If you’re like us, you took full advantage of the time off to explore the wild as a family. However sad, the reality is that school is no longer out for summer for kids and parents around the Western world – boo! Why should the sound of the school bell ring ‘time’ on outdoor activity and family adventure? Here are 10 tips to keep outdoor family activities going through the fall, and beyond:

1. Make a pact as a family to head out on at least one decent family adventure (hike, hill climb, scramble, kayak, cycle ride etc.) a month. Do whatever you need to do (candy bribes, reduced chores, time off from work) to make sure everyone is committed to making your fall family activities happen.

2. Try and eat out once a week as a family, and by eat out, I mean outside! Take a stove, a pan and some fresh healthy ingredients to an outdoor location, and cook and eat together. Go midweek as it gives an invigorating ‘kick’ that helps you over the ‘midweek hump’. Check out our family’s blog for some money-saving meals to eat outside together.

3. Use the change in season as an opportunity to extend your comfort zones. Whether you’re taking a hike in the dark or experiencing camping in colder temperatures – maybe even sub-zero – it doesn’t matter what fall family activities you do, just DO something exciting.

4.  Keep an eye out for local charity events. Volunteer your help for beach clean up, wetland or wildlife charities, local farms that need help harvesting, trail maintenance groups and other outdoor associations. When you find outdoor activities for families that focus on serving others or helping the environment, you get to do a good deed and feel good from being outdoors and active.

5. Keep a backpack packed and hanging by a door containing proper outdoor clothing for the weather, waterproof boots, spare layers and trail snacks so you can take advantage of a weather window and head out on a hike or bike ride with short notice.

6.  Adapt a school homework project or task so that it gives an opportunity (excuse) for an adventure.

7. Read adventure books and watch TV programs that inspire adventure and exploration.

8. Let the wallet take a hit and go buy some new family adventure gear; you’ll all want to get outdoors just to use it.

9. Attend an adventure festival. Find one nearby or take a vacation. These multi-day events can be a great source of ideas and inspiration – not to mention a great chance to get outside.

10. Keep an eye on The Pack for ideas and inspiration for family adventure. Half the battle is keeping enthusiasm up with inspiring tales that make you and your ‘team’ want to keep hitting the trail!

And of course, don’t forget about the usual fall family activities like apple or pumpkin picking and visiting a corn maze. Skip the haunted hayride and take a walk in the woods instead, telling each other spooky stories along the way. These outdoor family activities can be a great way to spend a more casual afternoon outside together!