Favorite Fall Activities with Toddlers
It’s that time of year. Yes, it is actually and finally, that time of year. The season is changing. Many people have been ushering in the fall season since early August and I’m sorry but I can’t stand it when people prematurely enter a new season, and I’ll tell you why. Time is so precious, and fleeting. I have been trying to live more in the present, not the future and not the past. When it is winter I want to try my best to enjoy winter (maybe take a nice vacation to break things up, I’m not a total monster) or enjoy the incoming of spring with fresh blooms, the change in temperature, rain showers, and the unfortunate high winds here in Colorado, the summertime lovin’ that comes with warm weather, longer days, and joyful sunshine (and yard chores), and then, when the time comes, the influx of crisp air, cooler nights, sweater weather, and changing leaves. I want to enjoy the seasons while they are present, not press ahead and constantly living in the future and forgetting to enjoy the present.
If you are someone who decorates prematurely, I don’t despise you. It’s simply that I just try not to subscribe to it . But, if you are someone who ushers in fall earlier than the weather, I have finally started catching up to you and I’m currently planning fall activities for myself and the kids during this season. Continue reading for some of my favorite activities.
Apple Picking
A classic. If they are common in your area. I grew up going apple picking almost every year in Maine with family and friends and it was always a blast. Climbing up the trees to pick the “best” apple, filling up your bag completely full, and having to drag it through the orchard. It’s an experience, and if you are all about the picture-perfect scene, this is a great spot to get great photo ops. I haven’t brought my kids yet, mainly because the orchards around here seem to dry up before fall so it’s not as festive, and we also have an apple tree in our backyard that produces a lot of delicious apples so we don’t have to venture far! We hope to plant another tree as well as some other fruit trees in the next year or two.
Pumpkin Patch
A classic. The pumpkin patch. I love going to one locally in Colorado Springs called Longneck Pumpkin Farm. They have petting zoo animals, chickens, a hay ride, jungle gyms, food and beverages, and so many fun activities, as well as a pumpkin patch where you and your little one can pick out the perfect (or imperfect) pumpkin to bring home with you.
Seasonal Baking
Filling the house with warm scents and bringing in a feeling of comfort is what seasonal baking is all about. Bringing out classic recipes to enjoy with family and friends always brings people together, the perfect touch when the weather starts to cool. Another fun aspect, if you have kids, this is a great activity for them to feel included in. Helping stir the bowl, add in ingredients, and of course, enjoying delicious treats is so fun and rewarding to watch as a parent.
Leaf Peeping
Honestly, growing up in Maine with absolutely stunning fall foliage, we just made fun of all the people that came to visit to view the leaves changing, but now that I don’t live in New England anymore, I completely understand the appeal. I miss it so much. The mountains in Colorado can have beautiful color, but it depends on the year. Some years the weather is crazy and we’ll get a massive snow in September and it will kill any chances of leaves changing, they will merely fall to the ground in sadness and winter comes early. Blasted high altitude weather! But, so far we have had a pretty warm beginning of fall and (knock on wood) no snow in the forecast so I think driving to the mountains one weekend may be a beautiful sight.
Local Activities
A town nearby us called Manitou Springs has their annual Coffin Races for the Halloween season, and I fully intend on going this year and bringing the kids to see what it is all about. It is a several-hour event and it becomes a big festival in the small town where the kids can run around and have a blast and the parents can enjoy the events and shops.
There are usually Oktoberfests, outdoor concerts/festivals, and other great outdoor activities going on this time of year. Finding the right event for your family depends on your preferences! Some kids will prefer being in the comfort of their home, baking seasonal treats, and other kids would rather run around and climb trees.
And if you don’t have kids or you don’t want to do any of those activities…do you! We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time so do what you enjoy!
