It’s coming—fall that is. Fall is the best time for outdoor activities with the family or some one-on-one time with the kids. Kids need unstructured playtime, and fall provides a plethora of outdoor activities that even the youngest can do.
Here are a few outdoor ideas to get the creative juices flowing:
Camping was one of my family’s favorite activities. We’d go to a state park for a weekend and let the kids climb rocks, play with sticks, and tell stories around the campfire. You could teach kids to identify leaves and tree types. Older kids can learn how to light a campfire and cook over it. Of course, you don’t need to visit a state park. You can camp in your backyard, especially if you have little ones. These times create memories and strengthen family bonds.
Go for a bike ride. Greenways for Nashville boasts nearly one hundred miles of paved, multi-use greenways. These paths are usually flat and easy for all ages to ride. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Of course, your neighborhood or a nearby park might be the perfect place for a family bike ride. This is a time to teach safety and how to use hand signals and put a chain back on a bike (it happens). Lots of parks also have playgrounds where the youngest can burn off some steam.
Visit a pumpkin farm. Check out farms that provide pumpkin patches or corn mazes. There’s usually a cost and crowds, but the time is worth it. Many provide apple cider, hot chocolate, and other fun activities.
Go to church together (okay, not an outdoor activity). Sports and other extracurricular activities can eat into a weekend, but many churches hold services on Saturday night or other times, providing families flexibility. Our church has a chili cookoff in the fall and provides activities for the kids. This outdoor event provides a relaxed atmosphere and community.
Attend a local high school football game. These events are cheaper than professional or college sports and give kids a glimpse of what’s to come in their future. There’s also food, cheerleaders, and a band to provide entertainment.
Leaf jumping. If you have many mature trees in your yard, leaf jumping is a favorite activity. There’s only a short window of time to do this, so let your kids take advantage. Of course, you can have them rake the piles and help clean the yard.
The outdoors provides vitamin D, which helps with bone, nerve, and immune health. Just thirty minutes of sun can make a difference in your child’s well-being (as well as yours). Choose to play outside this fall with your family.
Sally Cressman is the author of “The Dance of Easter.” She writes about faith, family, and home on her website, www.sallycressman.com. Check out the family conversation starters on Instagram and Facebook.
