10 Autumn Evenings Without Screens

Autumn evenings arrive earlier, bringing longer nights and a natural pull toward cosiness at home. But too often, those evenings disappear into hours of scrolling or streaming. What if we pressed pause and filled some of that time with simple, screen-free moments instead?

Here are ten screen-free ideas to try this autumn — perfect for families with teens, or anyone craving more connection, creativity, and calm.

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1. Candlelit Board Game Night

Switch off the lights, light a few candles, and pull out a board game or deck of cards. The glow, the laughter, and the shared fun create memories that no screen can match.

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2. Cook or Bake Together

Pick a simple seasonal recipe — apple crumble, pumpkin bread, or a big pot of chili — and make it as a family. Teens love being in the kitchen when they’re given ownership of a dish (and especially when they get to eat it afterwards!).

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3. Backyard Firepit Evening

Wrap up in blankets, make hot chocolate, and sit around the firepit (or a few candles if you don’t have one). Tell stories, share highlights of the week, or just watch the flames together.

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4. Shared Reading Time

Choose a book that suits everyone — a classic ghost story, a seasonal novel, or even a short story collection. Read aloud, taking turns. It’s surprisingly fun, even for teens, and it brings a sense of togetherness.

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5. Autumn Craft Night

Press leaves, make conker creatures, or create simple DIY wreaths. Crafts don’t have to be complicated — sometimes just sitting at the table with glue, scissors, and natural finds is enough to spark creativity.

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6. Music & Hot Chocolate Bar

Instead of scrolling, put on a playlist, set out mugs, and create a hot chocolate “bar” with toppings like cream, marshmallows, or cinnamon. Chat, laugh, and enjoy the cosy ritual.

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7. Write Letters or Journals

Set out paper, pens, and envelopes. Write a letter to a friend or jot down thoughts in a journal. Teens might enjoy creating a gratitude list or doodling in the margins. Writing by hand slows us down in the best way.

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8. Indoor Picnic on the Floor

Lay down blankets, make a plate of simple snacks (cheese, bread, fruit), and sit together for a casual picnic. It’s low effort but instantly feels like an “event.”

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9. Stargazing (Even from the Garden)

Step outside, wrap up, and look up at the autumn sky. Even from a back garden, you can spot stars, planes, and sometimes planets. Add a thermos of tea and it becomes a cosy adventure.

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10. Family “Idea Jar”

Get everyone to write down screen-free evening ideas on slips of paper and pop them into a jar. Each night you want a break, pull one out. It keeps things spontaneous and fun.

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Screens will always be there, but these evenings remind us that some of the simplest pleasures — firelight, conversation, food, creativity — are the ones that bring us closer together. This autumn, why not swap one night a week of scrolling for something a little more memorable?

Throughout the autumn season I will be sharing lots of autumnal inspiration over on Instagram and Pinterest if either of those platforms are your thing. If not there is lots of further autumn content here on the blog if you take a look under the “Seasonal Inspiration” category in the main menu!

Chat soon

Ciara x