It’s sweater weather! Get outside with a pumpkin spice latte and enjoy the crisp fall air. Whether you have little ones and are looking for family activities or you want creative ways to stay busy with the days getting shorter, here are nine healthy outdoor activities to enjoy this autumn.

1. Rake the Leaves

Raking up leaves might sound like a chore, but it's also a fantastic workout. Effortlessly elevate your heart rate by raking quickly. You'll be feeling the burn in your obliques and forearms for days. Get your kiddos involved by having them help rake for a bit, and then reward them with jumping in piles.

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

No fall would be complete without a visit to the local pumpkin patch. Enjoy the warm autumn sun as you hike around the rows of pumpkins to locate the perfect one to decorate your porch. After lugging your pumpkin around the patch, reward yourself with a break on a hayride.

3. Go Camping

The whole family will love the memories you make while camping together this fall. Many consider autumn the best time to camp because of the lack of mosquitos and beautiful foliage. When picking out a place to camp, consider selecting a park that is often busy with visitors in the summer. Also, be aware of the ones where winter comes early and summer stays late.

4. Trek Through a Corn Maze

Depending on the size, you can get in your steps while navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze. Work independently or in a team to make it out of the labyrinth without giving up. Some corn mazes are haunted, so consider doing a "fright" maze for a few spooks and scares if you have an older audience. It'll elevate your heart rate and keep you racing throughout.

5. Hit up a Farmers Market

Head to your local farmers market to pick up the needed organic produce for your clean eating diet. Be intentional about walking the stalls and talking with the farmers about their practices. If someone sells produce as certified organic, you can request to see their USDA certification paperwork. Most will be happy to disclose this information. It’s great to support the local economy, plus you’ll get to know new people in your community.

6. Attend a Fall Festival

It wouldn’t be autumn without attending at least one fall festival. Take the kiddos and let them get their faces painted, pet farm animals and play different games. You’ll burn plenty of calories just chasing after them.

7. Take a Hike

Go to your favorite park to hike. Observe the glorious fall foliage and hear the crunch of leaves beneath your boots. Appreciate nature around you and the rise and fall of the terrain beneath your feet. Hiking is terrific for your cardiovascular health, benefitting core strength and stability. Researchers point to the value to your mental health, citing a reduction of stress when one hikes regularly. Continue hitting the trails during the fall and winter as the sunshine wanes.

8. Pick Apples

Head to your local orchard to pick apples on an idyllic Saturday morning. Gather a few bushels with a couple of varieties of apples – one for snacking and one for baking. Then return home to make a delicious crisp or sauce – a fantastic way to wrap up an outing at the orchard.

9. Go Birding

Find your pair of binoculars and go to your local nature preserve to go birding and boost your mental health in the great outdoors. Make it your mission to see and identify as many new species of birds as possible. If you enjoy your first experience, consider getting a backyard feeder to attract flocks to your yard so you can go birding all the time.

Get Active This Fall

These nine activities provide plenty of options to get outside and make the most of autumn. Make sure you take advantage of these beautiful days before the weather turns cold and limits your outdoor adventures.