Fall is already such a magical time – leaves changing colors, crisp air, apple orchards, pumpkin patches. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most marketed times of the year.

And they just keep trying to push it on us sooner. I’ve seen fall drinks and decor marketed as early as July.

Truth is, you don’t need a new sweater or pumpkin spice everything to enjoy fall. You need to embrace the season’s magic. Dare I say, whimsy.

Whimsy has been trending, and while I love the idea of it, I’ve also noticed it being repackaged into something brands can sell. Which kind of defeats the purpose?  

By definition, whimsy is something ‘freaky, odd, off-beat’ – not exactly something you can buy en masse. True whimsy isn’t performative or sellable. It’s a state of being, a feeling.

Being whimsical should come from your own imagination. Learning new hobbies, being ok with being bad at things, infusing more fun into your days in ways that make you slow down. Even better if it gets you out of the house, into nature, and socializing with friends, family or community.

Here are some whimsical fall activities that will get you off your phone and into the world.

take a nature walk – but with a twist

Going leaf peeping around your neighborhood is a simple way to connect with the outdoors. But if you want to add some whimsy into it, why not challenge yourself to find certain colors, patterns or textures?

It’s fun to take a little journal with you and sketch items of interest you find – maybe it’s a beautiful tree, a squirrel burying their nuts, a field of asters and goldenrod. Taking time to notice is pure magic.

Plant blindness is real – challenge yourself to get familiar with the flora around you. Check out a library book all about native plants and see if you can spot any on your walk. 

You may be surprised to learn how many plants are invasive (burning bush is a big one here in Maine!). 

Having a fall scavenger hunt is also a fun idea you can get your friends involved in. Challenge them to find an oak leaf, acorns, crabapples – whatever type of fall flora is in your area – and see who can find them first!

write gratitude letters to your loved ones

Snail mail is making a comeback, so why not write to those you care most about? Sometimes it can be hard to say the things we mean in person. But writing helps us sit with our feelings and work through them.

If you need ideas, why not write them:

• Reasons why you love them 

• Your best memory together 

• How much you appreciate them 

• Plans you’re excited to do together 

• What you admire about them 

Who wouldn’t want to receive a heart-felt letter in the mail? You can make it extra special by slipping in a small little trinket – like a bird feather, a pressed flower, your favorite tea, or a packet of seeds.

And no – you don’t need any fancy stationery to do this. Make it your own by simply using some computer or scrap paper and upcycling an empty envelope. You can decorate it with colored pencils and markers if you like.

join a knitting circle 

Who needs to buy a fall sweater when you can knit one? Consider finding a knitting (or crocheting) community in your town you can join. Often times they’ll meet up to exchange supplies and knit together.

Challenge yourself to knit something that pays homage to fall. Whether that be a pretty fall color (think gem-tones like ruby red, golden yellow, etc.), or knitting leaves and/or mushroom patterns, the choices are endless.

Yarn swaps are also growing in popularity – if you can’t find one, create one yourself!

All you have to do is encourage people to meet up at a public place (a park is nice) and bring any yarn supplies they’d like to donate.  

And when all else fails – ask your grandmother! She may know a thing or two about knitting, crocheting, sewing, or embroidery. And how fun and cozy would it be to knit something together?

RELATED: Sewing Machine For Beginners: How to Get Started (And Why It’s a Sustainable Skill to Learn)

host a fall-themed cafe at home

Does your friend group love to visit cafes? Why not host a little cafe at home? Put your baking skills to the test and make some cozy fall inspired recipes.

Some drink and recipe ideas:

• Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls 

• Apple cinnamon muffins  

• Apple cider donuts 

• Chocolate chip cookies 

• Mulled apple cider 

• Chai lattes 

• Matcha lattes 

• Pumpkin spice coffee 

Of course, if you’re not a baker you can still participate by asking your friends to bake some goodies to bring. Or grabbing some fresh pastries from your local farmers market.

You can display the goodies on your dining room table, countertops, or island. Just make sure you have to-go boxes at the ready (or encourage your friends to bring their own)! You don’t want anything going to waste.

Leftovers? Eat them yourself or share with your community. Your neighbors might appreciate a fresh cinnamon roll – and it’s a great way to start a conversation.

host a fall-themed craft night

Whether you make fairy homes, carved pumpkins, or leaf garlands – it’ll be a night to remember! Gather your friends and choose a theme for the night that revolves around fall.

Even better if you’re able to find all your materials locally (aka through foraging or from a farm stand) or thrift them. Thrift stores have tons of decorations, art supplies, and fabrics on hand at much cheaper prices.

Last fall I decorated a pumpkin with leaves and compostable glue (pictured above). I thought the glue would dry clear…but hey, it was a fun experiment. Just goes to show – don’t be afraid to be bad at something or make mistakes! That’s part of the fun.

The craft you pick will depend on your interests and skill levels, but you can’t go wrong with a paint and sip night.

The challenge? Paint a fall scene (be it an autumnal forest, an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch). Best painting wins something that fits with the theme – homemade apple sauce or an apple pie scented candle works.  

go on a spontaneous adventure

Why not go on an unplanned day trip and see where it takes you? Maybe you’ll find a cute cafe to stop inside? A cozy locally owned bookstore? A family farm selling homemade apple pies?

Walking or biking around town will help you slow down and see spots you might’ve missed while driving. Plus it’s a great way to admire any changing leaves.

If you prefer a little more structure to your adventure, make a whole day of it. Even better if you gather a few friends or family to join in on the fun.

Here are some fun fall activities you can do as a group:

• Go or apple and/or pumpkin picking 

• Visit a corn maze 

• Go on a ghost tour 

• Tour old mansions or graveyards (if your city allows it) 

• Have a cozy fall picnic 

• Take a hike 

• Tell spooky stories around a bonfire 

• Go stargazing (take a blanket and thermos!) 

RELATED: Ultimate Fall Bucket List: Budget Friendly + Printable Bingo Card

What are some ways you’re bringing whimsy into your life this fall? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 6 Whimsical Fall Activities To Get You Off Your Screen  appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

6 Whimsical Fall Activities To Get You Off Your Screen