Oh, the refreshing season of fall. Pumpkins grace the porches with warm and inviting glows, the smells and tastes of the season are divine, and parents are collectively (and silently) cheering that school is back in session. Fall is the refresh button we never knew we needed until it arrived. We can all breathe a sigh of relief because the sweet wonder of fall is finally here!

So, grab your mud boots and pumpkin spice latte, and let’s kick off the season with some fun things you and your family can do to ring in the season. Are you ready to make some memories? Below is a list of activities that are sure to put some smiles on your sweet little darling’s faces (and yours), and the best part is most of them are either free or at least go easy on the pocketbook. Huge plus!

Might as well make all the leaves in your yard a place to have fun after all the hard work is done!

This is always a fun and easy activity with the kids.

Make a fun craft with all the leaves scattered all over the yard. You can make leaf prints, paint with leaves, or turn them into a pretty decorative tabletop masterpiece.

Pop some popcorn and snuggle up close for a family movie night. Hotel Transylvania, Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, and Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin are a few family-friendly favorites.

Let your creative side shine through as you take turns painting each other’s faces.

Pop up a tent, roll out the sleeping bags, and let the magic begin! This is always fun on those crisp autumn nights.

Check out a local “pick your own fruit” farm to pick your own apples or pumpkins. And yes, pumpkins are a fruit! I learned that on our last excursion to the pumpkin patch.

Get creative and brainstorm as a family a fun fall-themed party. From a harvest potluck to a costume party, it can be as simple or extravagant as you dream it up. Then let the good times roll!

Are there any competitive family members? Let their skills show on a family game night.

Many churches or local venues host fun harvest or fall festivals. Check out what is popping up in your area and visit one of them with the fam.

These are always fun to make but even better to eat! If you want to make it even tastier -pop the popcorn on the stove. Trust me; once you pop popcorn this way, you’ll never go back to microwave popcorn.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Lordn

Make some yummy goodies, such as cookies or cupcakes, and then treat your neighbors.

Cut apples in half and make some fun apple prints and art projects.

Simple and easy, yet a delicious snack. Wash, dry, season, and roast at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Viola!

Whip up a fun fall breakfast. From pumpkin pancakes to blueberry streusel, get your day started with a big breakfast that will make even your late risers want to rise and sun from the smells coming from the kitchen.

Several small cities have fun seasonal train rides. See if there is one close to your area, and go check it out. It’ll be a one-of-a-kind experience.

Each family member gets a pumpkin to decorate, so have your art and creative skills ready! Then have an outside family member or friend declare a winner.

Turn the living room or game room into a blanket and pillow fort. Take in some books to read or play games, and sleep inside, if you dare!

May farms host fun fall activities. Go see how they harvest crops this time of year and get the inside scoop.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/vlada_maestro

Load all the kids in the car and take a drive. Check out a local park with pretty leaves and walk around.

Is there anything better to do on a windy day?

Not sure what to do with all the pinecones in the yard? Have the little ones collect them and then paint them up, sprinkle a little glitter and add googly eyes and feathers to look like a turkey. Makes for cute tabletop décor.

These yummy treats are always a big hit. Cut them up and store them for “treats” later too.

If the backyard is a slushy mess from all the rain, throw on some rainboots and make the best of it. Just be sure to have the water hose ready to rinse off!

Chilly night? Light a bonfire or firepit, tell stories, and look up at the stars.

As the year draws to a close, discuss things you are all thankful for as a family. Place it somewhere where you can add to it as needed. If you make it an annual thing, it will be fun to reflect on each year too.

Photo credit: © Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages

Jump on a hay pail and hitch a ride. Such a simple way to take in the fresh air.

This small act of generosity will help your child see the needs of others this time of year. It will also bless their hearts by giving and showing compassion.

With the weather getting cooler, it is a perfect time to ride a horse and take in the views of the fall.

Get outside and explore a new trail. Take an adventure to a new park and check out what it has to offer.

‘Tis the season for football. Have a favorite team? Haul the kids into the car and let them be the cheerleaders. The game life is always a fun experience!

Too cold outside? Cozy up next to a fire with a bunch of books and hot cocoa and read together.

Grab the graham crackers and marshmallows, oh, and don’t forget the chocolate because it’s bound to be smores night at some point. By the way, baby wipes help with sticky fingers, so you may want to grab a box of those too.

Place some fun “fall foods” in various bowls (ex: cranberries, orange slices, pecans, or pumpkin seeds), then blindfold your kiddos and let them try a nibble from each bowl. Can they tell what they are eating? The one that guesses all correct is the winner!

This time of year is perfect for those fall photos. Grab some pumpkins and head to a park or trail to shoot some unique and memorable pics.

Have animal lovers in the family? Visit a petting zoo and go “hog wild!”

Invite some friends or family over and host a chili cook-off. Taste the various kinds and see which one is your favorite. Maybe learn a new way to make chili in the process!

Photo credit: © Getty Images/Mkovalevskaya

This one is always fun. Get a bunch of different kinds of cocoa, from regular chocolate to hazelnut or even pumpkin spice cocoa (yes, there is such a thing now). Then grab some fun toppings, such as mini or giant marshmallows, whipped cream, candy bits, peppermint or cinnamon sticks, toffee bark, or chocolate chips) Whip up your own concoction and enjoy!

Now is the time to pick and choose which activities you want to try with your family. Together make a bucket list, but no pressure. This is by no means meant to send you into a frantic fall frenzy but rather to give you a few ways to share some amazing memories with your tribe of precious people. So, tap into their interests and see what sounds fun to enjoy this blissful season together!

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.