Have a bonfire

The temperature’s dropping quickly. Bundle up and have a bonfire to stay warm! Invite some friends over and make hot dogs, s’mores, and hot cocoa! Just make sure you practice proper fire safety.

Have a movie/television marathon

If you’ve got a free day, make a pillow fort and have a marathon. Make popcorn and snacks, pull out some DVDs or hit up Netflix, and cozy up for a few hours of fun. If you’re feeling brave, watch some scary movies! If you’d rather watch something more chill, try some calmer options like ’90s teen flicks or rom-coms.

Go to a haunted house

If you’re in the mood for frights, check out a haunted house! There are a few around Cape, so invite a few friends to come with you and prepare for a spooky evening!

Celebrate Halloween

Even if you might be a bit too old to go trick-or-treating, you’re never too old to dress up and pass out candy. If anyone you know is hosting a Halloween party, check it out – it’s sure to be spooktacular! Or if you prefer to keep to yourself, watch a Halloween movie or two and eat candy with your friends and family.

Carve some pumpkins

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, carve a pumpkin! If you’d rather not handle knives, you can even paint your pumpkin. Whether you make something classic or even something artsy, just try to be creative! You can even use the leftover pumpkin innards to bake a pie.

Buy or DIY some festive decor

If you’re looking for a way to spruce your house up, buy or DIY some cool autumnal decor. Whether you simply buy a few new pillows or craft a knit blanket, anything you can add to your surroundings to go along with the changing season will look great!

Go apple picking

A fun way to spend a couple of hours is just to go apple picking! Several farms around Cape will let you pay a few dollars and get your own basket of apples. You can eat the apples alone or bake them into something. Make a date out of it, if you’ve got someone special; pick some apples and spend the afternoon cooking up something sweet.

Buy some cozy clothing

As the temperature drops, you’re going to need to buy some clothes to keep warm. Autumn is the time for sweaters, boots, thicker socks, and new coats. If you’re feeling some vintage vibes this fall, hit up Goodwill or the Salvation Army for a bargain!

Bake something

Now that it’s cold outside, we can finally indulge in some hot, rich treats. Try your hand at baking! Look online for recipes for breads, pies, cookies, and cakes in flavors from pumpkins to apples to coffee. Don’t be afraid to share your creations with your friends and families, either!

Try a hearty fall treat or homemade meal

Alongside your baked goods, look into cooking a nice homemade meal. Hot soups and stews, filling portions of pasta, and rich protein dishes await! Host a family dinner or get ready for Thanksgiving.

Visit a corn maze

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, consider visiting a corn maze. There are a few in Missouri, and most places that offer them also have a variety of fun things to do.

Go hiking

If you’re more interested in exploring the great outdoors, try to find a good trail and set off on a hike for a few hours. With the weather cooling down, you won’t have to worry about overheating. Just remember to stay hydrated and try not to get lost!

Go on a hayride

Another great way to spend some time outdoors is to go on a hayride. They’re especially fun for younger siblings. Whether you’d like to spend some ghoulish fun on a haunted hayride or just check out the fall scenery, hayrides provide a more chill way to pass the time.

Check out the farmer’s market

If you’re looking to give back to the community, try visiting one of Cape’s farmer’s markets. Farmer’s market season is nearly over, so be sure to pick up the last fresh produce or Amish donut of the year!

Be generous

The most important aspect of autumn, for me, is remembering to be thoughtful, grateful, and generous. We are lucky to have a warm place to rest, friends and family to call our own, and happy states of mind. Pass on those good feelings and put some effort into helping out other people! Volunteer at a food pantry, or participate in a coat drive. Even a random act of kindness, like helping someone get their groceries or giving a stranger a compliment, contribute to the warmth of fall. Most of all, be thankful for what you have. When you stop to think about it, there is a lot to be grateful for!