In many parts of the country, fall means a dramatic drop in temperatures. Warm summers turn to cold winters with only a couple of weeks of pleasant weather in between. But here in Arizona, we get the best of both worlds. Not only are our winters much milder than elsewhere, but our falls are long and pleasant. From late October through November (and often into December), we get comfortable temperatures for outdoor play. And if there was ever a year to get out and play, it’s 2020!

Looking for fun ways to spend time outside this fall? Here are some ideas you can draw inspiration from:

1. Go For a Hike

Fall is an excellent time of year to visit local parks and enjoy beautiful hikes. If you’re taking the entire family, choose a hike that everyone is capable of completing. Keep it simple, bring plenty of water, and rest along the way. Use this time to disconnect from work and electronics. Enjoy yourself!

2. Play a Round of Golf

Arizona is known for being one of the golf havens of North America. So why not spend the pleasant months out on the course?

If you’re new to the area and don’t have any experience with local courses, make sure you do your research.

As GolfAdvisor.com explains, “Not all desert golf is created equal. Just as parkland and links golf can differ greatly, especially depending on what part of the world they are in, the same can be said for desert golf. Whether it’s Scottsdale, Tucson, Palm Springs or Las Vegas, the weather, scenery and the vibe of all of these places can vary quite a bit.”

With so much variety in courses, asking a local instructor for advice on where to play is a good idea.

3. Go on a Bike Ride

There’s no better time to enjoy a bike ride. But even fall temperatures can still be a bit warm, so you might want to get creative.

Instead of wasting all of your energy pedaling and sweating, try an electric bicycle. It still allows you to pedal and steer, but the built-in motor does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. This lets you enjoy a leisurely ride, no matter the terrain.

4. Go Picking

Fall is the perfect time of year to pick apples or pumpkins. Take your family out to a local farm or orchard and enjoy a lowkey afternoon of outdoor fun. Better yet, take the apples or pumpkins you picked and go home to bake a pie or carve fun lanterns. It’ll be something your kids talk about for months!

5. Host a Bonfire

When the fall weather really cools down and there’s a nip in the evening air, a bonfire is a great way to enjoy a relaxing night with the family. You might even invite over some neighbors for a socially distanced gathering.

6. Picnic at the Park

Picnics are always a fun outing. Prepare a meal at home or grab something from your favorite restaurant. Head over to a nearby park and lay a blanket down. Enjoy an afternoon of eating, laughing, and maybe even napping.

7. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Fall is a very distinct season. From colors to smells to tastes and even sounds, there’s so much to take in. If you have kids, this makes for a fun and exciting time to explore.

One fun option is to send your kids on an autumn scavenger hunt around the neighborhood. Have them look for things like pumpkins, different colored leaves, Halloween decorations, different birds, etc. It’s sure to be a highlight of the week!

Be Safe and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

While we’ve spent most of the year cooped up inside, fall provides a welcome break to get outside and enjoy more comfortable temperatures. As you go outside, be sure to remain vigilant and avoid interacting with large groups of people. Stick with your family and be smart about where you choose to go and what you choose to do.