Fun Autumn Activities for Families!

Autumn. The leaves are turning colours and the air is crisp.

There is much to enjoy in this lovely season. Before the snow hits the ground, here are some fun autumn activities to enjoy with your family!

GO FOR A FAMILY WALK

Explore the nature trails in your area. There are so many wooded trails and river valley paths to check out and enjoy during autumn. Encourage your children to look for signs of fall. What colours of leaves do they see on the trees? Are there squirrels busy stock piling seeds and nuts? Can you spot birds flying south for the winter?

VISIT A CORN MAZE

Corn mazes are plentiful (and so much fun in the autumn). Here are some popular corn mazes around the Edmonton area:

Edmonton Corn Maze – just outside of West Edmonton

Prairie Gardens – by Bon Accord

Amazing Corn Maze – just south of Leduc

HAVE A NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Compose a list of items your child has to find while they’re outside. Have them check off each item as they find it. (i.e. a red leaf, a bird, a pine cone, tree bark, animal tracks, etc.)

GO APPLE PICKING

Autumn is a fabulous time to do some apple picking. Whether you visit a neighbour’s apple tree or have an excursion out to an apple orchard, this is a great season for gathering apples!

DO SOME STARGAZING

One of the benefits of the days getting shorter is that it’s easier to stargaze. Early sunsets means young children don’t have to stay up late in order to admire the stars and moon. Bundle up, head out after sunset, and enjoy the beauty of the autumn sky.

If you want a closer look at the night sky, the University of Alberta observatory offers free admission and is open Thursday evenings to the public for stargazing fun!

GET GARDENING

Gardening season isn’t over yet! Select some bulbs and plant them in your yards so you have some beautiful blooms in the spring! Tuilps, Crocus, Alliums, Fritillaria, Scilla, and Snowdrops do best in the Alberta climate.

HAVE A BONFIRE

Choose a local park that has fire pits and have a bonfire. Don’t forget the goodies… hot dogs and marshmallows are great campfire treats. If you pack some graham crackers and chocolate you can even make s’mores! Eat, sing songs, cozy up by the warmth of the fire, and enjoy!

DO SOME BAKING

The cooler temperatures make fall an ideal time to do some baking. Involve the kiddos in the process of baking cookies, pies, and apple crisps! Yum!

NATURE WATCHING

Autumn is an ideal time to do some nature watching. Observe the birds and what they’re up to. Watch the squirrels busily working in your neighbourhood. What are the rabbits doing before the snow falls?

AUTUMN PHOTO SHOOT

Head out with a camera and take pictures of trees, wildlife, and each other. Autumn is one of the most gorgeous times of year to take photos.

RAKE LEAVES (AND JUMP IN THEM)

The chore of raking leaves can be made fun by taking turns jumping into a leaf pile. Make the pile as big as you can and taking turns flopping into it!

HAVE AN AUTUMN PICNIC

Pack a thermos of hot cocoa, some sandwiches, cookies or squares, and a blanket. Find a scenic spot and enjoy an autumn picnic.

So there you have it… fabulous autumn activities to enjoy with your children! Which will you do?

Bambini Learning Group is a Reggio-inspired, holistic child care program located in Edmonton, Alberta. Their vision is to inspire families to live healthier, more meaningful lives. Through innovative, holistic, and supportive resources, Bambini is helping children live the authentic childhood they deserve. New locations coming soon! Contact Bambini for more information about their unique, holistic child care program at [email protected], or book a tour to see Bambini for yourself!