🍂 10 Earth-Friendly Fall Fun Activities for the Family 🍁

Absolutely, fall is a wonderful time to enjoy nature and spend time with your family while being environmentally conscious. Here are 10 Earth-friendly family fall fun activities:

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find in nature, such as colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones, and different types of birds. This activity encourages kids to explore the outdoors and learn about the local environment. Green Child Magazine has several scavenger hunts for various ages and focuses that you can use! I personally love their Gratitude Nature Scavenger Hunt!

2. Apple Picking: Visit a local orchard for apple picking. Choose an orchard that practices sustainable farming methods to support eco-friendly agriculture. (Or whatever is local to you!)

3. DIY Bird Feeders: Create bird feeders using recycled materials, like pinecones covered in peanut butter and birdseed. Hang them outside to attract and feed local birds. HGTV has some cute ideas in their article “5 Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders”

4. Leaf Crafts: Collect fallen leaves and create art projects like leaf rubbings, pressed leaf cards, or leaf garlands. This allows kids to appreciate the beauty of nature and repurposed materials. I found some great ones here:  Eco-Friendly Crafts: 9 Sustainable DIY Projects For A Greener Tomorrow 

5. Fall Planting: Choose native plants or bulbs for your garden, yard, or even indoor pots. Fall is a great time for planting as the weather is cooler and plants establish well.  Here’s a link to get Milkweed Seeds for a Butterfly Garden: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/pollinators/free-milkweed-for-monarch-butterflies/ And the Arbor Day Foundation has trees to plant! www.arborday.org

6. Outdoor Picnics: Pack eco-friendly meals and snacks using reusable containers and utensils. Enjoy a picnic in a local park, surrounded by the fall foliage. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/super-ways-have-eco-friendly-picnic.php

7. Nature Art: Use fallen leaves, twigs, and rocks to create temporary art installations or mandalas in your backyard or a nearby natural area.  Or even paint rocks to give others who travel the same way a smile! 

8. Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore local trails and enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. Use this opportunity to teach your family about the importance of preserving natural habitats. If you’re local to Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park has AMAZING trails!

9. Composting: Get your family involved in composting kitchen scraps to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It's a great way to reduce waste and nourish the earth. So easy to do, so helpful for your garden! 

10. Pumpkin Carving and Seed Roasting: When you carve pumpkins for Halloween, save the seeds! Roast them with a little olive oil and salt for a tasty and nutritious snack. Yum! 

Remember, the key to these fall activities is to minimize waste, support local and sustainable practices, and engage in activities that foster a connection with nature. 

Have a fantastic time with your family while making a positive impact on the environment!