Safe and Fun Fall Activities for the Whole Family

Autumn 2020 falls during an unprecedented year. While some states are re-opening at full capacity, others aren’t. No matter what your state is up to, it’s vital to remember that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and it’s important to be careful and safe. This doesn’t need to ruin the fun of fall, though. We can still get into the spooky spirit of the season with our families in a safe way that will be fun for everyone. 

Cook Up Your Favorite Fall Recipes 

There’s one thing that we can all do at home that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone — cook up our favorite meals and goodies!

We all love whipping up family favorites and secret recipes, but now is as good a time as any to try something new. Want to save some cash on your coffee runs? Try making some homemade pumpkin spice lattes! You can make them with state of the art coffee machines or with just a few simple ingredients (pumpkin puree, spices, coffee, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and creamer) and a generic coffee maker. 

Not a coffee person? Well, the Halloween season is all about sweets and goodies. Try making new fall-themed treats this October. Of course, there’s the fan favorite, pumpkin pie. You could also try your hand at making candied apples, a Halloween classic. It’s as easy as throwing together a few apples on skewers, dipping them in caramel (or mix things up with some hardening chocolate), and top with peanuts, candies, and more. After that, chill them in the fridge for a bit, and you have yourself some delicious candied apples! 

Fall and Halloween aren’t just about sweets, though – try your hand at some harvest-themed meals and dinners. There’s a huge variety of options here. Pumpkin and carrot soup is hearty and warming. Recipes featuring butternut squash and spices are certainly a treat. You could also do something unique that will stand out on the dinner table, like spiced pumpkin dinner rolls! The possibilities are endless. 

Go to a Pumpkin Patch

Everyone loves a good pumpkin patch! You can easily social distance and wear a mask as you traverse a pumpkin patch with your family to seek out the perfect pumpkin. Once you find it, you can take it home with your kids and carve a traditional jack-o-lantern as you listen to some spooky tunes. You could also wash the seeds and roast them in the oven for a yummy and nutritious treat. 

This awesome online resource can help you find your local pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and other fall activities. You simply search by state and pick out which activity you want to check out. 

https://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/

Find a Spooky Haunted Trail

Many neighborhoods, communities, and localities feature seasonal haunted trails that go through local wooded areas on existing trails. These can easily be socially distanced events and are outdoors, so they don’t carry the same risks as seasonal haunted houses. 

These trails are often family-friendly (especially compared to haunted houses) and aren’t too scary for your kids. 

Check out your community’s bulletin, Facebook page, or social media pages to see what Halloween events are going on in your area this month. There are many fun, family-friendly, and safe activities going on right now nationwide so we can all get into the spirit of autumn. 

Get Your Flu Shot!

It’s fall, which means flu season is also just beginning. It’s not the most fun fall activity, but it’s incredibly important, especially during this pandemic. Various pharmacies are offering low-priced flu shots as long as you have medical insurance. 

https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/flu

https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/seasonal-flu.jsp

https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302 

https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/vaccine-central/immunization-information/flu