While many of us who experienced record heat this summer welcome the cooler temperatures of fall, transitioning from longer, carefree days to cooler temps and school routines can be difficult—and maybe even hard for some. Think of fall as an ideal time to do some outdoor exploring or indoor organizing before the hectic weeks of the holidays close in. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Weekend community events. Now is the time to hunt down those farmers markets with late summer and fall produce and, of course, the pumpkin patch. Look also for state fairs, rodeos, and other outdoor festivals that are more enjoyable in cooler weather.
• All things football. Get some friends together for a tailgate party at your favorite college football game (be sure you include a designated driver) or go with the kids to your local high school game under the Friday night lights.
• Leaving summer. If you’ve never gone to see the fall colors, make this your year. Or, if it’s not in the cards, adapt by doing some leaf collecting close to home. It can also be a great learning activity for school-age children, and the outdoor excursions can lead to other discoveries of strange insects or amphibians right outside your door.
• Get organized. It may be just the early days of fall, but the holidays are just around the corner. If you don’t feel ready now, just think of how you’ll feel as the holidays close in! Take stock of any organizational things you can do around the house this month, whether it’s packing away the summer wardrobes, giving away toys or things you’re no longer using, or just rearranging the furniture to make way for holiday décor.
• Celebrate the sky. Leaves aren’t the only wonder brought by a change in seasons. Depending on where you live, you can plan trips to an observatory to view the night sky, head north to try to catch a view of the Northern Lights, or simply spend some family time enjoying a full moon.

Fall gives us the gift of being able to enjoy the outdoors between the heat of summer and the frigid temperatures of winter, so make the most of it!