Appreciating the Natural Beauty of Fall

By Caitlin Bootsma

Fall can be the perfect time to be outdoors with kids. In many places in the country, it's not too cold yet, and there are generally fewer allergens than in Spring.

Why get kids (and yourself) outside? Getting out not only provides exercise, it also provides a great boost to our moods, as well as helps us to appreciate God's creation. Fall is often a busy time with school and extracurricular activities, but here are just a few outdoor activities to consider incorporating into your schedule:
 

• State/National Parks: There are so many preserved pieces of nature throughout our country. Check for a National Park or a State Park near you!
• Changing leaves: Make an afternoon of going to see leaves changing colors (if you're in the right locale for this!). Red, yellow, and orange leaves look brilliant against the Fall sky and it's an easy way to teach kids about why leaves change their colors and fall down each year.
• Petting Barns: You don't have to live on a farm for kids to get to know farm animals. Take an excursion to go to a nearby petting barn or farm to see (and even feed) pigs, sheep, cows and chickens.
• 5ks/walks: Races aren't all super competitive and can be a fun annual event for family or a group of friends. Pop little ones in the stroller and let the big kids get some energy out on a crisp fall day.
• Festivals: Concerts! Fall Fests! State Fairs! Fall often has a full lineup of events to hear, see, and taste new things.
• Apple/pumpkin picking: If you don't have plants in your own yard to harvest this fall, visit a local fruit or pumpkin patch. This is the perfect way for kids to see where some of their food comes from - and to enjoy it later!
• Outside movies:  As the sun sets earlier, gather some friends and have an outside movie showing. This can be easily accomplished with a white sheet as a backdrop and a borrowed projector.

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