When we think of the Fall season, one of the first things that come to mind is food. The great debate we see is “pumpkin spice or apple cider ?” for the signature Fall flavor, this has created a great divide in many communities, but what are some Fall activities that can be health-oriented and not solely focused on food?

Fall activities for kids:

The traditional activity we think of for kids during the fall is trick-or-treating, While this is traditional and so fun it is not necessarily the healthiest activity or THE ONLY activity your kiddos can enjoy this fall. Some of the kid activities I will list could also go under the Fall activities for adults’ section as well because let’s face it sometimes we need to use our kids as an excuse to let go and enjoy some light-hearted activities.

Yard Work

You may have just read the words “yard work” and thought, “my kids would never” but there are ways to make this fun! Growing up I used to love making giant piles of leaves (this may or may not be possible depending on where you live) and jumping in them! Yard waste can look different depending on where you live but if you can rake up leaves, or pine needles there are these adorable yard waste bags, that look like pumpkins that can help clean up your yard and serve as a fun, healthy activity and a nice seasonal decoration.

Apple Picking

This is one of those fun activities that can work for kids, adults, and couples. It’s pretty fun for almost everyone. If you live in Orange County or San Diego, California is a go-to spot for this during the Fall season in Julian, CA. You may need to make a reservation during COVID, so make sure you call ahead to the different farms so you are not disappointed. Here is a list of places you can go to for apple picking across the U.S.

If you’re planning to go apple picking, you may as well have some healthy apple recipes to go with those delicious apples.

Baked Apples (by TBB)

Ingredients:

⅓ cup dry old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 dash ground cloves
1 Tbsp. unsalted organic grass-fed butter, cut into small pieces
4 medium apples, cored
1 cup of water

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350° F.
Combine oats, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and butter in a small bowl; mix with a fork until crumbly.
Fill apples evenly with oat mixture.
Place in an 8 x 8-inch pan; add water. Cover lightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 20 minutes; remove foil, continue to bake for 20 minutes, or until apples are fork-tender.

Here are 13 more delicious apple recipes like this one!

Fall activities for couples:

Watching a movie outdoors

I got this idea from Brides.com, a super fun cheesy date night for fall could be watching a movie outdoors, This is the perfect opportunity to get cozy with lots of blankets, maybe an outdoor fire, and some stargazing. Que Romantico, no?? Their idea involved a scary movie so there is more of an excuse to get close and nervously giggle but there are plenty of other Fall movies to enjoy! Here is a list:

Hocus Pocus
When Harry Met Sally
October Sky
Remember the Titans
Soul Food
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
E.T.
Sweet November
Pet Cemetary
Friday Night Lights
Goodwill Hunting
Sleepy Hollow
The Blindside
Halloween Town

Leaf Peeping

Leaf peepers are very prevalent where I live because Colorado has insanely gorgeous aspen groves, but all over the country if we take the time to look we can see changes in the foliage around us. A great way to do this is taking a walk/hike, riding a bike, or taking a drive.

Horseback Riding

Finding a local park to go on a trail ride can be another great way to get outdoors and admire the changing season, if you’re not a horseback rider already it is a new activity that can be fun and can build connection.

Fall activities and crafts

I am so so so excited because on the Fall Equinox, my local florist is hosting a wreath making event. Your community may not be having its own event but you can order supplies online, or head to your local craft store for supplies and host your own event. The queen herself, Martha Stewart, has some tips for you on how to make a wreath for any season.

Here is a list of supplies:

2 grapevine wreaths. One 20 in. and one 24 in. (you could also use foam wreaths)
1 natural-looking garland from a craft store.
A bow (this is optional)
wire cutters.
florists wire.
glue gun.
glue.
The fun stuff. Things you have collected to embellish the wreath.

What about football Sundays/Mondays?

Ok, football is a big part of fall, and let’s face it, the snacks are usually a big part of the experience, but not always the healthiest of choices. I love this blog “A Couple Cooks” they have a great entry on healthy football snacks. Here is one of my favorite recipes from that blog.

Mexican Sweet Potatoes (think sweet potato nachos)

Ingredients:

4 medium sweet potatoes
Olive oil, for rubbing
Kosher salt
1 recipe Black Bean Salsa
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Jalapeño pepper
- Black beans (canned or cooked;)
- Lime
- Kosher salt
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
Creamy Cilantro Dressing, to serve (plus a few extra cilantro leaves)
Mexican hot sauce (such as Cholula), to serve
Other topping ideas: Sour cream, Mexican Crema, cheese, Vegan Nacho Cheese, Vegan Sour Cream, Cashew Cream, or Chipotle Sauce

Instructions:

Make Creamy Cilantro Dressing, set aside ( 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, lightly packed 1/2 cup Greek yogurt* 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon water 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder and onion powder 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt)
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Wash the sweet potatoes and slice them in half. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and rub lightly with olive oil, just enough to coat. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake until tender and lightly browned on the edges, about 25 to 35 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
Make the Black Bean Pico de Gallo. (see above)
Defrost the frozen corn.
To serve, top the roasted sweet potatoes with Black Bean Pico de Gallo, corn kernels, cilantro, and dollops of Creamy Cilantro Dressing.

If you’re concerned about Fall activities during COVID, please take a look at this article from the Washington Post on ways to keep you and your family safe.

If you feel like you are wanting more recipes, tips, and tricks to living your healthiest life, I have lots more tips where those came from. All of my meal plans include access to hundreds of recipes and short, easy, all levels workouts. If you have any specific recipes you would like or fitness program questions, always feel free to reach out to me. Thanks for reading I hope this information was useful and finds you in a space of the heart.

Love and Light Always,

Sarah

“Sarah Savino is my recommended Wellness and Nutrition Coach who resides in Colorado but has a community of clients she guides and manages nationally. She has her frequent retreats that her clients are encouraged but not required to attend and someone who knows first hand how it is to be overworked and overweight. She is a living truth that once within the right community and with the right guide, everything is possible. She can be reached thefitphilanthropist@gmail.com and facebook.com/sarah.savino IG- the_fit_philanthropist ”- Dr. Shakib, your Irvine Posture Chiropractor

Healthy Fall Activities and Recipes