The air is turning crisp, the leaves are becoming golden and, as we leave behind the lazy days of summer, you have most likely returned to your busy work-and-family schedule. Although October and November foliage is a gorgeous site in most of the country, some of us have a hard time adjusting to the change of season. But fall, like summer, has its benefits too. Here are a few fun things to do this weekend and over the next few weeks, before winter sets in.

This weekend, take a stroll with a friend and enjoy fall's beauty. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

This weekend, take a stroll with a friend and enjoy fall’s beauty. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

  1. Just walk. It’s simple and free. Besides, having scarlet, orange and golden leaves surround you can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Pick a safe place to experience nature at this time of year and enjoy. Should you pass a stack of leaves piled high, delight your inner 8-year-old and jump in.
  2. Pick your own. Get together with family or friends and go apple or pumpkin picking. Some farms also sell jam, honey and other fresh treats to visitors, so prepare to shop. Here’s how to find an orchard in the New York, and Chicago areas, as well as, in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Check your local tourism bureau for options in your area.
  3. Have a bake off. So what are going to do with all of those apples and pumpkins? Make pies, of course. Get your best girls together and may best chef win! Pool funds to pay for a modest first prize, like a coupon for a massage at your town’s best spa.
  4. Plan an adventure. Travel agencies and resorts are creating new ways for people to enjoy fall foliage. Bike, rock climb or negotiate a maze under auburn leaves. If you’re looking for a thrill, New Hampshire’s Omni Mountain resort offers a tree canopy zip line tour, an idea that’s catching on around the country, as are ballooning over the trees and bungy jumping.
  5. Take advantage of the weather. Fall’s 60- to 70-degree temperatures offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in the great outdoors. If you avoided outdoor sports during the dog days of summer because of the heat, this is a great time to run, race-walk, hike, golf or tote your yoga mat outdoors without becoming a sweaty mess.

If you want a more relaxing experience, try a fall picnic. The cool weather chases away mosquitoes and other pests, so pack a basket of treats, grab a great friend or a good book and hit the nearest park.

About Fierce Fridays — Tips for Weekend Well-Being

We each cherish those precious days off at the end of the week, but increasingly those of us who are charter members of the sisterhood of the stressed and overworked are losing our Saturday and Sunday leisure time to weekend work and domestic duties.

To make sure that you do something every weekend that’s just for you, we’ll be sharing a little advice to make those 48 hours a great time to recharge your batteries, bring a little good news into your life, or discover a quick and easy way to improve your health.