Fall in Arizona tends to be a great time of year many of us love because of the cooler weather, cooler weather and......Cooler Weather! This is the time for great fall events and to get back outside with our families.
What are your family traditions in the fall? If you're on the search for ideas to make this season special for your family, we have an alphabet of ideas for you!
Here's our ABC fall bucket list:
Apple picking. Find an orchard near you! We have several family farms in our backyard in East Mesa, Apache Junction & Gold Canyon
Bake. Cookies, Brownies, Cupcakes-Becreative, don't be afraid of using prickly pear syrup as a sweetener
Camp. Fall is the perfect time of year for camping. Spend your day hiking in the beautiful AZ weather we've been waiting for. East Mesa & Apache Junction have beautiful campsites and lakes.
Drive. Take a scenic fall drive and find new places to explore.
Explore a local museum.
Fall festivals. Because they're so much fun! Be sure to Check out The Macaroni Kid East Mesa 2026 Halloween Guide. A whole list of local fairs and festivals. Publishes Oct 1, 2026. https://eastmesa.macaronikid.com/guides
Ghost stories. Pull up chairs around a backyard campfire for some spooky Halloween stories.
Haunted House. Go to one or make your own????
Sanctum of Horror-Lights On event Oct 24,25 & 31 https://www.sanctumofhorror.com/attractions/lightson/
Invite friends over for a soup or chili potluck. Add some chopped Cactus to a chilli or stew. Chopped Cactus can often be found in Fry's or Basha's grocery stores in the produce section. Halloween is on a Saturday this year. Make it a pre trick-or-treat get together
Jump Rope!
Kite flying. Blustery fall days are the perfect time to get out the kite.
Long Hikes. It's Cooling off, we are seeing 80's in our temperatures lately. AZ has some of the best and beautiful hiking trails. https://azstateparks.com/hiking-trails
Make your own Halloween costumes! And let your kids do your makeup.
Neighborhood movie night. Check out how to make it extra special with these fun DIY cars for kids!
Ocotillo spotting. Count how many you see on your way home from school or on a road trip.
Plant a tree...or 2! Shade your home for next summer. SRP offers 2 free trees to plant in your yard https://www.srpnet.com/energy-savings-rebates/home/shade-tree-workshop
Quench your thirst. How about some warm apple cider with the kids? Warm it on the stove with a few sticks of cinnamon to make your home smell like fall.
Roast marshmallows over a bonfire on a chilly night.
Scarecrow. Fun and easy family project: Take some old clothes and stuff them with hay or newspapers to make a family scarecrow as part of your Halloween decorations.
Tailgate. Hanging out with friends before the big football game is always a good time. Or consider being a "Trunk" at one of our local Trunk or Treats?
Unplug for the day. Turn off the electronics, ignore the TV, and leave the phone behind to spend a beautiful fall day completely tuned into your family.
Visit a State Park. AZ has a Junior Ranger Badge program https://azstateparks.com/outdoor-activities-for-kids
Wreath. Have your kids help you collect pinecones and other treasures from around your neighborhood to create your own wreath.
X marks the spot! Create a fall treasure hunt for your kids with a Halloween surprise at the end!
Yawn ... spend a lazy Saturday at home cuddling on the couch, watching movies, and maybe even curling up in bed for a lovely mid-day nap.
Zoo! A fall visit to the zoo is always a treat!
Hope this list helps you find your family's ABCs of fall fun!
Jennifer Hill is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Fremont, Calif.
Co Author Lauren Emery is the publisher of Macaroni Kid East Mesa, AZ
