Fall fun: 5 ways to get outdoors this autumn

Take advantage of fall’s cooler temperatures and vivid scenery by spending more time in your own backyard and local green spaces. Outdoor activity in the autumn months isn’t just enjoyable. Getting outside is linked to lower stress, sharper focus, and better overall health.
“Mulligan the TurfMutt and I enjoy this time of year when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “You don’t have to travel far to find adventure. It’s right outside your door, and your dog will be more than happy to come along to all these activities.”

The TurfMutt Foundation offers five ideas for making the most of the season:
1. Become a Backyard Scientist: Download free (and fun) educational materials at turfmutt.com/education and turn your yard or local park into an outdoor STEM classroom.
2. Host a Fall Scavenger Hunt: Organize a search for seasonal items like colorful leaves, acorns, and feathers.

3. Take in the Scenery: Walk or bike through your neighborhood or park to take in fall foliage while watching for migrating birds and wildlife.
4. Spend an Evening Under the Stars: Grab blankets, hot cocoa, and s’mores fixings to host an evening in your yard around a firepit or spread out a blanket to gaze at (and teach kids) the constellations.
5. Make Yard Clean-up Fun: Turn garden clean-up and fall bulb planting into games or challenges for kids. Let kids jump in leaf piles or hide your dog’s favorite toy for a “treasure hunt.”
For more fun fall ideas and to learn how to create a healthy green space for families and pets, visit turfmutt.com.

TurfMutt, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. The Foundation is title sponsor of “Lucky Dog,” the Emmy Award-winning CBS broadcast television show in support of dog rescue and rehabilitation. Both TurfMutt spokesdogs have been rescue dogs, and Mutt Mulligan is a cast character on the show, where her “Mulligan Minute” segments teach viewers about the benefits of green space.