Fun Fall Activities for Your Family

Fun family adventures don't have to be over just because summer is!  The weather is a little cooler, but that can actually make being outside with little ones even easier.  We'll have lots of fun family activities at our Fall Family Day on Saturday, October 19, but don't wait until then to try out some of these great ideas!  

1.  Go for a hike on the Larkin State Bridle Trail.  The Bridle Trail (and every other trail in CT) is beautiful right now and totally flat.  Even if you don't chose the Bridle Trail, soak up some sun and kick through the fallen leaves!

2.  Pick your own apples and make a creative crisp.  This activity is for the body and the mind... get out the measuring cups and talk about fractions, nutrition, and following directions.  I recommend trying some fun additions to your crisps like nut butters, caramel chips, dried cranberries, even pretzels!  Who knows, you might create a new (semi-healthy) family favorite.  

3.  Get out the paint and capture those fall colors.  Although we're really good at taking photos of what we're up to (thanks smartphones!), when is the last time you painted with your kids?  I remember taking our watercolors with us to the apple orchard on a Columbus Day weekend when I was in elementary school and thinking I was a serious artist.  There's no right or wrong way to do it, just have fun!  

4.  While you've got the paint out, try leaf printing.  Find a few different kinds of downed leaves, paint them, and use them like stamps.  If you want to incorporate more science, use a field guide to identify the different trees the leaves came from (or use this website: http://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/).  

5.  Rake leaves for a neighbor.  It's just more fun to rake for someone else and spread the random acts of kindness around!   

6.  If your little ones are into the spooky aspect of this season, try headstone rubbings.  Bring some paper and crayons to a local cemetery and find the oldest headstones, coolest last names, or same birthdays.  Just make sure the crayon stays on the paper!  You can also do this on trees (which would relate back to your leaf prints!).    

7.  Work on a homemade Halloween Costume!  Anyone can buy a costume, but there are some excellent, homemade diy's out there.  These four require little more than a cardboard box: http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/halloween/homemade-halloween-costume-ideas-... 

Whatever you do, get outside and enjoy your family!  For more information about our fall events, including Vacation Camps and Fall Family Day, please email me at cambrozaitis@waterburyymca.org.