As we enter October, everyone’s thoughts turn to pumpkins, cooler weather, and the holidays ahead. Fall has always been my favorite season for a number of reasons; but, now that I am married with kids, one of the things I love about the fall the most are the opportunities to bond with my family.
Summer is filled with road trips, long days on the beach, and enjoyable family vacations, but falling leaves and cooler days also give us plenty of reasons to celebrate. The truth is, every season comes with it’s own unique opportunities to connect and enjoy life. We just have to train our eyes to see the wonder in each season.
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When fall is in the air, we are presented with countless opportunities to share experiences with our families that will stay with them for years to come. Plus, cooler temps that are not freezing encourage a long list of outdoor activities, and that is a beautiful thing.
So what can you do to bond with your family this fall? Here’s a list of 5 fun fall activities that offer good times and meaningful opportunities to grow and laugh with the people you love most.
An all day trip to the pumpkin farm
My kids love going to the farm to pick apples and pumpkins every fall. Many farms also offer so much more than pumpkin picking, so turning it into an all day experience is a great chance for your family to have some fun together and bond.
Find a farm that offers playgrounds, activities, shows and an eating establishment. By doing so your can turn a quick trip to get two pumpkins into an all day experience your kids will always cherish.
Participating in a family fun walk
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, making it a great opportunity to raise money for a very important cause while spending time with your family doing something fun and healthy. And if you can’t swing it in October, you can find tons of races being offered in November and December, many which include family fun runs (or walks). Bonding to raise money for a cause that matters to you, while showing your kids the importance of exercise and healthy living—well, you can’t beat that.
Getting creative about giving back this holiday season
As we enter the season of giving (although every season should be the season of giving), think of fun and creative ways for your family to give back.
Maybe you can volunteer somewhere together. Maybe you can organize a neighborhood food drive. Or, maybe you can even put together packages to send to troops abroad or to the elderly. Whatever your do, make it fun and make it meaningful.
Cooking and baking together
Cooking with your family can be a great experience. Try to pick nights where you create fall-themed meals together. It’s a great time to talk, share, and laugh a lot.
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The conversation starts while you prep the meal and then everyone gets to enjoy the meal together. Cooking is, in many ways, an expression of love. Also, younger children typically love helping in the kitchen. I think I’ll be baking pumpkin muffins with the kids later this week.
Enjoying a starry night
I know so many of us are disappointed about shorter days and early sunsets, but there really is a bright side to it all (no pun intended). When the sun sets earlier, it gives you the opportunity to find a place where your family can just enjoy the starry skies.
Listen, I totally understand if camping is not an option because I refuse to sleep outside myself, but an evening hike after dinner, or a drive to the perfect location can give you all a chance to enjoy the beauty of a clear night and an early sunset.
BMWK, what are some of your family fall traditions?