Each year when the back-to-school chaos has settled and the leaves begin to fall from our trees, I take stock of how our family is faring spiritually. With the craziness of settling into a new school year and the many Summer and Fall ministry events we participate in, I always seem to feel the need to focus on family in the Fall.
Fall also seems to be a time of year to stop and take stock – are we doing all that we can to raise our family well? How can we make the most of this season to strengthen our family and our faith?
Here are a few ideas for enjoying Fall while also being purposeful as a parent.
12 Ideas and Faith-based Resources for Fall Fun for Families
1. The Pumpkin Gospel
The Pumpkin Gospel is a fun way to teach children spiritual truth in an interactive way. All you need is a medium or large-sized pumpkin, a candle and matches, and about 20 minutes of time (you’ll need at least 10 to prep the pumpkin). Gather the family around for this faith-based Fall fun for families! The valuable lesson learned about how Jesus changes us from the inside out is guaranteed to stick with your children for years to come.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter (down at the bottom) to get your free printable version of the Pumpkin Gospel!
2. Ways to Cultivate Thankfulness in Your Home
With Fall being such a busy season, it’s easy to develop an attitude of ungratefulness. My friend Aimee shares 7 tips for cultivating thankfulness in your home. I especially like number 4 because it’s an idea I’ve been running across in Scripture recently. Maybe the Lord’s trying to tell me something? 😉
3. 10 Fall Outdoor Activities to Grow Closer to God and Others
This great article from Crosswalk suggests several ways to enjoy God’s beautiful creation while also strengthening family bonds. I love number 5 because you could enjoy Fall fun for families while also being missional!
4. Praying Scriptures of Thanksgiving
My friend Candace has put together a free printable list of Scriptures related to Thanksgiving. Stop by her blog for a reminder to focus on faith this Fall season. Involve the whole family in praying God’s Word – a unique way to enjoy Fall fun for families!
5. Thanksgiving Conversation Starters
Spice up your Thanksgiving conversation with this Fall fun activity for families from my friend Arabah Joy! She’s giving away this free printable, which includes 16 different conversation starters, over at her blog.
6. Family Thanksgiving Tree
Our family loves this faith-based, Fall tradition so much that we often leave our Thanksgiving Tree up for months afterwards. The Thanksgiving tree is an easy, hands-on activity to remember all of the things we have to be thankful for as a family. Each member of the family can be involved by creating their own leaves to add to the tree.
Not only is this Fall activity fun, but it’s also a beautiful visual reminder of God’s goodness!
Here’s another alternative for doing a Thankful Tree from my friend, Candace.
7. 15 Fall Date Night Ideas
Nothing’s better than enjoying the great outdoors with your loved ones! My friend Starla shares 15 different ideas for date nights (although many of these could double as Fall fun for families, too!).
8. 25 Frugal Fall Date Nights
Sarah Ann shares the best family resources over at her blog, and I appreciate the emphasis on keeping things frugal, too. Stop by for some great ideas on how to enjoy some Fall fun with your main man. 🙂
9. 10 Fall Activities for Couples
Laura shares ten ways to celebrate Fall as a couple, but this post also includes a link to a free printable of 30 days of Fall activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Stop by her blog for more Fall fun for families!
10. How to {Simply} Host Thanksgiving Dinner
Nothing brings family together in the Fall season quite like Thanksgiving, right? But preparing a dinner for a large group of family and friends can be really overwhelming! My friend Ruthie has a nifty printable to help keep you organized so that you can stress less and enjoy your loved ones more.
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner together is definitely a favorite on our list of Fall fun for families!
11. Thanksgiving for the Military Family
My friend, Jen, shares about her Thanksgiving Attitude from the perspective of a military wife and what Thanksgiving really means to them. Enjoying Fall fun for families is definitely more challenging when some family members cannot be present!
12. We Give Thanks – Free Printable!
This pretty printable from my friend, Rosilind, will remind your family to focus on thankfulness this Fall season. Go grab yours now and start preparing for Fall! She also shares the story behind Thanksgiving – this is one we should be teaching our children and passing down from generation to generation. 🙂
Although Fall is typically a busy time of year, it’s also a great time to re-focus on the things that really matter in life. While you’re enjoying Fall fun for families, you’re also building important family bonds and strengthening traditions that will last. If you use some of the object lessons/activities listed above, you can even use this season to strengthen your family’s faith, as well.
How will your family celebrate the Fall season?
Jen 🙂