Fun Fall Activities for Military Families
Written by Grace Olinkiewicz
Make the Most of the Fall Season
The fall season has always been my favorite time of year. Cooler weather, changing leaves, and familiar traditions make it a special time to slow down, spend time together, and make memories as a family.
Whether you’re settling into a new duty station or making the most of another fall where you are, these simple ideas can help your family connect, explore your community, and create traditions of your own.
Fall Activities for Military Families
Explore Your Local Community
Explore your local community for fall activities, whether you’re state
side or overseas, and see what you can find; there are hidden gems everywhere!
For my family, it was the local farms to go apple and pumpkin picking. It’s a tradition in my family that you can have whatever pumpkin you want as long as you can get it into the car. One year I went home with a pumpkin the size of a tire! Sure, it was a little bruised because I had to roll it out of the pumpkin patch, but that’s the beauty of exploring local fall activities! You never know what treasure you’ll find or new fall traditions you’ll make.
Pumpkin and apple picking are just the beginning. Local fall festivals and farmers markets can also be an easy way to explore your community and find a new family favorite. Check your local community forums and calendars for exact dates and activities to plan your family’s trip. And don’t forget to bring your appetite! Fall festivals and farmers markets are known for their community vendors and delicious treats.
Are crowds not your scene this fall? The outdoors has so much to offer during the fall at no cost and without the bustle of busy events. Take your family on relaxing walks through the changing leaves and let their magnificent shades immerse you in the fall season. Or take a scenic drive through your local area and admire how the beauty of your community is amplified by the changing seasons.
Bring Fall Family Fun Home
The fall fun doesn’t stop once you return home. There are a bunch of fall activities you can do right in the comfort of your own home — simple and budget-friendly.
Pumpkin carving is a staple of the fall season! It brings family and friends together to take part in the fun, yet slimy tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns. My husband, who asked me to share this story because it was his family’s favorite fall tradition, explained how his friends, family, and neighbors would gather in a designated yard, pumpkins in tow, and carve them together. And whoever was the youngest at the time would be placed into a pumpkin for a fall photo shoot!
For my family, especially as kids, we set off on adventures into the woods to collect leaves for arts and crafts. My mom was a master of crafts and taught us easy, kid-friendly family activities such as crayon rubbing on leaves, making leaf wreaths, and crafting dream catchers.
And in case you don’t enjoy cleaning pumpkin off your child or searching them for ticks, lean into other at-home activities such as cooking a hearty fall-inspired dinner or baking tasty seasonal treats. Share them at a family movie night or a backyard bonfire. Pro Tip: Check if your community permits backyard bonfires!
Fall festivities don’t need to be costly to make great memories; all you need is the people you love most around you.
Connect with Other Military Families
Explore on-base fall activities to connect with other military families and create bonds that will last for life. Many installations host seasonal events such as fall festivals.
Even if your installation doesn’t have plans for fall fun, there are plenty of ways to bring the festivities to your military community:
- Community Football Game: Gather friends and family for a good old-fashioned backyard football game. Fall and football go hand in hand! It’s a great way to enjoy the crisp air and ring in the upcoming holidays.
- Trunk or Treat: Trunk-or-treat events are a popular way for families and neighbors to celebrate Halloween together. With some simple decorations and a little creativity, they can be a fun way to connect with other military families.
- Horror Movie Marathon: For fellow cinematic horror junkies, fall is without a doubt the best time of year for a movie marathon. Encourage fellow horror fanatics to bring snacks, gather in a living room or an outdoor theater, and let the frights begin!
Create Traditions That Travel with You
Military families can carry their favorite traditions from one duty station to the next.
Embrace the season through simple activities, community connections, and quality time together. Focus on meaningful moments rather than elaborate plans. And whether you celebrate at your current duty station or home with family, remember that the best traditions are the ones shared with those you love.
Travel Home with Operation Ride Home
Looking to travel home this fall season? The Armed Services YMCA is proud to partner with Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home to assist junior enlisted military families in traveling home for the holidays, helping to create new memories and continue cherished family traditions. If you or a fellow military family needs travel assistance, contact your local branch for application requirements and deadlines.
Because every military family deserves connection.
Grace is a military spouse originally from Long Island, New York, with a bachelor’s degree in English and a background in journalism. New to military life, she is navigating this transition firsthand as she begins her journey as a military spouse.
