Your essential guide for fall activities with your little adventurers
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus
As we say goodbye to the tail end of summer, autumn rolls around with crisp air, colourful leaves, and a new wave of things to do in the new season! Of course, with temperatures decreasing and the amount of rain increasing, staying in is quickly becoming the norm. Lots of families take this time to hibernate as the chilly weather bodes for flu season and back to school festivities, but we still encourage you get your kid(s) suited/booted up and get outside regardless. Studies have shown that kids who play outdoors are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend all their time indoors. Imagine shifting from being outside several days a week during the summertime, to no time at all in the fall and/or winter seasons.
(Source: Child Mind Institute)
So, that being said, suit 'em up, hold their hand, and take 'em out the front door! But what can you exactly do? You came to the right place - keep on reading for some activities and tips on what to do with your little bundle(s) of joy, no matter the weather.
1. Apple Picking
Fall is optimal apple harvesting season - it's a great way to explore some local farms, get some exercise and bring some healthy snacks home. If there are any leftover, you can get the kids to bob for apples with their friends or bake desserts.
2. Rake Leaves in the Yard
This is an activity that doesn't require you to leave the house or spend any extra cash. Make a game out of it - for example, get your little one(s) to clear out a path that spells their name or makes a shape, tell them to rake leaves of a certain colour, or simply rake everything into a big pile and watch them happily leap into it. This gets a tedious chore checked off your list while having some fun with everyone.
3. Take a Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
Fall season is officially pumpkin season. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pies, and picking the perfect pumpkin at the patch. There are usually lots of other attractions to do at pumpkin patches - corn mazes, hay rides, farm animals, lots to keep your little one(s) entertained. After you select your perfect pumpkins, you can carve jack-o-'-lanterns, roast pumpkin seeds, and make pumpkin pies at home!
4. Go on a Colour Walk
Fall is the perfect time for a nature walk - rain or shine. The leaves are turning into beautiful shades of red, orange, brown and gold. Your kids have the freedom to roam around and enjoy the fresh air while collecting and identifying leaves. You can explore at a park, hike, forest trail or even around the block. If they decide to bring the leaves home, you can help them press the leaves in a photo album or create leaf rubbings. These craft ideas will get their creative juices flowing while making some great memories.
We hope some of our ideas inspire you to integrate some outdoor activities with your kids this fall season. Remember to always dress your children to be comfortable in all weather elements, to best support better development. Have fun and make sure to tag us on Instagram (@stonzwear) during your autumn activities!