Summer is known for its outdoor entertainment, but the heat of the day can be too much for some people. Fall means getting back to school and other routines, and there may not be as much free time as children tend to have during the summer. As the weather cools down, you may be looking for ways to spend what quality time you do have as a family enjoying the nicer weather. Talk about the following options with other members of your family to see if something sparks their interest.

Scavenger Hunt

Going on a walk around the neighborhood is nice, but it's easy to take for granted the area you see every day. To foster your children's natural sense of wonder, consider turning the walk into a scavenger hunt. When they're looking for specific things or indulging in a little healthy competition to see who can complete their checklist first, it makes the walk more fun. Use an existing list, or compile one of your own that invites everyone to slow down and notice the details in the environment.

Sports

The brisk fall air is the perfect excuse for getting outside and on the move. Cooler temperatures are ideal for a spontaneous game of touch football in the backyard or at the park. If you want to get involved in your community, you can sign up for a family fun run together. Even younger children can participate in a spirited session of tag. Being active lets you take full advantage of the nice weather. Watching games during the fall can be just as much fun. Encourage children to find a team sport they want to learn how to play:

• Soccer
• Football
• Hockey
• Basketball

The whole family can show up to cheer them on. A professional game can be an exciting outing for everyone, and it doesn't have to cost a lot if you look for deals or stick to local minor league teams. No matter how you choose to participate in sports, it's a fun way to get out of the house.

Camping

If you have a free weekend, why not take some time to bask in nature? Camping is not only a bonding experience but a great learning opportunity for the whole family. Spend the day exploring the area around the campsite. Discover breathtaking views that are only reachable by hiking. At night, you can build a campfire and tell stories or catch up on what's been going on below the surface conversations of school and work. Camping is a great way to become closer and build lasting memories as a family.

Garden

Perhaps you are looking for something a little closer to home. Many people think of gardening as a springtime activity, but the truth is that there are plants that thrive best in any given season. Learn what vegetables, fruits and herbs grow best in your region during the fall, and you can have beds full of culinary delights.

You don't have to have a large yard (or any yard at all) to cultivate plants. You can have planter boxes on your patio as well as small pots of herbs on your kitchen windowsill. You can have fresh greens all year long without having to use a lot of space to grow them. Vertical gardens come in a variety of styles, and some can even be used indoors. From choosing what you're going to plant to finding new recipes to use the bounty of your efforts, gardening is something the whole family can enjoy together.

There are many ways to have outdoor fun as a family during the fall. It's great to find activities that best suit your family's interests, but the most important part is spending time together.