You've waited all this time for the official season that promises cooler weather, fun activities, and cozy mornings. Now that it's here (Sunday, Sept. 22), how are you planning to make a ruckus about it? The change in season is always worthy of celebration, especially when you have an eager child at home who loves soaking up new ideas and traditions.
Below are a handful of activities you can do the first week of fall to kicktart this beautiful, carefree time of year. There are 7 ideas total, so spread them out one thing per day, or go all in and do them all at once. However you decide to celebrate, I hope you enjoy!
1. Decorate the house. Even if you already have all the decorations you need stored away from last year, you should still go to Kirklands, Home Goods, or At Home and purchase something new and festive to add to the 2024 home decor. What will it be? A new welcome mat? A potpourri satchet? Throw pillows? Start decorating NOW so you can get the full 3 months of your home "feeling" like fall.
2. Plan to attend a Fall Festival. Use our Fall Family Fun Guide (coming soon!) to locate an upcoming festival, and commit to attending with your family, no ifs, ands, or butts. You don't have to go on the first week of fall, but the first week is when you should at least commit to a plan. Find the best event that suits your family. For us, the State Fair or Texas is a sure hit for all my kids who range all the way up to college freshman.
3. Buy New Pajamas. For the kids, you can find cute PJ's for the season at Children's Place or Kohl's. My favorite store for festival kids PJ's is Gymboree, but you'll have to order online or drive all the way to hte kids, visit Children's Place in the Mall, or Gymboree (you'll have to go all the way to _--, but htey have the best PJs
4. Start a new chapter book read-aloud with your child. We're on Book 4 of a Series of Unfortunate Events with my 10-year-old. It's a fun, spooky series that's perfect for her age! I'll be reading Shakespeare with my teens this season. Here's my listing of 10 Delightful Picture Books that celebrate fall.
5. Whip up a comforting, cool-weather dish. Whether your pleasure is chili, minestrone soup, or chicken & dumplings, a great way to welcome in the new season is to fire up the stove and start cooking family falltime favorites. There is never (never) enough time to make all the fall recipes you want to make each year, so starting early is key!
6. Have a cozy movie night in with the family. The autumnal equinox is on a Saturday, so cheers for the weekend! After dinner, change into pajamas, gather the blankets, and watch a movie. Here are some picks:
- Beauty & the Beast
- The Blind Side
- Little Women
- Hocus Pocus
- Hotel Transylvania series
- Remember the Titans
- It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
- Soul
- Matilda
7. Pick up a pumpkin spice latte from your favorite coffee shop. Are you cringing? I know, everybody's not about the "pumpkin spice life." Try another seasonal favorite then, such as Starbucks'apple crisp oatmilk macchiato or a simple cup of cocoa.
