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Just because the weather’s cooling down doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! November is a great time to take advantage of the crisp autumn air and enjoy your backyard before winter fully sets in. Here are 10 outdoor activities to help you make the most of your backyard this November.
1. Host a Backyard Bonfire
Gather around a fire pit or backyard bonfire to enjoy the warmth and glow of a crackling fire. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and share stories with family and friends. It’s a simple, fun way to stay warm while enjoying the outdoors.
2. Set Up an Outdoor Movie Night
Bundle up in blankets, set up a projector, and watch a movie under the stars. Make it extra cozy by offering hot chocolate and popcorn, and invite neighbors or friends to join you for a family-friendly film or a holiday classic.
3. Create a Backyard Scavenger Hunt
For families with kids, a backyard scavenger hunt is a fun way to get everyone moving. Hide small items, write clues, and encourage the kids to search for treasures among the fall leaves. This is an activity that works well during the day or with flashlights for an evening twist.
4. Outdoor Game Day
Set up classic yard games like cornhole, horseshoes, or even giant Jenga for an afternoon of friendly competition. You can also play board games or card games outside on a picnic table, with a fire pit or heat lamps nearby to keep everyone warm.
5. Backyard Bird Watching
November is a great time to observe migratory birds passing through your area. Set up bird feeders and provide binoculars or a bird guidebook to encourage some backyard bird watching. It’s a relaxing way to spend time outdoors while connecting with nature.
6. Have a Leaf Raking Contest
Turn a fall chore into a fun competition. Challenge family members or friends to rake leaves into the biggest pile or gather the most leaves in a set time. Afterward, jump into the piles or use the leaves to create festive fall compost or mulch.
7. Set Up a Backyard Camping Experience
If you’re not ready to pack up the tent just yet, set up a backyard camping experience. Pitch a tent, light the fire pit, and tell ghost stories. Even though it’s chilly, a few warm blankets, cozy sleeping bags, and hot drinks can make backyard camping in November a memorable adventure.
8. DIY Outdoor Crafting
November is the perfect time for nature-inspired crafts. Gather leaves, pinecones, acorns, and branches from your backyard to make autumn wreaths, nature collages, or DIY Thanksgiving table centerpieces. Crafting outside keeps the mess to a minimum while letting you enjoy the crisp air.
9. Prepare an Outdoor Feast
Grill up some seasonal favorites like roasted vegetables, pumpkin, or even Thanksgiving leftovers! Set up an outdoor dining area with warm blankets and portable heaters, and enjoy your meal outside while soaking in the late fall atmosphere.
10. Backyard Stargazing
November skies are often clearer, making it a perfect time for stargazing. Set up reclining chairs or lay out blankets for a night of star watching. You can bring out telescopes or stargazing apps to identify constellations and planets. Don’t forget to bring a thermos of something warm!
Make the Most of November: Fun and Relaxing Backyard Activities
Spending time outdoors in November offers a unique blend of crisp air, vibrant fall colors, and the serenity of nature as it transitions to winter. Whether you’re embracing cozy gatherings around a fire pit, enjoying stargazing on clear nights, or taking part in creative backyard games, there are countless ways to enjoy your outdoor space during this season. With the right preparation and a little creativity, your backyard can be the perfect retreat for relaxation, fun, and seasonal enjoyment, making the most of the beauty and charm that November has to offer.