We’re just about into the change of the season. A nip is in the air—at least here in Oklahoma! Days are getting shorter. Cool, fresh breezes in the evening. Leaves rustling. And time for some seasonal family fun!

Courtesy 123RF/Jacek Chabraszewski

Years ago, we developed some basic family traditions that were always linked with the fall. It gave us an excitement for the change of the season, and made memories worth repeating each year.

Some of these traditions happened by accident, and some with intentional planning. If you are looking for a few ideas for special Family Nights during autumn, look no further. Here are my top suggestions:

1. Fall colors. Living in Wisconsin for nineteen years, we learned to love the beautiful explosion of color in the foliage. One of our ways to enjoy this was to find a lookout tower or high point somewhere nearby where we could climb up and view the trees at their peak color. Gorgeous red, orange, and rust colors gave us an opportunity to appreciate God’s beautiful creation as well as to explain to our younger kids why all this happens from a scientific standpoint.

2. Fall Walk. This was a tradition that we began accidentally. One year after the leaves had fallen, we decided to use one of our Family Nights to got to a wooded area and trample through the crispy fallen leaves on the ground. Arming ourselves with walking sticks was a must on this adventure as well. The following year, one of our twins asked, “When are we taking our Fall Walk?” And so the tradition and terminology continued.

3. Visit the Pumpkin Patch. There’s a good chance this is already a regular event with your family; but, if not, add it to your plans. Although your child’s class may visit a pumpkin patch on a school field trip, experiencing this as a family is still a must. Many of the area pumpkin patches have a myriad of activities to enjoy besides just looking at pumpkins. Exploring a hay maze, pumpkin-themed games, inflatables, hayrides, and petting zoos are all activities that bear repeating again even in the same year.

4. Backyard bonfire. Fall and cooler weather just beg for a homemade fire in the backyard. We had tons of fun gathering firewood, learning the proper way to build a fire, making s’mores, and cooking our dinner over a campfire. You may even want to add in a campout in the backyard some night!

5. Fall baking. We’ll start with my favorite: Going to pick some good baking apples and coming home to prepare homemade applesauce, apple crisp, or apple pie. Everyone has their favorites, and fall baking is not limited to apples. Don’t get me started on pumpkin: bars, bread, pie….yummy!

Every season has its highlights. It’s a real missed opportunity not to take advantage of them for building family memories. So, now that Fall fell, breathe some new enthusiasm into your family time with these and other great activities together.