Fall is my favorite time of the year. After surviving the brutal summer in San Antonio, a slightly cooler fall is most welcome.
About a month ago, my kids and I made a list of things we want to do this fall. Even though we don’t live in the beautiful Northeast or gorgeous Colorado where nature shows off its colors, we can still have fall experiences. I’m a firm believer in giving our kids experiences rather than material possessions. As a bonus, we get to spend more time together too.
My kids made a really long list. Today, I’m shortening that list for other families who may want to start with a few simple activities. Give these a try. You’ll have so much fun![hr]
1. Go on a nature walk.
Take a walk and focus on the new season. Have conversations with your kids about the seasons changing and how things around us change, too.
Take your time. I suggest bringing a basket or paper bag with you to collect things you find on your walk. Point out the different trees and leaves. Talk about the colors of the leaves and how the leaves will eventually fall off when the time is right. Urge your kids to collect leaves from different trees, as well as acorns, pinecones, and other nature treasures.
When you get home, create something with your nature materials. Make a collage with the leaves by placing them on colorful paper and painting over them with glue. Or, make leaf rubbings by putting leaves under paper and using the side of a crayon to make pictures. This one is really neat because kids can see the different lines and shapes of the leaves. Take your craft one step further by framing your creations to decorate your home for fall.[hr]
2. Bake an apple pie.
This is another fun autumn activity to do with your kids. Don’t worry if you are not a good baker—you really can’t mess this one up. With a few simple ingredients and about an hour in the kitchen, you will create a fall memory your kids will treasure.
This is the recipe I use.
Let your kids help as much as they can. Allow them to peel and slice the apples if they are old enough. If not, let them help put pre-sliced apples in the crust. Take turns sprinkling sugar, cinnamon, and butter. And by all means, let them taste as they go! They will love eating something they helped bake. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to make another one!
Sometimes we moms want our baking to be perfect. Let that go. When baking with kids, the kitchen will get messy and the end product may not look pretty, but that’s not the point. Let go of your perfectionism and enjoy the memories you are making with your kids.
Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream![hr]
3. Visit a pumpkin patch.
Pumpkins represent fall. If you are not familiar with the pumpkin patches in our area, you’re in luck! We have put together a list for you here.
For a small fee, you can enjoy all kinds of fall activities. Many patches have hay rides, pumpkin painting, and even story time. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at the patch.
Don’t forget your camera to take pictures of your little pumpkins among the pumpkins![hr]
4. Get creative with pumpkins.
Buy some pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, and use them to decorate your home. The ideas are endless. You can paint them, carve them into fun shapes, or use them to bake pumpkin seeds. If your kids are young, let them put stickers on them. Display your pumpkin art around your home. Kids love seeing their creations showcased.
Don’t forget to carve a jack-o’-lantern to display on Halloween night![hr]
5. Dress up in costumes.
At our house, the idea of dress-up has faded as my children have grown older. Dressing up lets us pretend and play, which gives us reasons to giggle and be silly. No one is ever too old for that!
Some moms might even consider making costumes with their kids. I personally fall into the category of moms who orders pre-made costumes, but if you enjoy getting a little crafty, this is the perfect time to embrace your creativity before trick-or-treating on Halloween!
Happy fall, y’all![hr]