The crisp air, the golden leaves, and the hint of pumpkin spice in the atmosphere can only mean one thing – early fall is here! It’s the perfect time to leave school work behind and gather your loved ones for a memorable family weekend picnic. Whether you’re looking for adventurous outings or cozy get-togethers, this post will give you 15 family friendly early fall picnic ideas that are unforgettable.
What are the best family friendly fall picnic ideas?
- Apple Orchard Adventure
- Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Pumpkin Patch Picnic
- Campfire Cookout
- Leaf Art & Picnic
- Farmers’ Market Feast
- Picnic Potluck Party
- Vineyard Vibes
- Outdoor Movie Night
- Bike and Picnic Trail
- Lakefront Leisure Picnic
- Rustic Picnic Brunch
- Outdoor Art Gallery
- Harvest Moon Magic
- Tea Party Themed
Apple Orchard Adventure
Spend the day at a local apple orchard. You can pick apples (of course) and enjoy hayrides with your family. Pack a basket filled with apple-themed treats like apple slices with caramel dip and homemade apple muffins. And, my favorite is homemade apple pie.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Don’t just settle for a boring picnic. Turn your fall outdoors picnic into a fun family adventure. How? Host a family scavenger hunt. You can start by creating a list of items found in nature, from colorful leaves to pinecones. Encourage friendly competition as family members search for these treasures and reward the winner with a fall-themed prize.
Pumpkin Patch Picnic
Head to a nearby pumpkin patch and have a pumpkin-painting party. Pumpkin painting is one of my favorite things. You can turn this into a family contest. You can use your favorite fall book as the backdrop of your pumpkin painting contest.
Enjoy your early fall family friendly picnic amidst the sea of pumpkins, and don’t forget to bring pumpkin-inspired dishes like roasted pumpkin soup or pumpkin spice cookies.
Campfire Cookout
Set up a cozy campfire in a designated picnic area. Roast marshmallows for s’mores, grill hotdogs, and tell spooky stories as the sun sets and the stars come out.
Here is another opportunity to get the whole family involved in the picnic. Ghost story telling competition time! Challenge each family member to come up with their own fascinating ghost story.
Now, for the food. The following are simple, easy to fix campfire foods that would be great for a family fall picnic ideas:
| Food | Ingredients | Preparation Instructions |
| Campfire Chili | -Ground beef\ Onion\Bell peppers\Canned beans Tomato sauce\Chili powder\Salt and pepper | 1. Brown ground beef in a pot over the campfire. 2. Add chopped onion and bell peppers, cook until softened. 3. Stir in canned beans, tomato sauce, and chili powder. 4. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Simmer until flavors meld, stirring occasionally. |
| Foil Packet Potatoes | Potatoes – Onion\n- Garlic\n- Butter\n- Salt and pepper | 1. Slice potatoes and onions, mince garlic. 2. Place ingredients on a large foil sheet. 3. Add butter, salt, and pepper. 4. Fold foil into a packet, seal tightly. 5. Cook on the campfire grate until potatoes are tender (about 20-30 mins). |
| Sausage Skewers | Sausages\ Bell peppers\ Red onion\Wooden skewers\Olive oil\Italian seasoning | 1. Cut sausages into chunks. 2. Thread sausages, peppers, and onion onto skewers. 3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. 4. Grill over the campfire until sausages are browned and veggies are tender. |
| Grilled Cheese | – Bread\n- Butter\n- Sliced cheese | 1. Butter one side of each bread slice. 2. Place cheese between slices, buttered sides out. 3. Wrap in foil and heat over campfire grate until cheese melts and bread is toasted. |
| Campfire Quesadillas | – Flour tortillas\ Cooked chicken\ Sliced cheese\ Salsa\Foil | 1. Lay out a tortilla, add chicken, cheese, and salsa. 2. Top with another tortilla. 3. Wrap in foil and heat over campfire grate until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy. |
Leaf Art & Picnic
Collect vibrant leaves during a nature walk and use them for leaf rubbing art or leaf collage projects. This creative picnic idea is perfect for a fall family picnic.
Farmers’ Market Feast
Visit a local farmers’ market to gather fresh, seasonal ingredients for a farm-to-picnic-basket experience. Create a delicious spread using artisanal cheeses, crusty bread, and ripe fall fruits.
Picnic Potluck Party
Invite extended family and friends for a potluck-style picnic. Each family can contribute a dish inspired by fall flavors. This can result in a fun, family and friends picnic.
Vineyard Vibes
If you’re in a wine-producing region, you can pack a gourmet picnic and head to a picturesque vineyard. Sip on local wines, savor some cheeses, and bask in the scenic beauty of the fall season with your family.
Outdoor Movie Night
Okay, this is one of my favorite fall family friendly picnic ideas. I love movies, and the cool “sweater weather” makes being outdoors with your family perfect. Set up a projector and screen an autumn-themed movie as the sun goes down. Prepare blankets, pillows, and classic movie snacks for a cozy cinematic experience.
Bike and Picnic Trail
If biking is your thing, you can plan a biking adventure in combination with your picnic. Pedal along scenic trails and reward yourselves with a relaxing feast in the midst of nature.
Lakefront Leisure Picnic
If you’re near a lake, take advantage of the stunning reflections and serene atmosphere. Pack a picnic that includes finger foods like sandwiches, fruits, and pastries. I happen to live near our local lake, and the lake provides the best backdrop for an early fall family friendly picnic.
Rustic Picnic Brunch
Host a rustic brunch picnic complete with flaky croissants, quiches, and fresh fruit. Choose a cozy spot and relish the morning tranquility.
Outdoor Art Gallery
Set up an outdoor art gallery with your family’s paintings and drawings. Each family member can contribute their artistic creations while enjoying delicious picnic treats.
Harvest Moon Magic
No time for a daytime picnic? No worries. Instead, plan an evening picnic under the glow of the harvest moon. Pack warm soups, stews, and hot beverages to keep everyone cozy for this fall family picnic.
Tea Party Themed
If you are from the South, then you know how much we love a good garden party. And, fall is a great time to squeeze in a family picnic in the garden. Set up vintage-inspired décor and serve a variety of teas and delicate finger foods in this garden picnic. So, let’s look at some places to host this Tea Party Themed Fall Family Picnic:
- Flower Garden
You can host your party near your own flower garden. This will help to provide a beautiful backdrop for your event.
- Park
Check with your local park and see if you can reserve the area for your outdoors event. A park is less formal, and often, it will have picnic tables that you can use for your gathering. If you want, you can add some table clothes to help give the spot a party feel.
- Backyard/front yard
No matter where you decided to host your picnic, the beautiful fall foliage will provide a great backdrop.
Embrace the beauty and charm of early fall by incorporating these 15 fall family picnic ideas into your family weekends. Whether you’re exploring orchards, savoring seasonal foods, or engaging in outdoor activities, the memories you create will undoubtedly help you destress if you are an overworked teacher or an everyday mom. So, grab your picnic baskets, cozy blankets, and your loved ones, and make the most of this enchanting season together.
Happy Picnicking!
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