In the Spirit of Fall with Your Kids

Finding things to do with children can be costly and time consuming. In the view of our ever changing economy and time restraints it can be a great struggle to provide quality time, entertainment and education within a budget. You can provide all three in a simple afternoon of fun.

What kid doesn’t like to jump into a huge pile of leaves? This time treasured family tradition is not however the only way to enjoy West Virginia’s beautiful fall foliage. With all the leaves changing colors and the magic of fall upon us here are some ideas to celebrate this wonderful season. With one of natures most magical gifts you can bring you and your child back to nature and put a little “fall” in everyone’s step.

Treasure hunt Take your child or group of children out on an exploration. Give each child a bucket or bag and head out into the back yard or woods. Make it a scavenger hunt. Pick wild fall flowers, ferns, flower bearing weeds and sticks. Snip a few small branches off of various trees baring the greenest of leaves to the most colorful. Make sure to let the child pick out as many items as possible never turning up your nose to a weed, dried leaf or wilted flower that he or she finds beauty in. All the while you pick some choice items for the filling. While out on this adventure use your knowledge as best you can to teach your child about the seasons, the name of certain flowers, types of trees or even colors for the youngest of students. Bring back your treasure chest and spread out your bounty. Making sure to let the child admire all the different types of things you have collected. Pick a vase of choice using what ever you have on hand. Plastic cups, drinking glasses and mason jars are perfect for this occasion. Fill your vase half way with water using rocks or pebbles in the bottom of any plastic cups for weight. Make sure to include one for yourself as this is a group effort! Then let the fun continue as you and your child create your own fall bouquets. Encourage them to make more than one and give the extra to a special someone. Let the child display his or her masterpiece in the room of their choice as a symbol of great accomplishment and a reminder of a great day.

Dressing up with leaves: Simply pick the largest leaf you can find (such as a large Tulip poplar leaf) and make two holes near the top for eyes. Have the child hold it up to their face by the stem and they are completely masked. Snip long, thin branches from trees or bushes and use to make leaf halos. Simply bend the leafy branches in a loose circle slightly larger then your child’s head and tie the ends together with bread ties. Add a few colorful leaves or flowers for extra decoration. Place on your child’s head for an instant transformation. Cut 2 bushy branches of leaves leaving an end long enough for your child to hold onto. Give your child one for each hand and he or she instantly has a set of wings. Coupled with the halo they can become a buzzing bee, bird, butterfly, leaf angel or a super hero of the wild. Watching your child parade around with this get up is a memory that will last forever.

If you are working with a group of kids let them have a bug parade, flapping their wings and making buzzing sounds.

This can be an amazing amount of fun, creativity and a beautiful learning lesson that provides a true sense of accomplishment for the smallest to the tallest of children.

Don’t forget about jumping into a pile a leaves, a perfect ending to a perfect day.