10 Creative Ways to Exercise as a Family This Fall in the Texas Hill Country
Fall is the perfect season to enjoy outdoor family activities in the Texas Hill Country. With cooler temperatures, crisp air, and scenic fall colors, autumn offers plenty of opportunities to stay active together while making lasting memories.
At Aspire Family Medical, we believe in helping families live healthier lives through fun, practical activities. Here are 10 creative ways your family can get moving this fall.
1. Yard Cleanup
Turn chores into exercise! Whether raking leaves in your yard or helping a neighbor, yard clean-up is a great way to burn calories and bond as a family. In just 30 minutes of raking and bagging, the average person burns 175–225 calories.Vaccines for Children Ages 7–10 (Elementary School)
2. Hiking and Geocaching
Have you heard of geocaching? If not, geocaching is like an outdoor treasure hunt that the whole family will love. Whether you are new to the hobby or an experienced hunter, geocaching near Austin offers a wealth of options, from urban "park and grab" caches to rugged trails in the Hill Country.
Barton Creek Greenbelt: This network of trails is known for having one of the highest concentrations of geocaches in the Austin area. The caches vary in difficulty and are often found in scenic spots.
Goodwater Loop Trail: Located near Georgetown, this 26-mile trail around Lake Georgetown has a cache hidden about every half mile. This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy longer, scenic hikes with frequent discoveries.
This activity promotes family bonding and combines exercise, adventure, and problem-solving for all ages. Visit the official geocaching website for more information.
3. Community Fun Run
Check out your local parks and city website for upcoming 5Ks, walk/run events, and themed runs around the holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving. Many events in Central Texas are family-friendly and often feature activities for kids.
4. Family Zoo Trip
Gather up the family and spend an afternoon at your local zoo. Check out the nearby Austin Zoo. Try to increase your step count by strolling through different parts of the zoo, exploring as many areas as your schedule and your children’s cooperation permit. Remember to pick up a map when you arrive; it’s a wonderful chance to teach your kids how to find their way around, using the four directions and spotting animals at various landmarks. This way, your visit can be both fun and educational!
5. Corn Maze
Burn some calories while trying not to get lost in one of the largest corn mazes in Texas, right here in the Hill Country.
The Georgetown Fall Fest @Sweet Eats Adventure Farm and Petting Zoo. Visit sweeteats.com for more information.
Walking and navigating your way through the maze contribute to meeting your daily physical activity goal. If you temporarily get lost, don’t despair! That’s a few more steps you can add to your step count.
6. Build an Outdoor Obstacle Course
Do you have a future American Ninja Warrior at home? Building a backyard obstacle course not only promotes family exercise but also sparks creativity. This affordable, energetic activity can be assembled using household items such as hula hoops, plastic cones, a ladder, chalk, and other supplies. Get the whole family involved in collecting the materials, setting up the course, and enjoying some friendly competition.
7. Local Farms or Fall Festivals
Support local farms in the Texas Hill Country by joining in activities like pumpkin picking, sack races, or hayrides. Many fall festivals feature games that keep families active while celebrating the season.
8. Halloween Hopscotch
Your kiddos love to jump around, so why not get them hopping during Halloween hopscotch? Cut pumpkin shapes from poster boards or chalk out festive designs. Kids will love hopping from square to square while burning energy.
9. Play a Round of Musical Statues
Turn up the beat and start grooving! Dancing is a unique way to express yourself and a fun, low-impact form of exercise. Turn on the dance beats and start burning calories! For a fun game idea, check out these instructions for Musical Statues:
Players stand in an area with enough room to dance, and a designated person controls the music. When the music starts, the players dance along to it, and when it stops, they must freeze in position. Any player who moves or laughs while the music has stopped is out of the game. Play continues until there is only one person left, who will be announced as the winner.
10. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make your family hike even more special by sharing the wonders of nature with your kids. Take a moment to point out different kinds of leaves, bugs, or flowers, turning the walk into a fun and educational adventure for everyone. Go the extra mile and print out BINGO-style cards with pictures of nature objects – your young explorers will enjoy finding the items on their cards. Add stickers or small rewards to make it even more engaging.
Stay Active and Stay Healthy in Texas Hill Country
Family fitness doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be fun, memorable, and rewarding. This fall, try one (or all) of these activities to boost your family’s health and enjoy the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
At Aspire Family Medical, our mission is to provide affordable, accessible, and personalized healthcare for families across Central Texas. We’re here to support your wellness journey and encourage healthy habits for every season.