from cluttered with leaves to neat and tidy. The immediate results of your work can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Family Bonding

Fun for Kids: Raking leaves can be a fun family activity, especially if you have kids. They’ll love jumping into piles of leaves, helping with small rakes, and spending time outdoors.

Teamwork: Working together to rake leaves can be a great way to bond as a family or with neighbors. It turns a necessary task into a shared, enjoyable experience.

Compost Pile: Raking leaves can be the first step in creating rich, organic compost. It’s satisfying to know that your efforts are helping to improve your garden and nurture Earth.

Carve a Pumpkin

Pumpkin carving is a beloved fall tradition that brings creativity, fun, and a touch of spookiness to the season. It’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit, spend quality time with family and friends, and create festive decorations for your home.

Pumpkin carving has deep roots in Halloween traditions, originating from the Celtic custom of carving turnips and placing them outside to ward off evil spirits. Participating in this tradition connects you to a broader cultural history.

Childhood Memories: For many, pumpkin carving evokes fond memories of childhood, making it a nostalgic and heartwarming activity.

Fun Variations on Pumpkin Carving

Painted Pumpkins – If carving isn’t your thing, painting pumpkins is a great alternative. Use acrylic paints to create colorful designs, patterns, or even spooky scenes. This is a great option for younger kids or for those who want to avoid the mess of carving.

Drilled Designs – Use a drill to create patterns of holes in your pumpkin. This technique is simple and can create beautiful, glowing designs when lit from within.

Carve Other Vegetables – Try carving other vegetables like gourds, turnips, or even watermelons for a unique twist on the traditional jack-o’-lantern.

Toast Seeds: After carving, roast the pumpkin seeds with salt, cinnamon, or your favorite spices for a delicious, crunchy snack.