What comes to mind when you think of fall? Crisp, cool weather, leaves changing colors, pumpkins, and candy apples? While fall may look a little different this year (thanks, Covid!), we can still think of some fun ways to celebrate the season here in Austin. Check out our Fall Bucket List for ideas!
Take a Fall Hike
Luckily our all-time favorite activity is safely done outdoors where you can remain socially distant. Fall is the perfect time of year to hike in Austin! Make reservations for Hamilton Pool, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Commons Ford Metropolitan Park, and Emma Long Park, or check out another trail that doesn’t require reservations that you’ve been wanting to try. Here are our Top 5 Favorite Hikes.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Farms are wide open, making them ideal for socially-distanced fall fun. Check out Barton Hill Farms, Sweet Eats Fruit Farm, Sweet Berry Farms, or Elgin Christmas Tree Farm.
Attend a Drive-In Concert
How genius is this concept? Check out Hometown Heroes Live for more details on a socially-distant music festival coming to Austin on September 25!
Camp in Central Texas
Fall is the best time of year to camp! The nights are cool, making it ideal for getting cozy around a campfire and sleeping in a tent. Tejas Camp and Blanco State Park are both lovely places to spend your days fishing, swimming, and hiking before setting up camp for the night!
Water You Waiting For
We are lucky to have so many beautiful bodies of water within close proximity to Austin. Rent a boat, kayak, SUP, or canoe and head out on the water! You can even remain safely socially distant from others while checking out the famous South Congress Avenue Bridge bats emerging at dusk from Lady Bird Lake on a kayak or SUP! Also, try Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Lake Georgetown, Inks Lake, or Lake LBJ.
Explore Fortlandia
It’s coming back! The Lady Bird Wildflower Center is offering its best exhibit again this fall. Starting October 3, you can explore some of the coolest forts made by local designers, as well as make your own creative fort! Fortlandia is always big hit. Make your reservations here.
Try Some Fall Food Favorites
What are you favorite fall indulgences? I am always on the lookout for my favorite doughnut, the apple fritter. Cinnamon rolls are a close second. Find out which places in town make your favorite fall foods and help support local restaurants by placing a curbside order!
Go on an Outdoor Art Hunt
Laguna Gloria is an outdoor art museum that has reopened for the public. Thursday evenings are free! Advanced tickets are required. Or, go on a mural tour of Austin to check out some of the city’s best street art! Then plan your own one-mile route for the Family Mural Mile, happening in October!
Bonus Ideas for Fall Family Fun
> Make a hot chocolate bar
> Make candy applesRoast pumpkin seeds
>Watch It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or The Nightmare Before Christmas
> Make s’mores
>Collect fall leaves on a neighborhood walk and bring them home for a leaf rubbing activity
