Article by Kara Schwalbe

Photos by Mackenzie Scheie Photography 

Cue the pumpkin lattes, cozy sweaters, and changing leaves. After a hot summer, fall brings a welcome change of weather and activities. If you're looking for ideas for family fun this season, here's our Family-Friendly Fall Bucket List. 

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch 

Don't just buy your pumpkin at the store, make core memories by visiting a local farm instead. Whether you want a quick afternoon trip or the full farm experience, you have plenty of local options. 

• Local favorites: T&C Farms, Grandpa's Farm, Wallila Family Farm, RSO Farm & Ranch 

2. Attend a Local High School Football Game 

Nothing says fall like Friday Night Lights. High school football games can be a fun outing for the whole family, even if you don't know anyone on the field. Head to the newly renovated Sam McDonald Stadium at Daylis for the West vs. Senior matchup on September 18, one of the most anticipated games of the year. 

3. Make a Fall Nature Craft 

Get creative with colorful autumn leaves and kid-friendly crafts. There's no shortage of ideas, especially if you search "fall nature crafts for kids" online. For an easy win, try making leaf people puppets. 

• How to do it: Glue googly eyes, pipe cleaner limbs, and a popsicle stick handle onto a colorful leaf. Draw a nose and mouth with a marker and watch these little characters come to life. 

4. Fill a Gratitude Jar 

Fall is a good time to practice mindfulness as a family. Start a nightly ritual where everyone writes down one thing they're thankful for on a small slip of paper to drop into a jar. 

• Keep prompts simple: "What made you happy today?" or "What is a nice thing someone did for you?" 
• The outcome: Empty the jar and read the notes together at the end of the month or around the Thanksgiving dinner table. 

5. Bake a Fall Treat Together 

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, heat up the oven and bake something warm, comforting, and packed with rich spices. A caramelized apple crisp or homemade pumpkin pie doesn't have to wait for Thanksgiving. Try your hand at an old family recipe or let the kids pick a brand-new recipe to test drive before the holidays roll around. 

6. Decorate Your Home for Fall 

Bring the season indoors with a few fall touches around your living space. Feeling brave? Let the kids decide where the decorations should go, or give them a few items to spruce up their own bedrooms. 

• Quick DIY idea: Help them create a simple leaf garland or a construction paper chain to hang above their windows or in their doorframe. 

7. Go for a Fall Family Hike 

Fall hiking in Billings comes with real perks for families: crisp weather, no mosquitoes, and changing leaves that make a colorful backdrop. 

• Two Moon Park or Norm's Island: leaf-covered trails right along the river. 
• Swords Park or Skyline Trail: a stroller-friendly walk with views of the city from above. 

8. Plan an Outdoor Movie Night 

Earlier sunsets make it easy to set up a backyard cinema. Gather some blankets, get cozy and project a family favorite outside. To level up the night, invite friends over for s'mores and hot cider around a fire to enjoy the fresh autumn air before winter sets in. 

Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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