As the season changes, we've put together some fun, fall-inspired activities the whole family can enjoy! 

1. Enjoy a YMCA Fall-Themed Activity or Event

From costume contests to bounce houses, creative crafts, cooking and more, your local Y is a great place to celebrate the season with your neighbors. Join us for these fall themed activities and events with registration opening on September 15 at 6:00 am for October programs and October 15 at 6:00 am for November programs.

Fall Family Festival Community Events
These free festivals are free and open to Y members and community members! 

• Coal Creek Family Y in Newcastle | October 29
• Northshore Y in Bothell | October 29
• Snoqualmie Valley Y | October 22

Haunted Swamp Pumpkin Dive Community Night

• Northshore Y in Bothell | October 29  

Family Nights
Just for Y members, offered as an included member benefit. 

• Boo Bash | Sammamish Community Y | October 22
• Fall Fun
  • Auburn Valley Y | October 21
  • Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline | October 14
  • Kent Y | October 28
  • West Seattle Family Y | October 21
• Pirates at the Y | Coal Creek Family Y in Newcastle | October 29
• Movie Night & Fall Craft | University Family Y | October 7
   

Kids Create Classes
Inspire creativity and imagination in this art workshop for kids.

• Pumpkin Carving | Auburn Valley Y | October 28
• Pumpkin Decorating | Snoqualmie Valley Y | October 12
• Pumpkin Art | Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline | October 22
• Haunted Gingerbread House | Coal Creek Family Y in Newcastle | October 28
• Harvest Cookie Decorating and Craft Making | West Seattle Family Y | October 12

Teens Create 
Inspire creativity and imagination in this art workshop for teens.

• Pumpkin Carving | Coal Creek Family Y | October 15

Kids in the Kitchen Class
Learn some basic culinary skills in this special class for kids ages 5 to 8. Experience a blend of education, nutrition, and fun as you practice age-appropriate cooking techniques, fundamental kitchen skills, and kitchen safety.

• Fall Treats | Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline | October 15

2. Paint Pumpkins

Nothing is more iconic for fall than the beautiful glow of a ripe pumpkin. Pull out your paint, glitter, stickers, or even a pumpkin decorating kit. Skip the mess of carving and let every member of your family creatively design their own pumpkin with these great ideas.

3. Bake Fall Treats

Imagine the smells of fall and transform them into delicious treats the whole family can get involved in. Apple Pie in a Cup, Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes, and Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats are a few of our favorite morsels.

4. Decorate for the Season 

Build a scarecrow with hay or old newspaper for the stuffing. For the outfit, dig up some old clothes and accessories laying around your house. You can also visit a local thrift store to dress your scarecrow.  Or create a simple leaf wreath! Go on a nature walk and gather some beautifully colored leaves. Simply cut the center of a paper plate into a wreath shape, adhere the leaves with glue, and adorn with a ribbon to hang.

5. Make a Giant Leaf Pile

Grab your rakes and get to work! Is there anything more fun than jumping into a freshly swept pile of fall leaves?! Don’t forget to take a video to relive the fun.

6. Read Seasonal Books 

Here’s a list (with links!) of some of our favorite fall-themed books they whole family will enjoy:

• Leaves by David Ezra Stein (Preschool - Grade 1)
• The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger (Preschool - Grade 2)
• Fall Leaves Fall! by Zoe Hall (Preschool - Grade 1)
• Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins (Kindergarten-Grade 3)
• Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson (Grade 2- Grade 4)
• We're Going On a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger (Preschool -Grade 3)
• Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro (Kindergarten - Grade 4)
• Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert (Preschool - Grade 3)
• Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White (Preschool - Grade 3)
• There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro (Preschool - Grade 2)
• Autumnblings by Douglas Florian (Grade 1-5)
• A Tree for All Seasons by Robin Bernard (Grade 3-7)
• It's Fall by Linda Glaser (Preschool - Grade 2)
• Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert (Kindergarten - Grade 2)

7. Get Outdoors! 

Go to the beach! Yes, the beach! Although you may need to bundle up, the smell of sea water and the breeze will surely refresh you.  

If that’s not your thing, hit the trails for a family-friendly urban hike through a local park. Mercer Slough Nature Park on Mercer Island, Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Discovery Park in Seattle or Grand Ridge Trail Park in Issaquah are all great options for families.

8. Watch a Football Game

Go Hawks!  Prepare some healthy snacks, wear your team’s gear, and get your cheer on! Go Hawks! 

9. Walk or Run in a Race

These Halloween-themed running events give you another reason to don your costume! Register for the Trick or Treat 5k in Seattle on Sunday, October 30, the West Seattle Monster Dash on Saturday, October 29 or the Run Scared 5k at Seward Park on Sunday, October 30.

10. Make a Healthy Halloween Treat

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s hard to resist the sweet treats. Skip the candy but still have tasty fun in the kitchen. Try our favorites – Candy Corn Fruit Cups, Banana Ghost Pops or Silly Apple Bites.