Fall is the perfect time for family gatherings and getaways...and for capturing that perfect holiday card photo! So, with that in mind, here are the Care.com editors picks for best memory-making activities the whole family can enjoy together:
Apple Picking & Hayrides
Nothing feels more like fall than a trip to a local farm for apple picking and hayrides, and the promise of apple pies and other culinary comforts back at home upon your return. Find an orchard or pick-your-own farm near you and make a day out of it! If you're lucky and do your homework, you may even be able to pick your own pumpkin to carve, hop on a hayride, or watch cider presses in action. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing—it's always more rugged and active than you remember!
Fall Crafts & Baking
Kids love to help out in the kitchen, and the return home after an apple picking adventure is the best time for baking pies, carving pumpkins and toasting seeds, and dipping apples in caramel. When you're done, there's nothing better than reaping the rewards of your labor together with a family games or movie night in front of the fire, noshing on your freshly-baked goodies!
For more creative inspiration, check out these favorite resources:
Family Fun Magazine: Festive Fall Crafts
Kaboose.com: Fall for the family
Harvest Festivals, Fairs, and Oktoberfests
Autumn is the harvest season, the time to reap Mother Nature's last bounty before winter (and the time for hibernation from the cold) begins. Celebrate the history and culture this season has spawned by taking your kids to a local outdoor harvest festival, agricultural fair, or Oktoberfest event. Your whole family will love learning about and engaging in the traditions—everything from livestock and Biggest Pumpkin contests to German foods and dress. Hurry, though—these outdoor events generally wind down about a week before Halloween!
Halloween Parties & Costumes
When it comes to planning the perfect party while putting the E in easy, there are really only two places to turn: Martha Stewart and Family Fun. Here are some shortcut links to the popular magazines' special issues online:
Martha Stewart Holiday: Halloween Special Issue
Family Fun: Halloween Fright Site
Have a favorite fall tradition, recipe, or craft you enjoy with your family? Share it with the Care.com community by posting a comment!
Cheers,
Sheila
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