9 Activities to Help You Fall in Love with Autumn
Autumn marks the start of cooler weather and changing leaves. It’s also one of the busiest seasons, with people trying to squeeze everything in before the winter holidays and the season of rest. Whether you’re managing family activities or trying to hit those Q4 metrics, I hope you take some time to enjoy and breathe in autumn’s energy.
My team and I wanted to share some of our favorite fall pastimes. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor retreats, these activities will inspire you to make the most of the season.
Dr. Avanti’s Favorites
Refreshing My Home for Fall
One of my favorite things to do is re-decorate my home. I move lamps, small tables, and plants to different areas, rotate decorative items, and swap out cushion covers for warm autumn hues. It’s amazing how the energy of a space can shift just by rearranging the things you already have. Each season, I re-discover treasures in my home, which brings me a sense of renewal.
Lighting Candles for Comfort
As the days grow shorter, I start lighting candles every evening. There’s something so comforting about the flickering candlelight in the house—almost like it warms the soul as well as the room.
Apple & Pumpkin Picking with My Family
Autumn wouldn’t be complete without one of my favorite family traditions: apple and pumpkin picking with my kids, Zayn and Isha. They’re grown now, but going to the orchard still brings me back to their childhood, watching them run around excitedly choosing apples and deliberating over which pumpkin to carve. It’s a tradition that never fails to bring joy and nostalgia to our fall season.
Jackie’s Favorites
Playing Pool with Friends
When the colder weather sets in, my friends and I try to find fun things to do indoors without spending too much money. Playing pool at a local bar has become our go-to activity. We grab some drinks, enjoy bar food, and spend a few hours chatting while taking turns around the pool table. Bonus points if the place has TouchTunes so we can play our favorite songs while we hang out!
Movie & Game Nights
Lately, staying in for movie and game nights has been a blast! My friends and I have been obsessed with new games like Sequence, The Chameleon, UNO No Mercy, and Throw Throw Burrito. It’s the perfect way to spend a fall evening when the weather is chilly, with a cozy blanket, good friends, and a lot of laughter.
Walking (and a little jogging) in the Forest Preserve
I make it a habit to go outside almost every day to enjoy my local forest preserve, seeing the changes in the season and basking in the beauty of nature around me. It also helps with my mental health as the days get shorter and shorter. I don’t like to go on runs, but lately, it feels freeing to grab a pair of running shoes (like my HOKA Clifton 9's), start up my running playlist or a good podcast, and do a light jog through nature.
Ruth’s Favorites
A Downtown Stroll
I absolutely love exploring my neighborhood and the city of Chicago during the fall. There's something special about layering up in fall fashion—throwing on casual layers and sneakers—and heading out for a solo adventure or a stroll with a friend. The city is still vibrant with fall colors despite the urban setting, and window shopping or stopping by a cozy café makes for the perfect day.
Fall Recipes for Game Nights
Every other week, I host friends for Dungeons & Dragons, and fall is the perfect time to switch up my cooking game with seasonal favorites. Dr. Avanti’s Asparagus Soup is a hit with the crew, but I also love making a hearty vegan soup with sweet potatoes, peanuts, and veggies. To really set the fall mood, I simmer orange slices with cinnamon and fall spices on the stove. It makes my house smell amazing, without making me sneeze (a problem I have with candles).
Creating Cozy Nests
There’s nothing better than making a cozy space for reading or watching TV. I like to pile blankets and pillows for maximum comfort. My latest obsession is pointing our projector at the ceiling to watch lying on my back. I’ve been tearing through queer YA novels like When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao and Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min. I just finished Heartstopper Season 3 and am now hooked on Descendants of the Sun.
Whether it’s rearranging your home for a fresh fall look, heading outside to enjoy the vibrant colors of nature, or cozying up indoors with games, books, or TV, there’s something magical about fall that brings a sense of renewal and comfort. We hope these activities inspire you to create your own fall traditions or try something new this season.
What are your favorite fall activities? We’d love to hear them—feel free to share with us on Instagram!
Be well,
Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD
