I know I usually use this time to share my parenting (and grandparenting) experiences for the purpose of helping you do the same. But every so often I like to change things up a bit, so that’s what we’re going to do. Sort of. This week I just want to give you some ideas on things you can do with your kids over the next few weeks that will allow you to a) make some great memories, b) have some good ole’ family fun, and c) give your kids some experiences that will challenge them to try something new, extend kindness to others, and teach them that things don’t just appear on the store shelves.
So, in no particular order of importance, let’s do this!
Fall festivals abound during the months of September, October, and November. A lot of them are in your proverbial back yard, so you won’t even have to travel very far to get there. These events are great fun and learning experiences because there are always vendors with things like apple butter, spices, and other edibles which will allow you and your children to taste something new and possibly purchase something you can take home to cook…together. Vendors sometimes offer craft kits or puzzles and games. And if someone’s craft or skill is something your child would like to learn to do, ask the vendor about lessons or tutorials.
Pumpkin farms and corn mazes are also lots of fun. But these things are also educational. They help your child learn to make smart choices (which direction to go), read a map, follow directions, or maybe even something as ‘simple’ as deciding which pumpkin they want to take home. Just remember not to toss that pumpkin when Halloween is over. Gut it and toast the seeds for a healthy and yummy snack. You can flavor them with salt, dry ranch dressing, or dry bbq seasoning. Of if you are a fan of all things pumpkin, you can cook the pumpkin to make smoothies, pies, or breads.
Apples and grapes are pretty popular around here. Visit the farms and pick your own or buy from their on-site farmstand. Take your produce home and make cider, jelly/jam, pie, or muffins. You might even want to try drying some of the fruit into fruit leather or raisins. Sweet potatoes are also popular this time of year. They don’t have to be eaten with all the marshmallow goo. In fact, they taste a lot better and are a lot healthier if you bake them and top with a bit of salt, butter, and grated parmesan cheese or bacon bits.
Grab a bag or two of the mini pumpkins. Let the kids paint faces on them and give them to residents at a nursing home, elderly neighbors, or to the workers at your favorite drive-thru window.
Rake leaves for people unable to do this for themselves. Don’t forget to bag them up and haul them away, too.
Have a family cookout. Hotdogs, chips, baked beans, and s’mores.
While you definitely won’t get rich picking up walnuts (just ask my kids if you don’t believe me), you could do an elderly neighbor a HUGE service by tackling this job for them. So, if you know someone who might need some help with this, go for it!
These are just a few of the countless ways to enjoy this time of the year in the beautiful place we live. I didn’t even mention things like scavenger hunts, Halloween and harvest parties, and my personal favorite–hayrides. Oh, wait…I just did.
Anyway, I hope you and your children have lots of fun making memories together!
