With a blink of an eye, we’re in the middle of the fall season. Fall is considered by most to be one of the best times of the year. But why is that? Psychologists can offer us some insight. According to Amy Jane Griffiths, a licensed psychologist and professor at Chapman University, and Kathryn Lively, a Dartmouth sociology professor, people love the fall because it evokes happy memories. People associate the fall with holidays, back-to-school, and seeing grandchildren. Especially with the Coronavirus pandemic, people crave the comfort and security that comes with fall traditions. What better way to celebrate the fall than with some fun fall activities. Even though coronavirus is still in season, that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a little fall fun. However, please be mindful of other people by keeping a safe distance, wearing a mask, and not going out if you feel under the weather.
Below are our top picks for endless fall fun:
Apple and Pumpkin Picking
There’s nothing that screams Fall like Apple or Pumpkin picking. If you want more variety I would go with apples. There are over 8,000 varieties of apples (2,500 are in the US alone), but only 45 varieties of pumpkins. However, what pumpkins lack in variety they make up for in creative use. Go pumpkin picking with your family then make jack o’ lanterns with your grandkids, host a pumpkin paint night, make pumpkin pie, or roast some pumpkin seeds. Apple picking on the other hand is perfect for making a warm apple pie, caramel apples, or apple cider. Whenever you go apple picking be sure to tell whoever you’re with that “you are the apple of my eye”, cheesy I know.
Pick up Produce at the Farmer’s Market
Forget chains, give your support to old McDonald. You can’t beat the quality at a farmer’s market. As a PSA alert, please remember to bring cash and your own reusable bag. Seasonal favorites include:
- Pears
- Apples
- Persimmons
- Pumpkin
- Ginger
- Galangal
- Turmeric
Go to a Sunflower Farm
Not only are sunflowers beautiful, but they are also very photo-friendly. A Sunflower Plantation in Canada had to close off its sunflower fields in 2018 because an image went viral and caused a stampede of photographers. Go take a photo with the grandchildren for their Instagram. Sunflowers also symbolize positivity, optimism, a long life, and happiness. It’s no wonder why they are a draw for so many people.
Backyard Camping or Bonfire
Get your family and grandchildren together for some backyard fun. Pitch a tent and tell ghost stories around a campfire or sit around a bonfire with your favorite beverage and make s’ mores. If you’re looking to add some more activities, play corn hole, ring toss, horseshoes, hide and seek, capture the flag, card games, truth or dare, sing campfire songs, or study the stars. All of these activities will create memorable moments and you won’t have to leave the house!
