Parenting Column

By Meagan Ruffing Parenting journalist Meagan Ruffing loves everything fall-related. She can’t wait to use this list with her kids and make this October a fun time for everyone. Falling into fun

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather has cooled down enough to where you can go outside without sweating buckets, and the air has a nice crispness to it. October is the epitome of fall fun. There are so many family-friendly activities that will have you wishing it was October all year long.

 Pumpkin patches – Hands

down…one of my favorite things to do this time of the year is to go to a pumpkin patch with my kids and let them each pick out their own pumpkin.

 Hay rides – One of the most fun things to do with your family is to pile onto the back of an old trailer and cozy up with one another for the fun ride ahead.

 Corn mazes – I have a love/hate relationship with corn mazes. I love the idea of following the tractor-driven paths through corn stalks with my kids…until I get lost and can’t find my way out.

 Bonfires – When I think of bonfires, I think of my friends and all the catching up we get to do. I see my kids’ sticky faces from making s’mores amidst the crackling from the fire – best time ever!  Apple picking – Let’s be honest.

I’ve been apple picking one time in my life and it was when I lived in Maine, but I loved it. Murphy

Orchard in Marionville or Vanzant

Fruit Farms in Lowell, Arkansas, are two places you can check out.

 Fall festivals – I love fall festivals because you never know what you’re going to find. There’s something really exciting about getting a hot cup of coffee, picking up your friends, and heading to a craft fair in the fall that gives me all the feels.  Horseback riding – I love horseback riding, but I don’t get to do it very often. It’s something I would love to do more of and I think my kids would agree. Check out some of your local horse farms and set up a time for you and your family to explore the outdoors.

 Costume parties – This is a great way to get the most use out of Halloween costumes for your kids. Go to all the costume parties you’re invited to (or throw one yourself) and get your money’s worth for that costume!

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One of our mentor moms made this for all of us to snack on. (See recipe at the end of the article).

 Leaf-peeping – This is what we people from New England call

“looking at leaves”. Jump in the car and take a nice leisurely drive through town looking at all the changing colors.

 Football – Watching football on the television (Go Pats!) or playing a game of pick-up football in the backyard is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

 Leaf piles – Make your kids a good ole leaf pile and get to it!

Have fun watching them jump in and out and make sure you take part in the fun, too.

 Carving pumpkins – Use the

pumpkins that you got at the pumpkin patch and have a carving contest at your house. Bonus tip: get cheap prizes (Target dollar bins) and award prizes for each kid.

 Fall baking – Think apple pie, and pumpkin pie. Your kids will love rolling up their sleeves and taking part in a new fall tradition. Have fun checking off your “Falling Into Fun” bucket list. Feel free to add your own ideas to this list and keep it going every year. n