Break out the sweaters, fall is here. I always love the first day of fall, but even more so when the temperature cooperates. It is easier to celebrate the first touch of autumn when there is a little chill in the air like there is in my part of the country this year. Regardless of where you live though, the following family activities will help you usher in the changing of the seasons.
Head to a farmers market with a plan
We love visiting the local farmers markets as soon as they start popping up, but especially on the first day of fall. Plan to pick up fresh ingredients to make a special fall treat like apple cobbler or a big pot of your family's favorite soup. Have everyone help in the shopping and the preparation to make it a fun family activity that could easily become a tradition.
Decorate your home for fall
Over the summer my house was decorated with red, white, and blue, but now that fall is here it is time to create a little homey atmosphere. While at the farmers market, consider picking up corn stalks or hay bales, Indian corn and a few pumpkins. The rich natural colors of fall will start framing your home in no time, but for now a few decorations can change the atmosphere. The kids can help place items, or work on stuffing a scarecrow using old clothes to prop up by a tree or on a hay bale.
Take a hike
Family hikes are a great way to soak up the last rays of summer and see the woods before the leaves disappear for the season. We love to start the hike by searching for the perfect walking stick. This keeps everyone entertained and moving along. By the time the sticks are found, it is usually time to stop for a drink break. Be sure to pack water and simple snacks like trail mix or apples to keep energy levels up and whines down.
Make fall crafts
Gather sticks, leaves, seeds and nuts while on a hike, or just head outside to find a few supplies. Arrange the items to make a picture on a piece of construction paper, or piece of bark. Painting on rocks is another fun project for the family. Sitting outside on a cool fall day with rocks and paint is a good way to kick off the season. After painting a handful of rocks, the kids share their pretty rocks with the neighborhood.
Take inventory
You can transition into the next season without leaving a trail by taking inventory of your belongings. Putting away the summer toys and cleaning up the backyard is not a glamorous way to spend the first day of fall, but it will make the rest of the year go a little smoother. This is also a good time to go through the summer clothes and pull out the winter clothes. Box up what you can use next year, and start a pile to give away to charity.
More by Sylvie Branch:
Family time capsules: Capture the magic of childhood
Dealing with Disappointment: Do's and Don'ts to Help Your Teen
