After a long, hot summer, fall is a welcome relief with cooler temperatures and a variety of new activities to enjoy. Before the winter months set in and it is too cold to be outdoors without lots of heavy layers, take advantage of all fall has to offer and soak up the change in seasons. It is especially important to highlight the new season’s features to children, so they learn and understand what a new season really means.
Heading out into nature is a great way for families to soak up the colorful season and enjoy the outdoors before cold weather sets in. A walk in the woods, a field, or even a city park gives kids an opportunity to witness the changing landscape up close. Be sure to pack water and snacks for your journey, and either a bucket or bag for kids to save the things they find. Colorful leaves, pine cones, and acorns are all great fall souvenirs.
Another fun activity for enjoying the fall weather is visiting an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. In addition to picking apples to bake into a pie later or selecting a pumpkin to carve at home, sometimes farms also offer other activities such as hay rides or a corn maze. If you pack a picnic lunch, you can easily make a day out of a visit to a farm.
If visiting a farm is out of the question, check to see if there are any farmer’s markets in your area. If not, consider a walk through the produce section of your local grocery store for a great lesson in teaching children that certain fruits and vegetables grow best in certain seasons. You can explain to your kids that eating produce when it is in season means it will typically have better flavor and a lower cost.
While it can vary by region, the following is a selection of fall produce choices:
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Eggplant
- Kale
- Leeks
- Pears
- Pumpkins
- Winter squash
As a bonus, many experts agree that when parents allow kids to select produce, they are more open to trying it once it’s served in a meal at home.
No matter which activity you choose, the most important thing is to get outside and enjoy fall as a family.
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