Make the Most of Minnesota’s Coziest Season
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall brings the perfect blend of sweater weather and scenic beauty. It’s a magical time in Minnesota—and the ideal season to enjoy simple pleasures and create lasting memories with the ones you love.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been keeping families comfortable since 1974, and we believe your home should be the perfect base for all your autumn adventures. Whether you’re staying close to White Bear Lake or venturing out for a weekend day trip, here are some outdoor fall activities the whole family will love.
🍁 1. Visit a Local Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch
No fall season is complete without picking apples or pumpkins straight from the source. Most orchards and patches offer more than just produce—they’re full of fun extras like hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and cider tastings.
🎃 Favorites near White Bear Lake:
- Pine Tree Apple Orchard – apples, pumpkins, and bakery treats
- Afton Apple Orchard – corn maze, hayrides, and playgrounds
- Waldoch Farm – seasonal activities and garden center
🚶 2. Take a Scenic Hike Among the Fall Colors
Minnesota’s parks come alive in fall, offering vibrant leaf displays and cool, refreshing air that’s perfect for hiking. Bring along snacks, a thermos of hot cider, and a camera for family photos.
🌲 Trails to explore:
- Tamarack Nature Center – great for kids and families
- Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls – stunning rock formations and river views
- William O’Brien State Park – gentle trails and plenty of wildlife
🔥 3. Host a Backyard Bonfire Night
No need to leave home to have a fall adventure. A simple bonfire night in your backyard can become a favorite seasonal memory.
🔥 Tips to elevate your bonfire:
- Roast marshmallows and make s’mores
- Tell ghost stories or play flashlight tag
- Bring out cozy blankets and lawn chairs
- Enjoy warm apple cider or cocoa under the stars
🎃 4. Decorate Your Porch with Fall Flair
Turn decorating into an afternoon activity by visiting a local farm stand or craft store, then sprucing up your porch together.
🍂 Items to include:
- Pumpkins and gourds
- Cornstalks or hay bales
- Handmade wreaths
- Mums and lanterns for evening glow
📸 Bonus: Snap a few family photos with your decorated porch as the backdrop!
🧺 5. Have a Fall Picnic at the Park
Pack up some cozy blankets, a thermos of chili or soup, and some fall treats like caramel apples or pumpkin muffins, and head to a local park for a crisp-air picnic.
🧺 Pro tip: Bring lawn games like bocce, frisbee, or a football to keep everyone active.
🚲 6. Take a Family Bike Ride
Before the snow falls, enjoy the cool-but-comfortable temps with a family bike ride on local trails. It’s a great way to see the changing scenery and get some fresh air together.
🚴 Favorite spots:
- Gateway State Trail – paved and accessible for all ages
- Bruce Vento Trail – scenic and not too steep
- Local neighborhood loops for a quick spin after school or dinner
🌽 7. Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Challenge your family’s sense of direction and enjoy plenty of laughs as you explore one of Minnesota’s many corn mazes.
🌽 Bonus features at many locations:
- Pumpkin slingshots
- Cow train rides
- Apple cider donuts
- Craft vendors and games
🐿️ 8. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to find in nature—like acorns, red leaves, mushrooms, or geese flying south—and see who can find the most during a hike or walk.
📋 Fun additions:
- Bring a clipboard and crayons for bark rubbings
- Turn leaves into a craft project afterward
- Give small prizes or treats for completed checklists
📷 9. Capture Fall Family Photos
Golden hour in the fall is perfect for snapping family pictures. Dress in cozy layers, find a park or scenic overlook, and capture the moment before the snow flies.
📸 Tips:
- Coordinate (but don’t match!) your outfits
- Bring props like blankets, apples, or pumpkins
- Use a tripod and timer for group shots
🧡 10. Give Back with a Yard Cleanup Day
Teach kids the joy of helping others by raking leaves or tidying up the yard of a neighbor, grandparent, or friend. Make it fun by turning it into a challenge—who can fill the most leaf bags?
🧤 Bonus: Finish the day with a warm reward like donuts or hot cocoa back at home.
Fall Fun Starts with a Comfortable Home
There’s nothing like returning to a warm, cozy house after a crisp day outside. Make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently so your home is always ready to welcome your family back from fall adventures.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we provide expert fall maintenance, furnace tune-ups, and air quality solutions for homes in White Bear Lake and surrounding communities.
✅ Trusted service since 1974
✅ Family-friendly, licensed technicians
✅ Heating, cooling, and indoor air quality experts
✅ Emergency repairs and routine checkups available
📞 Get your home fall-ready—schedule your furnace checkup today at: 651.426.5254
