Guest post from Pam of Be Healthy Be Happy Wellness:
The hot weather is winding down, and I am starting to feel a crisp bite to the air when I let our puppy out in the mornings. Fall weather is almost here!
I love, love, love fall. It is a fabulous time of year – it’s not too hot but still warm enough to be outside. We get to enjoy the beautiful fall colors on the trees. Plus, there are so many fun and free things to do.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy this fall to the fullest, here are my top five FREE ideas:
1. Hiking.
With a new puppy in the house, this has become our favorite weekend outing.
He gets to go along, we wear him out (so we all sleep better) and we enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
We are lucky enough to live near several county parks with short (1-2 mile) trails. Perfect for little legs and a fun way to spend a few hours.
2. Bike rides to the park.
My littlest one is finally a proficient biker – yeah! A short trip to the park is just the right length for him. The kids play, the adults talk, and we all end up feeling refreshed.
With many neighborhoods having little parks, why don’t you give this a try after dinner one night?
No neighborhood park? How about your local elementary school playground? Top off the evening with ice cream cones after the ride home.
3. A picnic.
As a child, we went on picnics every month with my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. It was inexpensive (we all brought our own meat and a dish to share) and fun.
In the fall it’s especially pleasant as it’s not so hot that cooking over a charcoal grill sounds dreadful. Plus, there are still plenty of tasty watermelons available to consume after the meal is complete!
No family nearby? Ask a friend or neighbor you’d like to get to know better to come along.
4. Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin field.
If you decide to purchase fruit, you will spend a little money on this trip, but I can justify it as grocery money myself.
Younger kids especially get a kick out of picking their own apples from a tree. Some orchards also have farm animals and little markets to check out.
We’ve been going to our local orchard every year since the kids were little, and they ask me every year when it’s time to go!
5. Find Local Festivals.
In the Midwest, fall is the festival time of year!
When we were at the State Fair last month, I picked up a state festival guide and discovered there are a dozen festivals EVERY weekend this fall around the state. Many of them within an hour or less drive — and ALL of them are free!
Don’t know where to find any for your area? Check your local newspaper or do an internet search using the keywords “festival + your state.” Pick one, load the kids in the car and tell them you are off on an adventure.
How do you enjoy the fall?
Do you have any fun and inexpensive ideas to share?
Whatever you decide to do, I encourage you to plan to enjoy at least a few fun outings. Before we know it, the cold weather will have arrived and we’ll be missing these beautiful fall days!
Pam is a Certified Health and Lifestyle Coach specializing in helping frazzled working moms create a happier, healthier life. Reach her at Be Healthy Be Happy Wellness
Kiddos and I went to a farm (pumpkins, tractor rides, corn maze) this morning. They have paid activities and free activities. We stuck to the free activities (tons to do) and enjoy a treat of apple cider donuts 😉 Totally a fun morning!
Yum Michelle – we LOVE apple cider donuts in our house! Sounds like a great day!