Autumn may not always be thought of as an outdoor season, but it brings plenty of opportunities for bonding and fun in cooler weather. Try some of these activities to make lasting memories with your grandkids.

Enjoy a color tour

National parks and forests are the places to be in the fall. Nearly every route up the Grand Mesa offers stunning views. The cooler weather makes it ideal for longer hikes, or for those with younger kids, shorter scenic drives with picturesque views. To avoid car traffic, plan a hike or take an after-school drive..

Have a campfire cookout

Gather around a campfire for a cozy cookout with hot dogs, hot chocolate, marshmallows and s’mores. Take turns telling stories, or read autumn-themed library books to the youngsters. You might even try cooking foil-wrapped veggies or making campfire pies for an extra special treat. Just be sure to check fire restrictions in your area.

Attend a sports game

Fall means football, and nothing beats the excitement of a live game. Bundle up with blankets and head to a local stadium. Whether you’re heading to Stocker Stadium for high school football or to Mile High Stadium in Denver for a pro game, the thrill is the same. Grab some blankets, bring popcorn and a thermos filled with hot cocoa, then snuggle up to cheer on your team.

Visit an orchard

Head to an orchard for apple picking or harvesting other fall fruits. Several local farms offer opportunities for families to pick their own fruit. Your grandkids will love plucking fruit straight from the trees and learning about where their food comes from. After a day of picking, relax with some cider and donut, or set up a picnic among the colorful fall foliage. Many orchards also offer hayrides, corn mazes and other family-friendly activities that can easily turn your outing into an all-day adventure.

Make a scarecrow

What’s fall without a scarecrow on your porch? All you need are a couple of bales of straw, some old clothes and hats. Get creative with its face by using felt, buttons or even a pumpkin for a head. Stuff the scarecrow, tying off the hands, feet and head with string.

Why not enter your creation into the Montrose Botanic Gardens’ Scarecrow Festival on October 5-6? It’s a great way to show off your handiwork and support the gardens. Read more about the event on the Montrose-Delta Calendar, page 44, for details.

Walk in the woods

With fewer flies and mosquitoes, it’s the perfect time for a peaceful walk in the woods. This is also a great time to teach your grandkids about the changing seasons and the habits of animals as they prepare for winter. Consider bringing along a field guide to identify trees or animal tracks. Don’t forget your binoculars.

Leaf fun

Remember raking up leaves for your kids to jump in? Now it’s time for your grandkids to join in the fun. Rake up piles to dive into, build forts or even start a leaf fight. 

Find a festival

Fall festivals are a great way to celebrate the season. Enjoy food, arts and crafts, games, pony and wagon rides and more. Explore the many local festivals happening across Colorado, like Cedaredge Applefest on October 4-6.

Visit a pumpkin patch

No fall season is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. Pick your own pumpkin at Moon Farm in Fruita or Punk’s in Delta, explore the corn maze at Studt’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze in Grand Junction, or enjoy a hayride at Covered Bridge Ranch in Montrose. Afterward, roast pumpkin seeds for a tasty treat. Rinse, dry and coat the seeds in butter, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Bird migration watch

As fall fills the air, many birds begin to head south. Sandhill cranes can be found near Steamboat Springs and Craig in the fall. Contact state and national parks for recommended birding locations as well as bird festivals. You might even try contacting the local Audubon societies at [email protected] or black.canyon.audu [email protected]

Plant perennials and bulbs

Get your grandkids involved in gardening by planting perennials and bulbs this fall. Come spring, they’ll be excited to see the flowers they planted bloom. Let them pick out a few plants from the garden store, and get creative by painting rocks to decorate the garden until the flowers sprout.

Take a railroad excursion

Admire the blazing fall colors during a scenic railroad excursion. Check out the dates for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, or contact your local travel agency for excursions nearby.

 Horseback rides

If your grandkids love animals, they’ll enjoy taking in the fall scenery on horseback. Many local outfitters offer guided trail rides through picturesque landscapes.

Make a bird feeder or house

Kids will love building bird feeders or houses, then watching birds make use of their handiwork. Bird feeder kits are available at hobby stores, but you can also build from scratch using free online instructions or library books. You can even make it a learning experience by researching the types of birds that visit and teaching your grandkids about their habits and habitats.