RVs are vessels for adventure, catapulting us closer to places and states of mind that aren’t part of our daily routines. It’s adventurous enough to pull up to a new place and spend time together there. But if you’re wanting to maximize your schedule this fall, you should have a list of activities to take care of at your destination—from going on a hayride to having a chili cookoff.
That’s where we come in. Grab your sweaters, book an RV, pack your camping gear, and make the most of autumn with these 20 activities that you can do as a family on your road trip.
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Go on a hayride
When you visit the pumpkin patch, don’t forget to hop on a hayride as a classic fall activity. Here are 10 pumpkin patches across the U.S. worth planning a trip around. While you’re there, pick out a pumpkin.
Carve a pumpkin
Once you’ve picked out the perfect pumpkin, it’s time to give it a face. Stick with the traditional toothy grin, or come up with something even more intricate. Add a carving kit to the packing list.
Go apple picking
Explore the orchards at u-pick apple farms for your pick of the juiciest fruits. More likely than not, there’s an apple-picking orchard close to where you’re traveling this fall.
Craft leaf art projects
The leaves are falling, and among the crunched ones are perfectly intact ones. Collect some in a basket to bring back to camp for a fall leaf art party. Here’s some inspiration.
Take a scenic train ride
Travel back in time by riding in a railcar through canyons colored in fall foliage. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is our favorite near Outdoorsy Bayfield.
Host a fall feast
With fall providing the best flavors, cook up a dinner together at the campground, at a tailgate, in a loved one’s driveway, at a soccer game, at a trailhead, or anywhere you can park that RV.
Attend a fall festival
Check out our list of fall festivals you don’t want to miss. From music festivals to craft markets, there’s something for everyone’s interests.
Tailgate at a football game
Your favorite team is playing in another state, but you still want to catch the big game. Travel there in an RV and choose a tailgate-friendly rig for your celebrations.
Visit a petting zoo
The baby animals are big enough to pet. Find a farm along the way that has a petting zoo so you can spend time with the sheep and the llamas.
Tour a haunted house
We can guarantee you’ll find a spooky house or two or three to tour along these Halloween-inspired road trips stretching from Salem to San Antonio.
Have a chili cook-off
The fastest way to warm up in the fall is eating a big bowl of chili. What’s your favorite kind? Make it at the campground and invite your friends to do the same for some friendly competition.
Watch fall movies
When Harry Met Sally, Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, October Sky—get in the fall spirit with one of these fall films. Download it offline before you go to watch it in the RV.
Go on a bike ride
Bundle up and take a ride through the neighborhood or campground. Rent a rig that has bike racks added on, or rent some wheels at your destination.
Tour the fall foliage
Take a scenic drive to and through the country’s best fall-viewing spots, including Aspen, Colorado, Glacier National Park, Montana, and Ozark National Forest, Arkansas.
Get lost in a corn maze
Along with going on a hayride and carving a pumpkin is finding your way out of a corn maze. The kids will love it if you join them for some childlike fun in this life-sized puzzle.
Visit a sunflower farm
Sunflowers peak by mid-September across the country, so find one near you before the season is over.
Decorate the RV for fall
Pumpkins, leaf banners, twinkle lights, orange pillows, plenty of blankets. Go all out with your decorating skills in preparation for fall.
Visit a farmer’s market
Whether you’re camping close to home or venturing somewhere far away, visiting the farmers market will put you in a cozy mood. Pick out produce, order a pumpkin spice latte, and chat with vendors.
Take a hike
Fall is magical in the state parks. We put together a list of 50 hikes—one for every state in the U.S. that’s set in a state park. Stay close to home or go somewhere far away.
Go foraging
Pick mushrooms or wildflowers during your wander through the forest. When it comes to mushroom foraging, just make sure you know what you’re picking before you eat it.
How many of these activities do you think you can get to this fall? Even just one will put you in the seasonal spirit, a mood in which every little leaf matters, hot drinks are always on rotation, pumpkins decorate your stoop, your calendar is full of camping trips, and cozy layers fill your backpack. Book an RV to get started on your fall checklist right away.
