Fall Weekend Getaways

Whether you're looking for a great day trip or a full weekend away, take advantage of this beautiful season to reconnect with your family. With school and work schedules in full swing, and extra-curricular activities dominating the scene, scheduling family "together time" is essential.

Focus on Festivals

Harvest festivals, apple festivals, pumpkin festivals... there is nothing quite like the fall festival season. Many local farms also open their doors for apple picking, hay rides and more. Consider an apple picking day out then make your way home to enjoy creating a homemade apple pie together. Or rather than simply pick up your pumpkin from the local grocery store, why not check out which neighboring farms might be having their own pumpkin festivals? There are a whole range of farm picking opportunities to explore. Get started on your search at PickYourOwn.org which lists a whole range of local festivals in both Canada and the U.S. There are also a range of interesting cultural festivals to explore in the fall, such as Oktoberfest. Check your local listings for festivals in your area.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Hiking isn't just a summer activity. The fall is actually an ideal time to enjoy this activity together. Not only will you enjoy the exercise but you can collect colorful leaves to use when you create fall crafts. Other outdoor activities include exploring the ski slopes before the snow sets in. Check out your local area for "corn mazes", fun mazes created in the harvested corn fields that range from underwater scenes to Wild West-themed creations.

Weekend Getaways

Now that the summer has passed, and the winter travel season prices aren't upon us yet, now is the time to take advantage of great travel deals. Whether you're thinking of a local getaway, or want to make your way to warmer climates, or even cross to another continent, now is the time. Flight prices, hotel deals, and vacation packages are all readily available. Another new idea for many families is the concept of home swapping, where you trade your home with another family for a stretch, allowing you the relaxation of a vacation but with the charm of living at home.