Fall is officially in full swing. The colors are beautiful, the air is crisp, and maybe you’ve already enjoyed some traditional fall activities like apple picking or going to a pumpkin patch.
There are plenty of reasons to get excited for fall, including the cooler weather. But, just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean your kids shouldn’t be enjoying some time outdoors.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, spending time outside and taking advantage of some ‘normalcy’ can make a big difference in your child’s life. According to the CDC, children and teens can be more susceptible to stress in times of instability. And, needless to say, they’ve been through a lot this year.
So, how can you encourage your kids to spend more time outside this fall to de-stress, have fun, and get back a bit of that normalcy? Let’s look at a few fun ideas.
Go On a Color Walk
Depending on where you live, the colors are just about to turn extremely vibrant! Maybe you’re already in the middle of nature’s beautiful painting. If the colors are exploding where you are, it’s the perfect opportunity to take your child on a color walk. You can make a list ahead of time of colors you want to find, or turn it into a ‘scavenger hunt’. Have your child find something red, green, yellow, etc. It’s a great way to get them interested in nature while allowing them to pay attention to the beautiful details of the season.
Go Fishing
Learning how to catch fish can be exciting for any young child. They’ll never forget the moment they reel in their first big catch. Everything from large-mouth bass to pike and perch can be caught in the fall. It’s a great way to slow down, appreciate the stillness of nature, and spend some time on the lake with your child. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get some one-on-one time with them, fishing is the perfect opportunity.
Go Geocaching
If you’ve never gone geocaching before, fall is the perfect time to start. Geocaching is just like going on a treasure hunt, and your kids will love searching for the little hidden gifts that have been left behind.
To go geocaching, you simply need to download the app on your phone. You’ll instantly see any active geocaches near your location. You go looking for them, find the ‘treasure,’ replace it with something of your own and mark it on the app. Geocaching is popular all over the country, and you never know what you’ll find!
By looking for ways to get creative with your kids outside this season, you can bring them some peace and comfort during a time of uncertainty. Keep these easy activities in mind as you embrace the season with your family. Not only will your child love spending time outdoors trying something new, but it can be a great way to lower your own stress levels, too.
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