While it may not be as risky to go outside now than it was a few months ago, practicing safety is still important during this season. So what can you do for fun when it feels like the whole country is cancelling plans left and right? You can do some of these things as a nice gift for family and friends near Thanksgiving or as a fun activity near Halloween. I think it’s important to remember to have fun during these times.

• Bake some bread. You’ve probably seen the memes about people starting to bake during quarantine as, suddenly, you may have the time to spend hours on a single loaf. I recommend this one for any beginner. I made it myself, and it tasted and smelled amazing! It’s a fun skill to learn, and you can share it with your family on Thanksgiving if you’re able to.
• Carve pumpkins to display or put up decorations. This is a staple thing to do during autumn. Try having a pumpkin carving contest with your friends to see who can come up with the funniest design. You could even use the different parts of the pumpkin to make a pumpkin seed snack or a pumpkin pie. If you have younger siblings, decorating together could help them feel a lot more comfortable with the weird circumstances going on.

• Make apple cider. This is one option I’ll definitely do myself. With restrictions still being enforced, it may be a little difficult to go out and pick your own apples, but it should still be fun whether you can go pick them or not! Warm up some apple cider, pull some blankets around yourself, and watch some fun Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus or The Nightmare Before Christmas.

• Leaf pressing. Once the leaves fall, it’s easy to fall in love with the golden, orange, and red hues of the trees. If you press them into good wax paper, you can even display the leaves on your wall or preserve them for a while.

• Surprise a neighbor. Make some Halloween themed goodie bags anonymously and leave them at a neighbor’s house. Of course, make sure nobody in your home is at risk of COVID and that the contents of the bag have been properly cleaned. This is a simple, relatively cheap way to cheer somebody up. You never know who may need it, after all!

• Watch a scary movie. It’s pretty easy to socially distance and watch a movie. All you need is a relatively blank wall or surface outdoors, a projector, and some speakers. Then, your friends can come over and set up lawn chairs or blankets six feet apart. If you’re really feeling in the fall mood, set up a bonfire, too!

• Make s’mores. S’mores don’t only have to be enjoyed in the summer. I personally take the philosophy that you can make them any time of the year. Who’s judging you on that, anyways?

• Make a bird feeder. There are lots of methods for this that are pretty environmentally friendly, such as the pinecone bird feeder.

• Pick up a new hobby. Whether it’s knitting, baking, or arts and crafts, the possibilities are pretty endless. Try painting the view from your bedroom window or making a sweater for your grandma for Christmas this winter.

• Appreciate nature. Fall is the best season of the year, in my opinion. The air is just the right temperature- slightly cold so you can wear a cozy sweater. Sometimes walking on your own in a park filled with gorgeous sunset and colored leaves can really help you clear your mind as you breathe in the crisp air. You could go on a socially distanced walk with some friends in a park or take the time to yourself.