As October arrives, we’re all keenly aware that the gorgeous autumn leaves will soon be replaced by frosty snowflakes. To make the most of the fall season while it lasts, here are some kid-friendly activity ideas for your family.
Day at the farm
Nothing says “fall” like a visit to a local pumpkin patch — and they often have other attractions such as a corn maze, kids’ play area, food and beverage stand, or craft market. Browse the endless rows of pumpkins to select the one that will be perfect for your porch. To find a local pumpkin grower near you, check out this list from Family Fun Edmonton.
While you’re at the farm, the fall colours and outdoor setting will naturally provide a great backdrop for photos. Bring along your little one’s Halloween costume, place them amid some pumpkins or hay bales, and you’ve got instant cuteness.
Alternatives to pumpkin carving
Carving a traditional jack-o’-lantern can be a fun and creative activity, but if you’re hesitant about the time investment, mess, and sharp tools, there are other options. Try painting a pumpkin or drawing on it with Sharpie markers. Add silly accessories like a hat or sunglasses. Check the Halloween aisle at your local dollar store for decorating kits with push-in pieces similar to a Mr. Potato Head toy.
If you have access to multiple pumpkins in varying sizes, select one to represent each member of your family. Use a permanent black marker to add each person’s name and/or a cartoon face, then line them up on the porch as a festive welcoming committee.
Expanding cultural knowledge
Located about a 90-minute drive from Edmonton, Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake is a beautiful place to spend a fall day. Immerse yourselves in Indigenous culture, art, and traditions as you tour their Historic Village, which includes an outdoor Buffalo Hunt Camp, the historical Cromarty House, a playground and a cultural gathering centre. As it says on their website: “bring your head, heart and hands – we’ll do the rest.”
Halloween house decor
If you’re into decorating your doorway, porch, or yard for Halloween, make it a family project. Before adding skeletons and fake tombstones to the front lawn, rake up the leaves and have the kids assist with filling up the yard waste bags. Depending on their age, they may not “help” very much, but the main thing is being outside together. After all, is there anything more joyful than watching a kid jump into a pile of freshly raked leaves?
Pre-Halloween neighbourhood walk
To help beginner trick-or-treaters prepare for the big night, take a family walk around the block a few days in advance. Point out street signs, important landmarks and the houses of people you know. Older kids aiming to maximize their candy collecting can proactively map out the most efficient route or measure the distance with a GPS watch.
Rainy day family workout
If the weather doesn’t cooperate and you’re stuck indoors, why not burn off some energy as a group? Take 10 minutes to try a free online physical activity video. Younger kids will have fun with Cosmic Kids Yoga’s Halloween collection, where a bubbly instructor named Jaime Amor takes kids through basic yoga moves with age-appropriate “spooky” themes. Older kids are more likely to embrace the high-intensity interval workouts on the Get Kids Moving Halloween playlist, where personal trainer Glenn Higgins leads simple yet challenging exercises dressed as a vampire, zombie, and other recognizable characters.
We wish you a fun-filled fall with the whole family!