A great part about fall is being able to be outside without unbearable heat! Here are some inexpensive, fun, fall activities for you and your family!

Kids want to learn how to do things on their own. So many times I hear, “I do it, mommy!”

Giving them something constructive to do that allows them some self-confidence and independence really helps build strong character. I always hear about the different skills kids develop as they grow: motor, social, practical. I want my daughter to learn these skills in the most organic, reasonable way possible. Here are some neat ideas to inspire, encourage and have a great time with your kids in fall:

1. Hiking
   Hiking allows you to get outside, spend some quality time together, get some great exercise, and usually costs little to no money (besides the gas to drive somewhere if you do not live next door to a state park). You can even make a scavenger-hunt out of it or play I-Spy.

2. Gardening
   Gardening requires no driving, is a great time to get dirty, gets the whole family involved. If it is too cold to plant, you can start to plan for a family garden for spring. Ask everyone what they like (flowers, herbs, vegetables or fruits), and let everyone pick a responsibility.
   

3. Apple/ Berry picking
   Show the kids how fruit grows and you get something to take home.
   

4. Pumpkin Patches
   Find a local pumpkin patch, walk around, have each child pick out a pumpkin and take them home for some pumpkin seeds or pie.
   

5. Astronomy
   Check out the stars from the backyard. Look for the “Sky Watch” in the paper to have as a guide.

6. Nature Centers
   Naturalists are usually on staff to answer questions from the kids, so you don't have to know everything.

7. Make a Clean-up Date
   On your trail walk, pick up any trash or foreign items you seen. Bring along some bags for pick up. Preservation activities educate kids about their ability to do something constructive for the environment and community. This is also a chance to model responsible environmental manners that will help instill those values in our kids.
   

8. Other outdoor family ideas
   Depending on the weather, think about bird watching, sledding or biking.

What activities have you and your family done this fall?

2 others have done this "5 minutes of caring" To date, you've cared for 0 minutes on CoolPeopleCare.org

Post a comment

You must be a registered user to post comments.
Log in or create an account.