Fall Fun 4 Kids!

Fall Fun 4 Kids!

by Colleen Langenfeld
Copyright (c) 2004


Looking to make some sweet Fall memories with your
little ones? Here are some great ideas to get your
family laughing, smiling and enjoying each other's
company during these crisp Autumn days.


- Hit the trail.
Kids love to be outside. The out-of-doors is a huge
playground and children are naturally attracted to it.
Exploring some of the hiking trails in and around your
community is a great way to spend time together. While
you're walking...

** Collect leaves. Take them home and arrange them on
a piece of poster board measuring approximately 17
inches by 12 inches. Smooth a piece of clear contact
paper over the poster board on both sides, laminating
the board and leaves. Now you have a special placemat
to use for the remainder of the season.

** Contact your local library to ask where you can find
a guidebook on local flora and fauna. Take it on your
hike and try to identify as many different trees,
plants, and critters as possible.

** Go sliding. Sure, you take your kids to the park. But
do you go down the slide with them? Do you swing
alongside them? Don't hurt yourself, of course, but
joining in the fun will make your outing that much more
enjoyable for both of you.

** Plant a tree. Go to http://www.arborday.org/ and
learn the ins and outs of tree planting, plus you can
even get free trees when you join the foundation.
Children love planting and caring for living things and
a tree is something that will grow with them throughout
the years.

** A little history. Go to
http://www.railtrails.org/find/totm/archives/02-04.asp
and see where the Rails to Trails pathway is in your
state (US only).


- Stuck indoors?
Even if the weather turns too cold for outdoor
activities, there's still plenty of fun to be had.

** Get several Autumn-themed books from your local
library. Check to see if you can locate your books
online at your library's website and have them brought
to your local branch for easy pickup. Many large
libraries now offer this convenience.

** Stencil a pumpkin. For little ones, drawing on
pumpkins, gourds, and even apples is more fun than
actually carving the fruit itself. Or use simple shapes
to sponge paint directly onto the pumpkin. A little
messy, but tons of fun!

** Need more?
Click here http://www.paintedgold.com/FallFun to find
more great resources to enjoy with your child. Ideas
for parties, gardening with kids, easy crafts, yummy
treats, all with an Autumn flavor. Even family tradition
suggestions to get you thinking about the special things
you can do in your own family.


Before long the snow will be flying in earnest and Fall
will be but a memory. Make it a great one this year,
one for your kids to remember with joy!


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Colleen Langenfeld offers helpful ideas to busy working
moms. Use the resources at http://www.paintedgold.com
to make your life as a mom feel easier, healthier,
and better!