Summer is drawing to a close and you’ve had a blast. The kids have been entertained all summer long and you’ve made memories that they’ll keep with them forever.
Days at the beach and the lake, holidays to a new part of the country (or even a new continent), BBQs, outdoor adventures and long days filled with sunshine. It’s no wonder that so many of us feel deflated when the leaves begin to fall!
But don’t worry; just because autumn is coming doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop! Check out these five things to do in the fall for a fun-filled family autumn and you can carry on making memories to last a lifetime.
Bring in the Harvest
Autumn is a time for harvesting, and that includes you too – not just the farmers! Why not take a trip to a local orchard or fruit farm, and spend the day picking apples, berries, plums or the perfect pie pumpkin? Or if you have apple or peach trees in your garden, dedicate an afternoon to picking the fruit and turning it into pies, jellies and other deliciously warming treats. The kids will love being able to pick fruit and then help turn it into tasty treats. And eating freshly harvested fruit is always fun too!
Host a Mini Bonfire
Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean you have to pack the BBQ or fire pit away just yet. Gather the family around and have a mini bonfire in your back yard. Try cooking up this easy Campfire Ham and Cheese Bread and then have everyone eat outdoors. Kids and adults will both enjoy roasting hot dogs and marshmallows on the BBQ on a chilly autumn afternoon, and the fire will help keep everyone comfortable.
Do Something Spooky
When the chill of fall first hits, it isn’t long before we start looking forward to the holidays. And Halloween is one holiday that kids especially love! To get into the spirit, why not try something spooky with your older children? Consider visiting a haunted house family attraction, reading ghost stories together or visiting a place that has ties to a bloody or spooky historical event. It’s a nice way to have one-on-one time with your older children. If you want to get the whole family involved, plan your Halloween costumes now and start crafting!
Go Fly a Kite
Flying a kite is a dying art! So why not take full advantage of the crisp autumn breeze and show your kids how to fly a kite. If you have no idea what you’re doing, then don’t worry – that’ll be part of the fun! It only takes a little practice to learn to pitch a kite into the breeze and send it soaring off. Pack some snacks and head to an open field, then challenge your kids to see how high their kite can go.
Bake, Bake, Bake!
You’ll find no summer salads and light bites in most family kitchens during the colder months of the year! When it comes to food, autumn and winter are all about indulgence and comfort. So get the kids in on the act too. Find a nice warming soup you can make and enjoy together, or bake some cookies or biscuits in the shape of leaves and pumpkins, then decorate them! You could even try baking a new kind of bread loaf for the family to try out this fall.
The shorter days and colder temperatures of fall may be a bit of a let-down after summer fun, but there is still so much the season has to offer. These five things to do in the fall are ones that you and your kids will both love, and may even turn autumn into your new favourite season!
I can’t believe another summer is nearly over, but I’m looking forward to the fall, it’s easier to get my kids out on hikes, and I love all the harvest festivals.