Fall Family Fun: Cozy Ideas, Crafts, and Recipes to Celebrate the Season

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There’s something so magical about fall—the crisp air, the cozy sweaters, and the smell of cinnamon and apples floating through the house. As a big family, we love finding ways to celebrate the season together without overcomplicating things. Fall is a time to slow down, get cozy, and make memories. 

I hope your back-to-school transition has been easy and painless (I know ours always feels a little hectic with so many kids heading in different directions!). If you’re still looking for some helpful back-to-school ideas, make sure to check out this blog post.

10 Fun Family Fall To-Do’s

1. Go apple picking at a local orchard

2. Visit a pumpkin patch and let each kid pick their own pumpkin

3. Take a family nature walk and collect colorful leaves

4. Have a backyard bonfire with s’mores

5. Go on a hay ride or fall festival outing

6. Decorate the porch with pumpkins, mums, and a fall wreath

7. Host a family movie night with blankets and hot cocoa

8. Try baking something with apples or pumpkin together

9. Make a family gratitude list to hang on the fridge

10. Take family photos in matching flannels

Simple Fall Decor Ideas

I love decorating for fall, but I like to keep it simple and family-friendly. Think cozy throws, baskets of mini pumpkins, and candles that smell like cinnamon or apple pie. A cute fall wreath on the front door instantly makes things feel festive. Shop these finds here!

Fall Crafts for Kids

If your kids are anything like mine, fall crafts are an instant hit. These are a few I love for their creativity and simplicity:

• Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins

• Beaded Corn

• Happy Acorn Necklaces

• Fall Scented Playdough

• Fall Sensory Bin Ideas

• Fall Macrame Rainbow

• Pumpkin & Apple Stamping Craft

Fun Fall Reads for Kids

Snuggling up with a stack of seasonal books is one of our favorite ways to wind down. Check out some of our favorite fall reads for kids here!

Fun Fall Toys for Learning

Fall is a perfect time to bring in some new toys that also sneak in a little learning. Here are some fun fall learning toys you can grab here.

Decluttering for Fall

With school back in session and the holidays just around the corner, I love using September as a reset. A few quick tips:

• Pack up swimsuits and summer gear to clear space.

• Rotate kids’ clothes so fall staples are easy to grab.

• Create a “drop zone” for backpacks, shoes, and jackets.

• Keep a bin handy for papers that need sorting.

  
  

A little decluttering now makes the whole season feel calmer and cozier.

Fun Fall Snacks for Kids

Here are some cute and yummy snack ideas your kids will love helping with (and eating!):

• Scarecrow Snack Mix

• Nutter Butter Acorn Cookies

• Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispies

• Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels

• Apple Pretzel Bites

• Fall Snack Mix

Cozy Fall Dinner Recipes

On those chilly nights, these dinner ideas hit the spot:

• Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup

• Sweet Potato Moussaka

• Butternut Squash Soup

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Baking with Fall Harvest

Fall is baking season, and we love using seasonal fruits and flavors in the kitchen. Here are some recipes I can’t wait to try this year:

• Pumpkin Pie

• Cinnamon Rolls

• Caramel Apples

• Apple Turnovers

• Pecan Pie

• Homemade Applesauce

• Spiced Pumpkin Bread

• Cinnamon Streusel Apple Muffins

Cozy Fall Drinks to Try

Nothing says fall quite like a cozy drink. These are a few of our go-to favorites:

• Warm Spiced Apple Cider

• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Warm Vanilla Milk

As the seasons shift and the days get shorter, I always find that the little things—like a cozy drink, a festive craft with the kids, or a simple recipe that makes the house smell amazing—bring the most joy. September is such a sweet reminder to slow down, soak up the season, and create memories that make home feel extra special. I hope these ideas spark some inspiration for you and your family this fall!

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