whimsical fall weekend ideas.
Fall is here, and with it comes a fresh start. School is back in session, routines are settling, and the air carries that crisp, cozy feeling we wait for all year. While the calendar fills quickly of the many seasonal activities, this season also offers the perfect chance to slow down and focus on the little things that truly matter—connection with our kids, feeling present in our own lives, and creating memories together.
In my experience you don’t need elaborate plans or picture-perfect moments to make every season meaningful. I've struggled with this over the years, my heart yearns to make every year count and do all the fun things. I want to do it ALL! But I've found after trial and error, I only need to pick a few doable things. For me honestly, trying to keep up with the Jones's is overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I love finding and doing trendy things! But whether we do or don't have the means or energy to buy or plan these elaborate events, at the end of the day, we're all the same. Mothers who are just trying to do their best. Reflecting on my life, it’s the simplest traditions or simplest plans that leave the deepest imprint on our children. So, whether you're an over-do-er and love the business of the season but need to take a beat, or you're an introvert at heart and just want simple, easy plans, here are some ideas to help you embrace the season:
Start an after-school ritual.
Take a few minutes after school pickup to ask about “highs and lows” of the day, snuggle on the couch or indoor swing with your kids and read a book. Or just have everyone join together at the table, settle in, and enjoy a snack together. Even if it's for 3 minutes, be present and soak in this moment with them. I usually try to buy one new book for the season: it's been a great way to build our home library selection.
Take a weekend to go on a drive.
Take a drive up the canyon nearby or to a local park. Notice the leaves changing, the air dipping in temperature, and put on some fall music. Bring a blanket or two, some hot chocolate, or some snacks to enjoy and relax while collecting some leaves or watching your kids. You can even snap some pictures together as a family to remember. Put your phone away and just be with them.
Bake something seasonal together.
Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pancakes, or cinnamon rolls are some of our favs —let the kids be a part of the experience. Let them stir, taste, pour, and sprinkle. Listen to some good ol' tunes and laugh if you make a mess. It’s less about perfection, more about being together.
Swap one evening of screens for a family game night.
Pull out puzzles, board games, or even a round of charades. Laughter is the goal, not the scoreboard.
Read aloud as a family.
Pick a fall-themed book or a classic chapter book, grab blankets, and read together one night a week.
Add cozy touches to a meal or two.
Think hot cocoa after dinner, adding candles or twinkle lights on the table with your meals, or making a special snack like apple slices with caramel dip as an afternoon treat. Use what you have, make it you.
Collect leaves and nature treasures on your walks.
Go on one or two walks or go in the yard. Have your kids gather leaves, pinecones, or acorns and display them in a bowl or vase as seasonal décor. Sometimes my kids love to create something out of them.
Notice the in-between moments.
Pause to watch the sunset, linger for an extra hug at bedtime, or enjoy the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Breathe in deep and savor these moments.
It's my goal as well but this fall don’t stress about creating picture-perfect experiences. Instead, embrace the everyday magic—the small, intentional traditions or rhythms that bring warmth, joy, and connection into your home. Because when we look back, it’s not always the elaborate plans we’ll remember most—it’s the simple, beautiful moments we shared together.
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While the best memories don't require items, a few well-loved items can help make these moments a bit more special. Below you'll find some cozy favorites that our family have enjoyed while creating these moments ourselves:
We absolutely love our indoor swing! We made sure to drill it into a support beam stud and voila! Many books have been enjoyed curled up in our swing very similar to this one linked above.
We love, love, love books, someday I hope to have an entire room full of them but for now, we've created a mini library in our little loft in our home. These are a few of our favorite fall books that we love:
I always struggled to remember to bring a blanket for our picnics, so I found these. They're so easy to keep in your car and transport wherever you go, here are a few very similar to one that we've enjoyed:
blanket 1, blanket 2, blanket 3
I was gifted this similar cooler recently after having my fourth baby and have already used it multiple times. I love how easy it is to store and is durable enough to withstand lots of love!
My husband and I aren't a board game couple! But our kids love to play them, so we grin and bear it and it's worth it every time. Here's one of our all-time favorite family games that we go back to over and over.
As the days grow cooler and shorter, may we lean into the cozy rhythm of autumn and make the most by slowing down with our children and our weekends.
Here’s to finding a little whimsy in the ordinary.