Simple or Free Fun Autumn Activities

First published 20 September 2024. Updated 20 October 2025

As we head into October, we are in full swing for the autumn. In Norway, the leaves are golden and there is already frost on the ground in the morning. Some places even have snow!! But the weather is also fairly predictable. We can count on those days when the sun will shine and the clouds clear. It's a time of year that we like to make the most of before the onset of the winter months and colder weather. In Scandinavia it's a month to get outside and really enjoy what early autumn has to offer us.

Getting outside is something that people in the Nordics love to do We call it "friluftsliv" or the open air life. And whenever I want something to do I always look to the outdoors first. Of course, coming inside for a hot drink and piece of cake afterwards is also very welcome and especially if we have a fun list of cosy activities to keep us busy by the fire in the longer autumn evenings. I certainly embrace the simple and intentional as much as I possibly can. And I know you love to do the same.

So I wanted to share some ideas to get you inspired to spend less this September and make the most what you have around you. Maybe you'll rediscover an old favourite activity, or maybe you'll discover something new.

• Take a snack outside

The weather is still warm enough to enjoy a snack on the grass, and if it's a bit chilly why not put on a sweater. What could be more fun than a hot drink and a snack amongst the colourful autumn leaves in the fresh air.

• Go for a walk somewhere new

Everything looks different as the seasons change and places that might have seemed boring or busy in the summer are perfect for a new direction. Take a different direction, walk a little further, or be adventurous and try a new location altogether.

• Camp for the night

Be adventurous and get outside for the night. October is still warm enough to camp for a night and there is less chance of rain. Grab a night outside before the weather turns cold.

• Go on a photo safari

Autumn is the perfect time to practice some photography. The colours, light and beauty of nature are at their peak and nature is a great palette. Summer's harsh glare is over and you can really take your time to find the most beautiful photos.

• Go for a scavenger hunt

This is a great activity for children and an easy way to get them outside if they are less than enthusiastic There are some great scavenger hunts online for downloading, or make up your own with a piece of paper and either some items to find, or pictures of the items. A nature themed scavenger hunt helps little ones love the outdoors even more.

• Do some autumn crafting projects

Nature is the ideal place to find inspiration and materials for crafts. Go all Victorian and make some crafts from shells, pressed flowers or leaves. My autumn crafting this year is decoupage oyster shells. I spent a few hours collecting empty shells (yes, time out in nature!) and I am going to turn them into cute little trinket trays.

• Prepare for Christmas

Yes, I am doing this already! It might seem a little early, but if we want to craft some things or order pretty decor we need to get started. The longer evenings and shorter days are lovely for crafting inside or making gifts with a hot cup of our favourite drink. Sign me up!!

• Start a Christmas card list

By October I have usually bought my Christmas cards and as any of my friends and relatives live outside Norway I have to plan ahead in order to get cards into the post in time. If I didn't make a list then I would be horribly disorganised. It's great to srart early to be sure we don't forget anyone.

• Sort out things you can donate

The never-ending declutter, or at least that how it seems in my house. I hate to throw away anything that could be recycled, so a declutter usually starts with things I can donate. We all have a local thrift store or charity shop that would love some extra treasures.

• Start a free book library in your local area

It can be as simple a pile of books on a table with a note for people to help themselves. If you want to make it a project, then a little unit with a glass door will keep the books clean and dry and encourage other people to join in. In Norway they are called "mikrobibliotek" or micro-library. There's something to aesthetic about stimbling upon one of these on a trip out.

• Pick up litter

Always a nice community spirited thing to do, litter picking makes our local spaces look beautiful once more. Every year all over Norway have something called a dugnad. It's a community clean up event that can take place at sorts of clubs, schools, public areas, in fact anywhere that we all use. It's a chance to everyone to get together and share in the job of sprucing up a shared space.

• Have a morning at the library

When it's a rainy day my kids always want to go to the library. My eldest daughter rarely takes books out, but simply likes to sit in the library and write letters to her penfriends. She says has it has just the right atmosphere for letter writing.

• Sort out seeds for next year

Autumn is a time when many gardeners start to think ahead for the spring. We like to clean up our tools, tidy our posts and check on the seed stash. Make a list of the seeds you need buy and get in there early whilst there is availability.

• Plan some autumn themed menus

I try to plan my menus weekly and autumn is particularly inspirational with the possibility of hearty soups, fresh bread and warming stews. I like to use a pretty weekly menu planner which I pin on the fridge for the family to see. It saves all the endless "what's for dinner" questions! You can download my menu planner here.

• Learn a new language (just for the fun of it!)

Duolingo is the place to go for a new language. It's fun and feels more like a game than learning. Who knows by the winter you could speaking a new language! Just think of that.

• Find a new and inspiring podcast to listen to

Imagine an evening crafting or doing a new skill, a cup of something warm and decadent to enjoy a new favourite podcast in the background. Perfect! If you haven't listened to the Living a Nordic Life podcast yet, you can find it here.

• Take a quiet moment to play a game and get into brain games

If you’re staying in, give your brain a workout instead. Games like chess, Sudoku, and other logic puzzles are a brilliant way to stay sharp and unwind at the same time. Whether you’re playing a few rounds of chess online, or solving puzzles on sites like Sudoku Bliss, these activities improve focus, patience, and problem-solving, and they’re completely free to enjoy at home.

Are you ready for some simple autumn activities? What would you add to the list?

Come and join the Living a Nordic Life community on Facebook where autumn is a favorite subject of our's. We'd love to see you there!