The arrival of the fall season brings many opportunities for families to enjoy quality time together. For families who love the outdoors, autumn is the perfect season to enjoy time together. In many states, mild temps combine with stunning natural scenes for the perfect fall outing. To help Gardner School families plan their fall family gatherings, we organized a fun list of some family-friendly seasonal experiences. So, raise your apple cider or your pumpkin spice latte in honor of all the wonderful things there are to do in fall!
Build a Bonfire
When the temperature drops at night, a roaring fire can make everyone feel cozy and warm. You can even make a meal of it, roasting hot dogs, apples, potatoes, and, of course, marshmallows for s’mores. If making your own fire feels like a bit much, check out self-contained outdoor stoves. These provide the joy of a fall fire while protecting the air quality around the fire. They’re great for urban and suburban families who want a fire’s glow without the mess. A family bonfire is also a great time to teach fire safety rules so that kids can enjoy them for years to come. Of course, always check with your local authorities before building a fire. If you’ve had a recent drought, it may not be the right time for one.
Try a Fall-Themed Craft
Colorful autumn items like leaves, seeds, and berries can be used to make beautiful fall art. Leaf rubbings, fall garlands, and pine cone crafts are just a few adorable art projects that kids will love. Our blog on fall crafts has even more ideas to kick-start your creativity.
Celebrate the Harvest
Help kids stay connected to the natural world by celebrating what fall is all about — harvesting and preparing for winter. On a hike or a nature walk, point out squirrels, chipmunks, and birds gathering seeds and berries for the winter. Then, encourage your own autumn storage by visiting an apple orchard or pumpkin patch for a picture-perfect picking adventure. In the days after, set up an apple tasting contest to try out all the varietals. You can make homemade applesauce, roast some pumpkin seeds, and make other fall favorites to celebrate the season.
Gather at a Game
One of the best ways to enjoy a fall sports event as a family is to attend a game together or watch one at home. Prepare some snacks, dress everyone up in your favorite team colors, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from cheering for a team. Point out some things for your children to watch during the game, such as specific team players or roles, coaches, special tactics and plays, and even the scoreboard. Another fun strategy is asking your children to observe other things happening during the game, including cheers and chants, pep or marching band music, and even pre-game activities on the field.
Celebrate the Seasons With The Gardner School
Preschoolers observe everything around them, and seasonal activities and traditions can be so meaningful and valuable to kids. At TGS, many of our locations hold annual fall festivals that families love to attend. We also provide responsive, engaging learning throughout the entire year to help children learn more about their communities and the world. For daily care that inspires kids to explore, contact us today to learn more or view our virtual tours of The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose The Gardner School!
