Why do we love fall so much? Cooler weather means we can wear the cute, warm sweaters and hoodies that have been languishing in the closet all summer. Shorter days give us the spectacular array of colors when the leaves change and gives us a chance to hang out around a bonfire. Autumn can also be a great time for family experiences, and we've compiled some of our favorites.
Apple Picking
Visiting an orchard is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and take home fruit you've worked together to gather. Do a little research ahead of time so you know which apples are ripe and if the farm has additional attractions such as hayrides to offer. Educational opportunities abound such as making applesauce, apple butter or an apple pie! Cookies can be decorated for the different varieties or eaten as snacks. (Thank you Liana for the cookie art!)
Pumpkins
Fall is everything pumpkin! Take a day trip to a pumpkin patch to let the kids pick their own (or argue over the family's). 
They get to run around, you get to take all the pictures! Make the day complete with pumpkin painting or carving to set outside for fall decor. Take cookies along so no one gets hangry.
Leaf Peeping
What a feast for the eyes are the colors of the leaves in fall, and they can be enjoyed in so many ways. Our family loves hiking in the many state parks that are only a short drive from our small town. Bike riding is an option as well. Remember to take the camera and capture the moment! Leaves can be raked, piled and jumped in as well as used in crafts such as leaf rubbing. Cookies will be needed for sustenance after all that exercise!
Bonfire
Gather 'round the campfire, fire ring or fire pit to tell stories while staying toasty warm! Under your very close supervision, older kids can roast their own hot dogs. Cookies can make a vibrant and tasty alternative for graham crackers in s'mores.
Football Games
The whole family can enjoy cheering on your hometown team-be it high school, college or professional. Tailgate to feed all the fans-and don't forget the cookies!
Gardening
Fall is thought of as the end of gardening season, but there is still plenty to do. Mums and decorative kale can be planted in fall to add color to the landscaping, and early-blooming bulbs like tulips can be sown for a spring show! The last of the vegetables can be harvested and preserved (or eaten, of course!). The frost tender plants can be moved to sunny spots inside, and tools can be cleaned and put away. Kids can help with any of these tasks while learning about seasons, plants and stewardship.
Cooking/Baking
Fall is a wonderful time to gather the family in the kitchen! Youngsters can help with making food for everyone. They can help measure and mix ingredients, make simple side dishes or dessert. They can set the table and help clean up, too. They can be involved in the entire process of making and decorating cookies, then deliver them to neighbors and friends to teach about serving others.
Corn Maze
Visiting a corn maze can be combined with apple picking and/or a trip to the pumpkin patch. Under your watchful eye, kids can run and explore what's around every bend and corner.
Crafts
Kids' creativity knows no bounds, and fall crafts can be one way to spend a rainy/chilly day inside or quietly wrap up a super busy one. In addition to decorating their pumpkins and making leaf rubbings, kids can make their own playdough. The Best Idea For Kids has several recipes for fall playdough, and cutters can be used to make all kinds of fun shapes.
Pack A Shoe Box
Teach your children the joy of giving by packing a shoe box (or several) for needy kids overseas. Because the shoe box is small, shopping for and/or making gifts gives the family a fun challenge. Samaritan's Purse has step-by-step instructions.
Of course, many more opportunities are available depending on where you live, but the hope is that this list can be a jumping off point to help you start thinking about family time. Happy fall, y'all!