Things to Do in the Fall | Your Seacoast Fall Bucket List

Things to Do in the Fall | Your Seacoast Fall Bucket List

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, we have the best fall right here in the Seacoast! There is so much to see and do in our area. As a mom of three, I know that fall can quickly get busy with school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. But, I try to find fall family fun activities that my growing family can do together. As I was brainstorming activities, I realized that this would be helpful for you!

Your Fall Bucket List

I broke down my fall bucket list by category so that you can look for your family’s favorites. I also recommend trying something new if you’re up for it! There’s so much to explore. I hope you and your family have a great fall!

Fall Hiking in the Seacoast 

A great way to see the beautiful fall colors is by hiking! Here are three parks that I highly recommend for a scenic hike. 

Stratham Hill Fire Tower | Stratham, NH – This Stratham Hill Fire Tower offers one of the best views of the fall colors in our area! You can enjoy some trails around the tower and then make the trek up to enjoy the view. Visit their website here.

Pawtuckaway State Park | Nottingham, NH – We’re so lucky to have this wonderful state park close by. With lots of trails and beautiful views of the water, there’s something for everyone at this park. Visit their website here.

Winnie the Pooh Trail | Barrington, NH – Yes! You can take a stroll through the 100 Acre Wood right here in the Seacoast. This adorable trail was created with inspiration from the beloved classic children’s book by AA Milne. The trail is less than a mile, but your kids will love exploring all of the fun spots along the way. Visit their website here.

Fall Biking in the Seacoast 

Of course, the second best way is to go for a bike ride to admire the fall colors! This trail is perfect for a family ride through the countryside. 

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail | Portsmouth NH – This bike trail meanders through the Seacoast with views of historic buildings, beautiful nature, and so much more! The trail is 28 miles, but you can definitely hop on and off to your ability. Visit their website here. 

Seacoast Farms to Visit this Fall 

Picturesque farm with delicious fresh food? Sign me up! We’re lucky to have several farms in our area to stop by and enjoy an afternoon of fall fun. 

Vernon Family Farm | Newfields, NH – This beautiful family-run farm offers its amazing farm store for farm fresh food and products along with its awesome calendar of events. Check out their calendar of events which includes their popular Fire & Ice event. Check out my recent interview with Vernon Family Farm.

Applecrest Farm | Hampton Falls, NH – Apple picking, anyone? Applecrest Farms is one of the largest and oldest orchards in the Seacoast. You can pick your own apples or pick some up. They also have events this fall, including Harvest Fest. Visit their website here.

Cider Hill Farm | Amesbury, MA – Cider Hill Farm is another beautiful, local farm with options to pick your own apples or their farm store. They have a great calendar of events with options for everyone in your family. Visit their website here. 

Coppal House Farm | Lee, NH – The Coppal House Farm’s Corn maze is SO COOL! Your kids will love it (and be busy for a while). They have a festival in mid-September that I’ve heard is a lot of fun. Visit their website here. 

 

Fall Camping and Glamping 

If you really want to get outdoors and soak in the Seacoast fall, you can’t beat camping or even glamping. We have a great campground nearby with options to suit all campers. 

White Lake State Park | White Lake, NH – While White Lake State Park is known for its great swimming, it’s probably going to be too cold for swimming in the fall. However, if you’re looking for camping, this is the perfect place! I looked at the calendar, and there are a few reservations open with October 10th as the last weekend of camping. Check it out! 

Museums and Libraries 

If you need to find something to do that’s indoors, check out our local museums or visit the local library for a pass to these top Boston attractions. 

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire | Dover, NH – This children’s museum is so much fun and will keep your kids busy and happy for a long time! They have lots of fun events for kids. There is an especially cute Halloween event called Not-So-Spooky Halloween with fun activities for kids of all ages.  Visit their website for more information.

Visit Boston’s Top Attractions | Boston, MA – If you’re looking to plan a day trip to the city, don’t forget to stop by your local library to grab a pass! YES, you can save $$$ by using your local library. You can visit Boston’s top attractions such as the Boston Aquarium and the Science Museum for FREE. 

Take Fall Family Portraits 

The last thing on your fall bucket list is to take fall family portraits. Nothing captures the beauty of our fall more than with your family in the frame. Check out my guide with the four best fall session locations here. Once you have the perfect location in mind, plan out your family’s outfits with my guide on what to wear for fall family photos. I have limited spots available, so reach out soon to schedule your session! 

Fall Family Photography | 5 Tips for a Successful Portrait Session

Fall Family Photography | 5 Tips for a Successful Portrait Session

#1 PREPARE

YOU (mom) need to mentally prepare…to HAVE FUN! Kids (and dads) may not always cooperate and that is ok – I HAVE YOU COVERED. If you are stressed, the kids will be stressed so just relax and have fun. Going with the flow will ensure that we have a blast and capture those amazing memories. Typically, men don’t enjoy the photo session, but a bad mood can spoil it for everyone. Emphasize how important these memories are to you. Dads are great at playing with the children and that’s what they should be prepared to do. It’s the same fun they always have, but just all dressed up. Once he sees the photos with his real smile and the smile that he can add to those sweet faces, he’s sure to fall in love.  Try This: Have him help you come up with some fun ideas for the session or choose the jokes for the kids. The more invested he is in the experience, the better.

#2 CHOOSE A FUN LOCATION

When choosing a location it is important that you choose a place that your family will enjoy.  Whether that is an apple orchard, a park or your own backyard, it should be a place that means something to you as a family.  Some of my favorite locations for fall sessions are Wagon Hill in Durham, Vernon Family Farm in Newfields and Fort Foster in Kittery.  The beach makes for an amazing backdrop in the early fall since the crowds have left and the temperature is still warm but cool enough that you are not sweating in the photos.

#3 DRESS IN LAYERS

Fall in New Hampshire can be very unpredictable.  One day it is 75 and warm and the next day there are morning flurries.  By dressing in layers, your family can be prepared for any changes in the weather.  Add a scarf, vest or jacket that coordinate to add pops of color to your wardrobe choices.   View the full What to Wear Guide.

#4 GIVE BREAKS & Ignore the kids (say what?!?!)

We play a LOT during my sessions and kids love it. We will warm up with some games and I promise to get those sweet smiles you are looking for. The key is to IGNORE THE CHILDREN. I know, it sounds crazy but when parents are looking down trying to get little Johnny to smile, they end up ruining the shot. Kids love this rule and when I say it – they tend to LOVE ME and I promise I will get them to look when needed. Have fun and enjoy your kids – even when something unexpected happens…do everything with a smile:).

#5 THINK AHEAD: How can you use these photos for presents?

Fall Portrait Sessions are a great way to get some of your holiday shopping done early.  Grandparents LOVE photos of their grandchildren and they make the perfect Christmas Gifts.  One great idea is to split up a wall gallery into one to hang in your own home, one for Grandma and one for Nana.   Get some ideas for gifts here.

We also offer a great assortment of custom designed Christmas Cards.

Have the leaves started to change and you are wondering if I have any dates open?  Contact me today and let’s get something on the calendar.