The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are getting cooler, the air is getting crisp, and the leaves are changing colors - it must be fall! Read on for some fun activities you can do while social distancing.
1. Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Hold onto those pumpkin seeds from carving and roast them! Drizzle some olive oil and your favorite seasonings over the seeds and roast them in your oven at 300 degrees for 45 minutes.
Not only are pumpkin seeds a delicious snack, but they’re nutritious, too: they’re rich in antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium, and other nutrients!
2. Build Your Own Scarecrow
Gather hay and some old clothes and build your own scarecrow! Even if you don't have a garden that needs protecting, it will make a fun seasonal decoration for your front porch.
3. Have a Spooky Movie Night
Pop some popcorn, serve some apple cider and snuggle in with your favorite classics. If something scary like “Frankenstein” doesn't appeal to you, try a fun flick like “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” or “Hocus Pocus.”
4. Create Fall Holiday Decorations
The options are endless for this one:
- Collect and paint pine cones for decorations around the house.
- For some exercise while decorating, go on a walk and collect fresh leaves along the way. Use a large book to press them for art projects.
- Re-purpose pumpkins into a porch display or tabletop centerpiece.
Find even more fall craft ideas from Country Living here.
5. Have Fun (Virtually) With Your Grandchildren
Use a video call tool like Zoom or Skype to connect to your grandkids, then do a favorite activity together. You might work a jigsaw puzzle or play card games such as Go Fish or Hearts. You can even find out your grandchild’s favorite treat and share it together over the call.
6. Bake Something Fall-Related
Get in the spirit of the season with a fun fall baking project. Apple, cinnamon, maple, pumpkin - the flavors of fall are warm, cozy, and delicious.
Find 50 easy recipes to try from Taste of Home.
7. Take a Fall Walk
Head out to the countryside and find a quiet park or trail where you can enjoy the colors of the season. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along to spot birds as well as get a closer look at the landscape.
8. Plant Autumn Flowers
You can beautify your autumn landscaping when you plant flowers like mums or daisies - and you'll enjoy their blooms year after year since they're perennials.
Find other hardy, cool-weather-loving flowers for your garden here.
9. Dust Off Your Warm Sweaters
Before the days get too chilly, it's a good time to pull out your warm sweaters, socks, coats, and hats. Pare down your collection if you have items you no longer need or want - many organizations are collecting winter clothes as donations at this time.
10. Enjoy a Hot Beverage
Whether you love tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or apple cider, fall is the best time to sip on your favorite warm drink. Pair your beverage of choice with the fruits of your fall baking projects and enjoy a mid-morning or mid-afternoon treat.
Create Lasting Memories This Fall
There are many fun activities you can do this fall while maintaining social distancing and staying safe.
At Otterbein SeniorLife, we work to create an active, fun and social environment for residents to enjoy in a relaxing setting with their families and friends. Check out our SeniorLife Communities for a taste of what we can offer you!
