Hayrides, bobbing for apples, giant piles of leaves, and s’mores around a bonfire may just be a few of things that come to mind when you think of fall. Memories of yesteryear come flooding in and transport you right back to your childhood. As the first cool front sweeps across the south, sending the neighborhood kids swarming the streets until sunset, you may even think to yourself, “Ahhhhh, to be a kid again!” What better way to enjoy everything autumn has to offer than living it through the eyes of a child? Grab the grandkids and head out for some fall fun! We’ve compiled a list of festive activities, fun for both grandkids and grandparents, that are sure to make you feel like a kid again!
Visit a Corn Maze
If you’re looking to get lost in a good time, gather up the grands and head out to a corn maze. Many local farms often host corn mazes for a minimal fee, making it fun and affordable. Aside from endless squeals and laughter, this classic fall favorite can provide just the right amount of physical and mental challenge to keep you feeling young. If you have older grandchildren, consider taking them to a haunted corn maze for an extra thrill.
Paint a Pumpkin
Skip the sharp blades required for carving a pumpkin and, instead, opt for painting a spooky face or a fun design. Let the littles finger paint their pumpkins while challenging older grandchildren to decorate around a fun theme!
Cook up Something Fun
Fall is the perfect time for comfort foods, and what’s more comforting than sharing a sweet treat or a meal together with your grandkids? Choose a family favorite recipe to pass along to future generations or try out something new together! Bake a loaf of cranberry orange bread, slurp up a savory bowl of Southwest pumpkin soup, or let your little helpers assist with a hearty beef stew. When love is the secret ingredient, the dish is bound to be a great success, no matter what you create in the kitchen!
Take a Nature Walk
A simple walk around the neighborhood or a planned outing to a state park both offer hours of entertainment. When it’s sunny and sixty, you can’t help but want to spend the day outdoors! Turn your nature walk into a scavenger hunt, or bring a bag along to gather pinecones and leaves for nature-inspired art projects. Leaf rubbings, pinecone wreaths, pressed flowers and other activities are just a few ways to continue the fun back home, while creating keepsakes from your time spent together.
Relax Around a Bonfire
As the cool, crisp weather makes its way down south, plan to stock up on firewood. There’s no better way to wind down after a long day than around the crackle of a bonfire. Cozy up under a blanket and share stories and favorite memories with your grandkids. Rooting, or feeling secure and part of a family, is one of the most important needs of a child; grandparents are instrumental in fulfilling the role as storytellers for their family. To make the evening even sweeter, finish the night off with a mug of hot chocolate or gooey s’mores!
Backyard Tailgate
Spend an afternoon together cheering on your favorite sports team, while playing a few games of your own. Throw on your lucky jersey and toss the ball around with the grandkids, pull out the cornhole, or enjoy a round of horseshoes while soaking in a little vitamin C. No tailgate is complete without a spread of food. Fire up a pot of gumbo or throw some burgers on the grill. Let the grandkids help serve the meal and clean up the mess; after all, the greatest lesson you can learn from sports is the importance of teamwork!
Volunteer Together
Choose a cause that is near and dear to your heart and join together to show your support. Consider spending a few hours on a Saturday morning at the local food bank or animal shelter, working a shift at the church fair, or signing up for a charity walk. Leading by example is a great way to show your grandchildren the importance of giving to others.
Create a “Thankful” Tree
Begin by gathering some branches from the yard and display them in a vase or flowerpot, using floral foam to secure them in place. Next, cut out paper leaves from an assortment of fall colored construction paper. Take turns writing something you’re thankful for on each leaf. Finally, use a hole punch and tie a ribbon through each leaf. Hang them from your branches as a reminder of your many blessings.