By: Elizabeth Koblenz, LMSW

It is unbelievable to think that Summer has already come and gone, and we are now transitioning into Fall. . Although Summer may have seemed too quick, we can start to get excited about all the fun activities that come with the change of seasons. We may have to be a little more mindful by social distancing and wearing masks, but we can still enjoy Fall activities. Sometimes with the change in seasons and weather, we may be inclined to stay indoors and not make as many plans. However, it is important for our mental health to continue going outside, making plans to see family and friends and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine to help avoid feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety. Here are a few activities to do during the Fall: 

1)    Apple Picking & Baking an Apple Pie 

This is a Fall favorite! Apple picking is a fun way to get out of the house, enjoy the Fall air and spend time with loved ones. It is also really easy to socially distance because the apple fields are so large. After apple picking, the fun just continues; bake an apple pie with all the different apples you picked! It can be empowering for kids and teens to use the ingredients they picked to find a recipe and make something with their apples! 

 2)    Going to a Pumpkin Patch & Carving/Painting Pumpkins 

Fall brings Halloween, which is a fun holiday to celebrate. Going to a local pumpkin patch is another exciting way to get out of the house and to enjoy the weather before it gets too cold. Many pumpkin patches have fun hayrides for anyone to ride and often times, there are photo opportunities to commemorate your day (if you can practice social distancing, of course!). After pumpkin picking, purchase or borrow carving utensils, choose your favorite pumpkin design and get carving! Or, you can even grab some paint and paint a fun painting on your pumpkin! This can help kids practice their fine motor skills, as well as feel proud about their creation.

3)    Playing Sports Outside 

Although it may seem a bit chillier, you can still take advantage of the outdoors by playing your favorite sports with friends and family. This is a safe and fun way to be able to meet up with loved ones. Playing sports is important to create a sense of community, teamwork and camaraderie. 

4)    Walk or Hike

Going for a walk is even more enjoyable now that the weather is cooler; gone are the days of high humidity and uncomfortable temperatures! Ask a friend that you haven’t seen in a while to go for a walk. This is a great way to stay in touch and catch up on what is going on in each other’s lives. Another option is to go on a hike with family and/or friends. You can get a great workout, witness beautiful sights and take in nature. As a bonus, try to practice mindfulness while being outdoors. This is a good opportunity to allow your mind to take a back seat on all things school and/or work, and focus on the present moment.

5)    Fun At-Home Art Projects

If you feel like you have spent enough time outside and you would rather stay home, think about doing an entertaining at-home art project. There are so many creative art projects that you can get inspired by. For example, mask chains have been a very popular activity. If you choose to make beaded mask chains, you can send them to family and friends, or donate them to a good cause. Or, choose a more intensive project, like a wooden masterpiece or Lego creation, which can take a few days, allowing kids feel like they are working towards something that they are excited about. As a bonus, you can also video with your friends and do the art project together! Feeling empowered by creativity is a great way for kids to take charge and feel ownership in the art they are creating.

If you are interested in learning more about finding activities to help your child participate in during the Fall, or are interested in learning about the therapeutic benefits of specific activities, feel free to reach out to Hello@UpsiderTherapy.com. We look forward to hearing from you!