I love fall — the cooler weather, cozy foods, and all the fun activities. But if I’m not careful, this season fills up fast. Festivals, pumpkin patches, hayrides, trunk-or-treats… all the things I love can quickly turn into burnout and overwhelm.

Yes, I want my kids to enjoy the season, but I’ve also learned that we don’t need a packed schedule to make memories. In fact, some of the simplest fall activities are the ones they remember most.

Here are a few ways we enjoy fall as a family — without overwhelming our schedule:

1. Keep Weekends Simple

Instead of cramming every fall activity into one weekend, we spread things out — one activity here, one small outing there. Sometimes it’s just one thing the whole season.

We try to keep activities on Saturdays and keep Sundays for church and rest.

The goal isn’t to do everything — it’s to actually enjoy the things we choose. And we decide as a family.

2. Do Fall at Home

You don’t have to go anywhere fancy to make fall memories. Some of our favorites are:

• Making apple cider donuts or pumpkin bread.

• Watching a fall movie with popcorn and hot cocoa (and honestly, yes — Hallmark and GAC Christmas movies too 🎄).

• Lighting a candle, grabbing cozy blankets and reading together.

• Doing a puzzle or board game after dinner.

• Gathering food around our coffee table and watching Sunday football.

Simple. Cozy. Fun. No all-day commitment required.

3. Choose One or Two Traditions

We’ve picked a couple of traditions we do every fall:

• Trunk or Treating.

• Visiting the farmers market for fall produce (and coffee).

• Taking one family hike when the leaves change.

Because we don’t try to do it all, these traditions feel special — not stressful. It’s a reminder that memories don’t have to cost money — they can be built around the simple rhythms you create as a family.

4. Let Go of Comparison

It’s easy to scroll Instagram and feel like you’re “missing out” if you’re not at every festival or event. But here’s the truth: our kids don’t need everything. They just need us.

A slow Saturday with pancakes and a trip to the farmers market (with coffee in hand) is just as meaningful as a packed day of activities — sometimes more. In fact, our family loves our Saturday morning routine.

5. Protect Your Peace

When we say no to a packed schedule, we say yes to:

• More margin for family connection.

• Less stress for mom (and everyone else).

• A calmer pace that lets us actually enjoy the season, instead of rushing through it.

Mama, fall doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple rhythms, small traditions, and cozy moments are more than enough to make this season meaningful.

It’s not about doing it all — it’s about being present for what matters most. Saying “no” to some things so you can simplify life is not just okay — it’s freeing.

If your fall already feels busy and overwhelming, my Simplified Home Guide will help you create resets and rhythms that bring peace back into your days. You don’t need to start from scratch — just a few small shifts can make your home (and your schedule) feel lighter.

👉 Check out The Simplified Home  ➡️ here

Love and Support,