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The Hood Magazine

2023 Fall Fun Guide: Family Fun In and Around the Sioux Falls Area

Sep 09, 2023 ● By The Hood Magazine

33 things to do this fall with your family. From enjoying the change of colors in nature to Halloween and fall events, this list will keep your kids entertained all season long. Find more events on our calendar by clicking here

 

Cherry Rock Farms



Country Apple Orchard


 

 Riverview Tree Farm

 

Wings Gymnastics


 

Sioux Falls Park and Rec



Washington Pavilion  


 

Yogi Bear-Jellystone


 

Lake Lorraine


 

Jaycees Feargrounds




Fall Nature Walks: Take leisurely nature walks with your family, relishing the beauty of the fall foliage. Collect colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones along the way, then use these treasures for craft projects or to decorate your home. It's an excellent opportunity to bond with nature and each other.

Harvest Decorations: Involve your kids in making homemade fall decorations for your home. Create autumnal wreaths, leaf garlands, and seasonal centerpieces. The process of crafting together will not only enhance your home's ambiance but also create beautiful memories.Try this pinecone door hanger!

Pick up Produce: Spend a day at a Farmers Market and find all the great fall produce available! Maybe try out something new! Click here for a list of our area's Farmers Markets!

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza: Visit a pumpkin patch and allow your children to select their very own pumpkins. Back home, gather around the kitchen table for a pumpkin carving extravaganza. Encourage their creativity as they design funny faces or spooky shapes, illuminating their creations with flickering candles at night.

DIY Halloween Costumes: Engage in the creativity of DIY Halloween costumes. Let your children's imaginations run wild as they design their costumes, showcasing their individuality. Check out our favorite DIY costumes here!

Find a Trunk-or-Treat: Take those cute DIY costumes and find all the trunk-or-treat opportunities around town! Visit our calendar, and search "Halloween"!

Leaf Pile Jumping: Rake fallen leaves into a pile and let the kids experience the joy of jumping into the colorful heap. Let them be of service and help rake a neighbor’s yard.

Family Baking Time: Embrace the coziness of fall by spending time together in the kitchen. Bake pumpkin muffins, cinnamon rolls, or a hearty apple crisp (from those orchard apples). Your children will not only learn valuable cooking skills but also savor the joy of enjoying the delicious results.

Gratitude Journaling: As we enter the season of thanksgiving, cultivate a sense of gratitude by starting a fall-themed gratitude journal as a family. Encourage everyone to write down something they are grateful for each day, fostering positivity and appreciation.

Say Cheese: Get your family photos taken! Fall in South Dakota provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos, and if you get them done soon, they’ll be ready in time to send in holiday cards! Need tips to get ready for your photo shoot? How to Prepare for Family Photos

Corn Maze Adventure: Explore a corn maze with twists, turns, and challenges suitable for all ages. 

Star Gazing: As the nights get longer, it's a fantastic opportunity to watch the stars. Lay on blankets in your backyard or take a trip out of town for less light pollution. Teach your children about constellations (there are apps to help) and enjoy the quiet beauty of the night sky.

Fall-Themed Crafts: Spend a cozy afternoon crafting at home with activities like making leaf rubbings, decorating pumpkins, or creating your own fall wreaths. Check out our website for a bunch of fun craft ideas, including this toddler friendly one!

Haunted Attractions: Explore a haunted house or take part in ghost stories, suitable for the family's age group.

Outdoor Movie Night: Set up an outdoor movie night in your backyard or at a local park, complete with cozy blankets and fall-themed snacks.

Apple Cider Making: After visiting an orchard or local market, try your hand at making homemade apple cider. You can even spice it up with cinnamon and cloves for that extra fall flavor.

Bonfire Night: Gather around a fire pit to roast marshmallows, make s'mores, and share stories. It's a warm way to spend those chilly fall evenings.

DIY Bird Feeders: As the weather starts to cool, local birds are preparing for winter. Create simple bird feeders with seeds, pine cones, and peanut butter. This is both an educational and fun activity for children to learn about local bird species.Take a look at this idea for a DIY bird house!
Fall-Themed Book Club: Choose a family-friendly fall-themed book to read together and host a cozy reading night complete with hot cocoa.

Don’t toss those pumpkin “guts:” Scoop out the seeds and roast them for a healthy snack!

Seasonal Cooking Challenge: Challenge your family to cook a meal using seasonal fall ingredients. Have everyone contribute to the menu and cooking process. Need some fall inspired recipes? Take a look at this new recipe from South Dakota Beef!

Hoods Favorite No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating

Hood's Favorite No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating

Our favorite kid friendly, carve-less ideas to decorate pumpkins for Halloween. Read More » 

 

Homemade Caramel Pumpkin Soy Latte

Homemade Caramel Pumpkin Soy Latte

Recipe courtesy of CommonGround Read More » 

 

Overnight Pumpkin Oatmeal

Overnight Pumpkin Oatmeal

A hearty breakfast that's waiting for you when you wake up! Read More » 

 

Photo courtesy of SkinnyChefcom

Crock-Pot Baked Apples

A great fall recipe that is easy to make and absolutely delicious! Read More »