Fall can be a very busy time for most of us. Kids are back to school, projects at work seem to pick up for parents, and sometimes it seems like its the holidays before families reconnect. Here’s the answer — an Autumn Weekend Away for the whole gang. For most of us, there are great opportunities within a few of home for one or two night family getaways.

Here are a few ideas to think about. We think you will see several that may be a good fit for the whole family!

Camping Trip

State and national parks are wonderful in the fall. The colors are gorgeous, there are fewer bugs and less of a crowd. Sweatshirt weather is perfect for a long hike on color-strewn trails, an invigorating bike ride, and cool nights filled with campfires and roasted marshmallows.

Go Check Out Your Favorite Sports Team

Is your favorite college team playing a rival a state or two away? Why not secure tickets to the game and support your team on the road? There’s something special about cheering for your team in another team’s stadium. You will enjoy the hanging out with other fans of your team — and tailgaiting before the games is sure to be fun.

Staycations at Home

Do you feel like you’ve been living in the same house but barely connecting with your family because everyone is so busy? Choose a rainy day to stay in the house and spend time with the whole family. No phones or computers — act like you are out of town. Grab a few blankets and lounge around. Get each family member to pick their favorite movie, video game or board game. Make special foods that everyone loves and reconnect for a day or two. Nastier the weather outside, the more fun it will be staying in together. Make sure your gas furnace is in good working order so if you want to get toasty warm, you won’t have any problems. Since you should have a denver HVAC technician clean and check your furnace before winter anyway, this is a good time to get it done.

Head to the Big City

Chances are there is a city within a couple of hours of your home that could qualify as a Big City, with yummy restaurants, shows, a museum, zoo, and great hotels. Plan ahead and choose activities that everyone will enjoy — or at least make sure everyone gets to do 1 or 2 of their favorite things over the course of the weekend.

Gather the gang around to discuss the possibilities. Let everyone have input and make the choices to fit your family’s lifestyle and budget. It is likely you will make great memories that will make your getaway a family tradition.