50 Things to do in Birmingham This Fall

Fall is here and with it come wonderful tastes, smells and festivities. It’s time to get out of the house and celebrate! Fall is the perfect season to make some outdoor memories in Central Alabama. So, check out these 50 Things to do in Birmingham This Fall!

1. It wouldn’t be fall without the leaves!! Time to rake them, jump in them and repeat.
2. Now that you have all your leaves together, try getting some old clothes and making a scarecrow. The crows probably won’t be bothered but the kids will have fun.
3. Many of our local coffee shops have seasonal drinks out now! Go try something fun and festive.
4. Fall is the best time of year to take a walk with the family. Moss Rock is perfect for a short hike. For other great spots, you can check out this list of family-friendly hikes in the area.
5. Halloween is coming! This year, consider a homemade costume. DIY outfits can be super unique, they’re usually less expensive, and the kids can help!
6. Tiny pumpkins have invaded the stores, so buy some and have a pumpkin painting party.
7. Visit a local bakery for a pumpkin or maple-flavored treat! 
8. Pull out or dust off the fire pit! Roasted hot dogs and smores are a great way to end a long day.
9. If the kids are bored, take them outside and do a rainbow scavenger hunt. See if they can find something for each color of the rainbow.
10. Time for family photos! Fall is the best time because it is cool so makeup will stay on, fall outfits are so cute, the natural background is beautiful, and many of our local photographers are doing mini sessions!
11. Hoots & Howls at the Birmingham Zoo is a fun family event that the kids will remember for years.
12. Start a gratitude journal. When the family gathers, have each person write something they are grateful for. Keep it year after year.
13. Try your hand at baking. Homemade pumpkin pie is a wonderful addition to a potluck, and pumpkin bread is always a hit!
14. Check out a local independent bookstore and ask a bookseller for a fun, seasonal read to enjoy during cozy fall evenings.
15. The Birmingham Greek Festival is the first weekend in October. You don’t want to miss this celebration of culture or the delicious food available. Opa!
16. What would Halloween season be without pumpkin carving? Nowadays, you can buy kits that have everything you need, including stencils and electric candles!
17. When you do number 16, don’t throw away the seeds! Wash them and allow them to dry. Toss in some olive oil and seasonings and roast them for a healthy fall snack.
18. Drive around and look at the Halloween decorations. People are getting very creative with the giant skeletons and inflatables!
19. Buy yourself a hammock. Go to your favorite hideaway place and make a couple trees happy by relaxing under them in your hammock.
20. Haunted houses are not for everyone but if you enjoy them, why not try to visit them all in one year? This list will help you with your planning!
21. Trick or treating is a yearly tradition for many. If you’re in need of a walkable neighborhood to visit on Halloween, here’s our list of BMC-reader-approved trick-or-treating areas!
22. Get a seasonal donut from one of our local donut shops! Whether you want a pumpkin goodie or just something decorated with festive sprinkles, they’ve got you covered!
23. Time for a cookie swap!! Bake some cookies and bring a batch to work or gather with friends to swap out some of your tasty treats. And if you’d rather enjoy cookies without dirtying your kitchen, you can grab some fun treats at these cookie places.
24. If salty treats are more your style, try making some homemade Chex mix or chocolate covered pretzels. Make a big batch though, as these snacks won’t last long!
25. Visit a local pumpkin patch, or a few, since there are so many great choices around Central Alabama.
26. Feeling crafty? Try using nature in a project or two! Twigs, dried flowers, fallen leaves, and pinecones can all be used to create cute one-of-a-kind crafts.
27. Family board game nights are a great way to spend your time. Trade in those devices for cards, dice or game pieces for some family bonding time.
28. The Alabama Farmer’s Market Fall Festival is coming up. Food trucks, vendors, carnival rides and of course, football watching make this an event the whole family will enjoy.
29. Speaking of football, go cheer on Alabama, Auburn, UAB, or Samford. The gameday experience is truly a cultural cornerstone of Alabama.
30. You can also enjoy tailgating at home with some friends with these delicious recipes!
31. Have a four-legged family member that barks? Barktoberfest, supporting Hand in Paw Animal-Assisted Therapy, is coming up at the Cahaba Brewing Company.
32. If your four-legged friend meows instead of barking, try the Katztoberfest at Cahaba Brewing Company instead, benefiting Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue.
33. Slow-cooker season means it is chili time! Try a chili board, think charcuterie, with your favorite chili toppings. You can use corn bread, cheese, tortilla chips, onions, sour cream, etc.
34. Apple picking is an activity the whole family can enjoy. You could even make caramel apples when you get back home!
35. The weather is perfect for riding as a family. Grab the scooters, skates, bikes, and tricycles and enjoy the best weather of the year!
36. Coloring is not just for kids anymore. Adult coloring books are a great stress reliever and a great way to enjoy a screen-free evening with a hot drink.
37. Time to start on homemade holiday gifts! If you’re a DIY queen or planning to have your kids make some meaningful gifts for the grandparents, now’s the time to make your plan and get to work.
38. Trunk or treating is popular and a safe way for your kids to have fun. Many local churches host trunk or treat events.
39. Buy some hay bales, pumpkins, and other fall decor to decorate your front porch!
40. Time for a house purge. The weather is perfect for a yard sale or you can donate your gently used items. Fall cleaning is just as useful as spring cleaning, and many places will need more donations around the holidays!
41. Check out the inclusive Explore playground in Hoover. A lot of thought went into making this a playground that could be enjoyed by all, so go show it some love!
42. Go camping! Many great locations are nearby with sites for tents or campers.
43. Gather the troops and play pickleball. Everyone else is doing it, and for good reason! This family-friendly activity can truly be enjoyed by all ages and is a great way to get your body moving.
44. Go to Trader Joe’s to buy something new and festive! Here are some of our favorite fall items.
45. Take the kids fishing. Breathing in the fresh fall air is good for the soul, and we can all benefit from an activity that requires patience and slowing down.
46. Soup is an easy, affordable meal. (It’s also a good way to sneak in veggies.) Try some new recipes like creamy onion, roasted tomato and chicken fajita soup. You can even make your own broth for the best-tasting soup base!
47. Check out Cullman Oktoberfest. This family-friendly event is a great way to learn about all things German and have some tasty foods!
48. Get a head start on Christmas shopping! If your kids want a hot new toy, grab it NOW! You can also just go meander around our local toy stores to get your list started to send to the grandparents.
49. If you’re getting anything catered for Thanksgiving, order that soon! Here are some fantastic local place to get everything from Turkey to rolls to desserts.
50. As we look ahead to the holidays, be sure to go volunteer with your family. Doing it now can help you figure out where you might like to give back at Christmas.