5 things to do in the fall with friends
Now that it’s fall and you’re back at school, it may take more effort to maintain your social life. It’s important to make time to be around friends, unwind, and try new things after school. Whether you’re exploring colourful landscapes or staying warm indoors, there are plenty of fun, simple, and safe fall activities to enjoy together.
1. DIY fall photoshoot
Before the fall foliage disappears, make memories in the beautiful scenery with friends. All you need for your photoshoot is your camera or phone and your favourite people. Canada is filled with green spaces — from national parks and forests to urban ravines and gardens — that showcase the season’s rich hues.
2. Outdoor movie night
With the sun setting earlier, we have longer and darker evenings to enjoy. So, create an outdoor theatre! Pick a feel-good movie or Halloween classic to watch on your tablet or laptop at a nearby park or in your backyard. Remember to bring your friends, a picnic mat, and some snacks.
3. Create a fall playlist
Music is uniting and can spark joy. Gather your friends and create a playlist that represents each of you. Whether you want to use a theme or add music from your favourites folder, this could become your signature playlist for karaoke sessions and listening parties.
Tip: Try mixing in English and French songs to discover bilingual artists and expand your music preferences!
4. Hot chocolate tasting
The weather is getting colder, and it’s a perfect time to host a cosy tasting party for your cocoa-loving friends! Invite them over and try different toppings for hot chocolate. Whether it’s caramel, cinnamon, peppermint, or more, have a delicious time finding your new favourite.
5. Flashlight story night
Spooky season calls for story time. At your next evening meetup with your friends, think of your best scary stories to tell with a flashlight. Bring your imagination to life and make it as frightening or funny as you can.
Group fall activities
Are you in a youth group and want to level up your fall experiences? Tell your adult leader about the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC) program. Through YEC exchanges, youth groups from different places in Canada are paired and take turns enjoying each other’s cities for at least five days through various activities.
Join a YMCA exchange program
Our exchanges aren’t limited to fall fun. YEC runs year-round, and the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) program for individuals runs for six weeks during the summer.
With SWSE, youths ages 16 and 17 explore a new city in Canada, get a full-time paid job, and learn their second official language, guided by our coordinators and host families.
Participating in YEC or SWSE offers youth a unique path to long-lasting connections. By choosing immersion, you do more than travel; you create new relationships.
If you want to learn more about YMCA exchange programs, please visit our websites or contact us. And spread the word: tell your friends about our exchange programs so they can begin their journey toward becoming bilingual, while discovering a new part of Canada.
YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC):
Website: ymcagta.org/yec
Email: Info.yec@ymcagta.org
YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE):
Website: ymcagta.org/swse
Email: Info.swse@ymcagta.org
Article written by Benita Ngwela
