We did it. We made it through summer, false fall, then the temporary return of summer, and now it’s FINALLY starting to feel like fall. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings.
The following list is meant to be a helpful collection of ideas. Pick and choose what works for you and your family. But this ideas list is no pressure — remember that not every moment of every day needs to be packed full of educational, meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime memory making. And if you aren’t up to being adventurous everyday, that’s okay. It’s easy to get swept up in the idea of a fun-packed fall break. But we all need rest, too. There’s nothing wrong with a Bluey marathon every now and then, and it’s a thousand percent okay to need a break sometimes.
Fall break at home:
There’s plenty of fun to be had around the house. These activities are also adaptable for seasonal themes.
- Star gazing: let the kiddos stay up late and pile onto a blanket outside. Look for shooting stars, learn about constellations, and tell stories.
- Backyard bonfire: If you have a fire pit, now is the best time to use it (safely and responsibly, of course!). Make s’mores! Or have a family competitions to make your own unique type of s’mores — change up the chocolate or the graham crackers for Reese’s cups or your favorite kind of cookie! Stoke those imaginations!
- Need some solo time to work or just have a break? Send the kids on a scavenger hunt to find fall shapes around the house or in the backyard.
- Paint! You can turn all those broken sidewalk chalk pieces into sidewalk paint and let the kids go wild painting the driveway. You can use brushes or pour your concoctions into old (cleaned) condiment containers.
- If you’re kiddos have been bringing home loads of art from school, let them set up an art gallery. They can use wall-safe tape and their own art to create the gallery while you make some fun snacks. Then they can give you a “tour” of their art.
- Take advantage of windy weather to fly a kite!
- Family Movie Night: pjs, popcorn, and parents get to pick the movie.
Around town:
Sometimes day-to-day life can get in the way of really experiencing the city where you live. View Knoxville through a tourist’s eyes with these fun activities!
- Zoo Knoxville is offering a special discounted adventure passport that grants access to rides and extras.
- Knox County library offers the Read City Explorer Pass to get free or discounted tickets to local attractions. Penny4Arts also offers discounts to arts and culture experiences. Options include Zoo Knoxville, The Muse, and more!
- While you’re thinking about the library, check out their calendar of events and see all the wonderful programs! From story time to crafts to LEGO club to all the books, there’s something for everyone at the library!
- Knoxville Museum of Art has gorgeous art, a kids’ play area, and is in close proximity to World’s Fair Park.
- Go for a walk at the UT Botanical Gardens.
Day trips:
Itching to actually get out of town? Try these day experiences!
- Campbell County: Explore Cove Lake Park, eat at the local restaurants, and visit McCloud mountain for stunning views.
- Asheville offers a gorgeous drive full of fall colors, hiking trails, and a bustling city to explore.
- With Native American Heritage month right around the corner, take a trip to Vonore to the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum to learn about Cherokee history.
- Visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama to spark or stoke the love of all things space in you! I mean…for your kids!
