Despite the fall season’s beauty and magic around Barrington, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to draw on into a time otherwise-filled with love and joy. While the pandemic is no longer a new topic of discussion, it still remains relevant, dangerous, and still hinders the usual fall festivities and enjoyments.

Staying safe during the fall season can be tricky, but with safety precautions, social distancing, and finding creative at-home activities, the fall celebrations don’t have to stop this year. Thankfully, there are a lot of COVID-friendly activities to do this year!

1. Have a bonfire night with marshmallows and s’mores
   S’mores and marshmallows are undeniably one of the most crucial parts of celebrating fall. The night-time chill and the warmth of a bonfire, all while snacking on gooey s’mores is a great way of basking in the fall comfort while staying safe at home.
2. Have a spooky/horror movie night
   Spooky movies, though perhaps not for everyone, are an amazing way to enjoy both autumn and Halloween. Cult-favorite movies such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Exorcist are incredibly popular and fun to watch. If you’re not into horror, sweet movies like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and Beetlejuice are also great, classic fall movies to watch!
3. Go apple-picking
   Thankfully, apple-picking is one of those fall activities that are naturally socially-distant. It’s a great way to get outside, feel a sense of normalcy, and celebrate fall, while simultaneously staying safe during the pandemic. Just take a thick sweater, a basket/bag, and a mask, and the fall festivity will come with!
4. Bake some warm, fall-festive treats
   Baking, especially with fall-specific flavors like pumpkin spice, is always a lively and delightful way to celebrate the autumn months. Baked goods like oatmeal bars, maple cookies, or even plain-old chocolate chip cookies are incredibly fall-nostalgic. Plus, you get to enjoy good food. There’s nothing to hate here!
5. Have a fall-themed photoshoot
   While taking fall photos usually happens with a group of friends, it also is a fun way to celebrate autumn by yourself, socially distanced. With a cute outfit and a fall setting, the photos you take will turn out great and be a fun way to get outside and enjoy the seasonal color change.
6. Try some pumpkin/apple flavored foods
   Pumpkin-themed/flavored anything is a fall staple. Maybe it came from the popular Halloween tradition of carving pumpkins, but in any way, it’s a perfect, and almost mandatory, activity to feel the fall-excitement despite quarantining at home.
7. Have a cozy day-in
   Sometimes, the best part about the fall season is those cozy days in with no plans except a good book and a hot cup of tea. What’s a better way to celebrate fall than to celebrate those simple days? A big sweater, fuzzy socks, and a thick blanket are all you need to celebrate the warmth and coziness of fall.
8. Visit local farms
   Visiting local farms is another great way to experience the fall season through harvesting and corn mazes. Furthermore, it’s a great way to support local businesses around you during the pandemic. Just make sure to stay socially distanced and wear a mask!
9. Make cute, at-home fall decorations
   Fall decorations are cute, aesthetic, and look great displayed around the house! A creative way to enjoy the fall season is to make pretty, low-budget decorations at home. They add a personal touch and bring the fall colors to your home! The decorations can also be customized for your style, so you know you’ll love it!
10. Try a new, fall-themed Starbucks drink
    Seasonal Starbucks drinks are a blast to try every year. The flavored lattes, hot chocolates, and even teas are a flavorful way to appreciate autumn this year. You can choose popular fall classics like the pumpkin spice lattes, or go for something a little less known, like the caramel pumpkin macchiato. Customizable additions like pumpkin cold cream foam can also really spice up the flavor!
11. Go stargazing
    Stargazing is an often overlooked activity, something not as common for the fall season. Regardless, it’s an incredibly fun and relaxing way to spend a warm fall night. While city and suburban stargazing might not be perfectly clear or make it easy to find constellations, it’s well worth your time to try anyway. It’s a peaceful way to spend a night during the pandemic, where much of the world around you is quiet and calm.