Spring isn’t the only time of year to be starting family projects. There’s plenty to be done in the fall, as well. The air is clear, the heat has died down, and there’s still enough daylight to get things done quickly. And there’s something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a way to combine that coveted family bonding with some actual productivity, look no further than these six fall activities for families of all shapes and sizes.

1.Create your own decor

Decorating your house and property for fall can be a blast, bu it can also get expensive fast. Instead of trekking to the home and garden store to empty your whole life savings into the same generic decorations everyone else has, consider making your own! There are a million ways to go with home decor, and there’s something that everyone in your family can make, regardless of artistic talent. Make a weekend out of it with the following supplies.

●Art Supplies (dependent on what you want to make)

●Snacks (try something seasonal like cider or popcorn balls)

●Stream a movie or some music

2.Paint your house

Fall is actually the perfect time to paint outdoors. The temperature and atmosphere are usually perfectly mild. It’s not yet bitingly cold but you’ve left the blistering heat of summer behind. If you missed out on spring renovations to the exterior of your house, then consider doing it this fall. So long as the temperatures do not hit freezing during the night, you’re good to touch up your home’s paint job, or do a complete overhaul if you’re just dying to impress your neighbors with a whole new color.

Painting can be a fun outdoor activity if you plan correctly and everyone pitches in. Ignore the impulse to get right to the painting and make sure you follow the preparatory steps, as well.

●Step One: Pressure wash walls

●Step Two: Repair any damage

●Step Three: Get rid of loose paint

●Step Four: Caulk all trim with the proper sealant

●Step Five: Use primer on any stains

●Step Six: Cover light fixtures, etc. to prevent paint stains

●Step Seve: Paint away!

3.Redo a room

Pick a room, any room (if you have children consider picking something fun like the rec room or one of their bedrooms). Then give it a makeover. Pick out new furniture, light fixtures and maybe even flooring or paint. You can go as big or as small as you like. If you’re looking for a weekend project, then maybe stick to just the furniture and lighting, but if you’re feeling courageous, then strip the room from floor to ceiling and completely revamp it. This will take longer, but it will be immensely satisfying once done.

4.“Winter-ify” your property

There’s a lot to be done around your home before winter sets in, especially if you live in a climate with harsh winter weather. From prepping your car doors to prevent freezing to making sure your outdoor electronics are protected, there’s a bunch of tasks to be done. One that gets ignored too often is outdoor concrete. If you have concrete walkways or artwork in your yard, then fall is the time to repair any damage they may have accrued. If left untouched all winter, cracks may form or existing damage may worsen.

Have the following materials on hand to work on your outdoor concrete.

●Circular saw

●Chisel

●Hammer

●Concrete mix

●Silicone sealant (great for temperature protection)

●Eye and ear protection

5.Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere

It’s not fall without an onslaught of pumpkins, but you can do more than just carve jack-o-lanterns. Pumpkins can be painted, they can be carved out of wood, or they can be cooked into something delicious.

And why stop at pumpkins? Go for broke and bring in other seasonal foods, as well. Corn, for example, is a great festive decoration, especially alongside all those pumpkins.

If you’re looking for something a little more permanent but don’t want to lose that Halloween vibe, then you can always make your own fake pumpkins. Paper mache is a popular option and allows you a great amount of flexibility with size and shape. Plus, paper mache pumpkins can easily be made into piñatas, and who doesn’t want that?

6.Put together a fall menu

While you’re at it baking pumpkin seeds and making pumpkin pie, consider setting up a whole fall menu. Let everyone in the family pick out one or two dishes or desserts that they think are the most interesting and then set up a schedule for what you want to eat and when. If something turns out really well, then it’s always an excuse to invite some friends and neighbors over for a special fall dinner. It’s a great time of year to be together, after all.