By the time Arizona students head back to school, most families are ready for two things: a return to routine and something fun waiting on the calendar.

Gretchen Seeck and Missy Stern, the Phoenix-based moms and co-hosts behind The Nut Farm Podcast, say the first weeks of school are the ideal time to start thinking about fall. Even a simple weekend outing can give everyone something to anticipate this season.

Their fall guide spans colorful drives, working farms, spooky streets, quick getaways and one fun reason to stay home.

Chase the changing leaves in Sedona

Arizona may not deliver a classic East Coast autumn, but Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon make a convincing case that fall exists in the Grand Canyon State. 

Families can take a scenic drive, pack a picnic or explore a trail as aspens, maples and cottonwoods turn yellow, orange and red against the sandstone.

“Sedona in the fall almost looks fake,” Stern said. “You have the red rocks, changing leaves and cooler air that suddenly makes everyone willing to go for a walk.”

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Visit a farm that actually farms

For families heading toward Prescott, Seeck and Stern recommend stopping at Mortimer Farms in Dewey.

Instead of a temporary pumpkin display, families can experience fall at a working farm that grows food, raises animals and offers agricultural activities year-round. Seasonal festivities typically include pumpkins, a corn maze and farm attractions.

“There are pumpkin patches, and then there is going to an actual working farm,” Seeck said. “The kids still get the pumpkins and photos, but they also see that food does not magically appear at the grocery store.”

Take a Halloween stroll through Prescott

After Mortimer Farms, families can continue to Prescott and walk along historic Mount Vernon Avenue. Beginning in October, the stately homes along the tree-lined street transform with elaborate Halloween decorations. Porches, yards and historic architecture create an atmosphere that feels more like a sleepy East Coast neighborhood than central Arizona.

“You park the car, start walking and immediately feel like you have gone somewhere much farther away,” Stern said. “The houses already have so much character, and then people completely go for it with the decorations.”

Grab something warm, let the kids choose a favorite house and make an evening of it.

Plan fall break before it sneaks up

Seeck and Stern recommend planning fall break as soon as the school year begins.

Families might reserve a campsite, drive to Rocky Point, book a spooky weekend in Jerome or organize a campout in their own backyard.

“Fall break sneaks up on parents every year,” Seeck said. “You look at the calendar, realize the kids will be home for a week and discover every campsite is booked.”

A backyard campout can be as memorable as a road trip. Set up a tent, make s’mores, hand out glow sticks and tell stories, all with indoor plumbing a few steps away.

“The kids do not care that you are 20 feet from the kitchen,” Stern says. “They care that they get to stay up late, use flashlights and eat melted chocolate outside.”

Be a resort guest without leaving Arizona

Families craving a getaway without the drive can look for Arizona resident rates at local hotels and resorts.

Some properties offer seasonal discounts, while services such as ResortPass provide access to participating pools and amenities without requiring an overnight stay.

“A staycation gives you the fun parts of vacation without the airport, the giant packing list or the realization that someone forgot their shoes,” Stern said.

Make one last trip to Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake remains one of Seeck and Stern’s favorite nearby escapes, but its recreation season does not last forever.

Located on the Mogollon Rim, the lake offers fishing, hiking, paddling, camping and pine-filled scenery. Its store and boat-rental operations are seasonal, generally continuing through October as weather allows, while winter conditions can close forest roads.

“Once the weather cools off in Phoenix, it is easy to forget winter arrives much faster on the Rim,” Seeck said. “Fall is your last chance to fit in a fishing or camping weekend before snow changes the plan.”

Families should check forecasts, campground availability and road conditions before leaving.

Turn the backyard into a swim-in movie theater

Seeck and Stern’s favorite fall activity combines two Arizona realities: The sun is setting earlier, but swimming weather is not over.

Families can move a television outside or use a projector with an inflatable screen. Secondhand equipment often appears on resale sites, though a blank wall or a securely hung sheet works, too.

“The earlier sunset means you do not have to wait until everyone’s bedtime to start the movie,” Stern said. “But it is still Arizona, so the kids can swim while they watch.”

Add pool floats, popcorn, pizza and glow sticks. Adults should supervise children and keep electronics away from the pool.

The secret, they say, is choosing something manageable.

“The best plans are the ones you will actually do,” Seeck said. “Book the trip, take the drive or put a movie on in the backyard. It does not have to be perfect to become something your kids remember.”

“Fall in Arizona is its own weird little season,” Stern said. “You can see changing leaves, visit a farm, tell ghost stories and still end the weekend in the swimming pool.”