Autumn may not always be thought of as an outdoor season, but it brings plenty of opportunities for bonding and fun in cooler weather. Try some of these activities to make lasting memories with your grandkids.

Enjoy a color tour

National parks and forests are the places to be in the fall. Gold Belt Scenic Byway is a popular choice, particularly from Divide to Cripple Creek along Highway 67. For a shorter, easier drive, the picturesque views at Quail Lake near downtown Colorado Springs will keep little ones with shorter attention spans interested. Near Pueblo, Highway 165 between Rye and McKenzie Junction and the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway between Pueblo and Westcliffe offer stunning views. To avoid car traffic, plan a hike or take an after-school drive. The cooler weather makes it ideal for longer hikes. 

Have a campfire cookout

Gather around a campfire for a cozy cookout with hot dogs, hot chocolate, marshmallows and s’mores. Take turns telling stories or read autumn-themed library books to the youngsters, such as “In the Middle of Fall” by Kevin Henkes. You might even try cooking foil-wrapped veggies or making campfire pies for an extra-special treat. Just be sure to check fire restrictions in your area.

Attend a sports game

Fall means football, and nothing beats the excitement of a live game. Bundle up with blankets and head to a local stadium. Whether you’re heading to D20 Stadium North or South, Garry Berry Stadium or Dutch Clark Stadium in Pueblo for high school football or to Mile High Stadium in Denver for a pro game, the thrill is the same. Grab some blankets, bring popcorn and a thermos filled with hot cocoa, then snuggle up to cheer on your team.

Visit an orchard

Head to an orchard for apple picking or harvesting other fall fruits. The town of Penrose offers opportunities for families to pick their own fruit at Third Street Apples, Happy Apple Farm and Heckmann Hollow Orchards & Gardens. Your grandkids will love plucking fruit straight from the trees and learning about where their food comes from. After a day of picking, relax with some cider and donuts or set up a picnic among the colorful fall foliage. Many orchards also offer hayrides and other family-friendly activities that can easily turn your outing into an all-day adventure. 

Make a scarecrow

What’s fall without a scarecrow on your porch? All you need are a couple of hay bales and some old clothes and hats. Get creative with its face by using felt, buttons or even a pumpkin for a head. Stuff the scarecrow, tying off the hands, feet and head with string.

Horseback rides

If your grandkids love animals, they’ll enjoy taking in the fall scenery on horseback. Many local outfitters offer guided trail rides through picturesque landscapes, such as Academy Riding Stable, 4 El Paso Blvd.

Walk in the woods

With fewer flies and mosquitoes, it’s the perfect time for a peaceful walk in the woods. This is also a great time to teach your grandkids about the changing seasons and the habits of animals as they prepare for winter. Consider bringing along a field guide to identify trees or animal tracks. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Visit a pumpkin patch

No fall season is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. Pick your own pumpkin at Colorado Springs’ Venetucci Farm in October, with a petting zoo and hay slide. Home-grown pumpkins and animals to feed await at Fall Mountain Farm in Monument. In Cañon City, explore Diana’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze and Colon Orchards–Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze. Afterward, roast pumpkin seeds for a tasty treat. Rinse, dry and coat the seeds in butter, sprinkle with salt and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, stirring occasionally.  

Bird migration watch

As fall fills the air, many birds begin to head south. Join the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society at the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center’s River Campus in Pueblo for a Bird Walk or Big Sit. Fountain Creek Nature Trail and Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area in Fountain is a haven for bird watchers. Contact state and national parks for recommended birding locations, as well as bird festivals. 

Plant perennials and bulbs

Get your grandkids involved in gardening by planting perennials and bulbs this fall. Come spring, they’ll be excited to see the flowers they planted bloom. Let them pick out a few plants from the garden store, and get creative by painting rocks to decorate the garden until the flowers sprout.

Railroad excursion

Admire the blazing fall colors during a scenic railroad excursion. Check out the dates for the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad or the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, or contact your local travel agency for excursions nearby. 

Leaf fun

Remember raking up leaves for your kids to jump in? Now it’s time for your grandkids to join in the fun. Rake up piles to build forts, leap into or even start a leaf fight. 

Make a bird feeder or house

Kids will love building bird feeders or houses, then watching birds make use of their handiwork. Bird feeder kits are available at hobby stores, but you can also build from scratch using free online instructions or library books. You can even make it a learning experience by researching the types of birds that visit and teaching your grandkids about their habits and habitats. 

Find a festival

Fall festivals are a great way to celebrate the season. Enjoy food, arts and crafts, games, pony and wagon rides and more. Explore the many local festivals happening across Colorado, like Harvest Fest at Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center in Pueblo on September 13, Apple Day in Penrose on October 4 and Oktoberfests at Union Depot in Pueblo on September 27 and in Colorado Springs at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry on September 26-28 (children’s activities are typically included).

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