Outdoor Fall Activities with Children

I know it's getting chilly outside, but there are weeks of outdoor fun left before winter really takes a stand.

I've compiled a list of different activities you can do with you kids so you can all enjoy the few weeks of nice weather left.

Pumpkin patch

This is one of my favorite things to do. I love going there with the kids, walking around to pick my pumpkins (yes, I'm one of those people that get more than one pumpkin!!). My toddler gets to pick smaller pumpkins that I let him paint. The rest, until carved, is used for decoration inside and outside the house.

If you are lucky enough to live close to a large pumpkin patch, they might also have other items such as gourds, hay bails, fall mums, fresh vegetables and even activities for the kids.

This website has a long list of pumpkin patches in Ontario:
http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/CAONpumpkins.php#Eastern

With such great colors around, it's a great time for a photo session too!

Apple picking

I think the reason I like apple picking is because there HAS to be baking involved after. With kids, it becomes an activity outside where they can run around and get some fresh air.

In the Ottawa region, you have Pinewood Orchards (http://www.pinewoodorchards.com/), Kilmarnoc Orchard (http://www.kilmarnockorchard.ca/), and MANY others. If you prefer to go a little south of Ottawa, you'll also find Hall's Apple Market (http://www.hallsapplemarket.com/) in the Brockville area.

A lot of them will also have baked goods and cider for sale. Mmmmm....

Leaf picking and Raking leafs

As this might not interest the older kids (they'll know it's actual work!), bringing the kids outside while you rake the leafs on the yard is another way for them to get entertained for free! ;)

In the middle of jumping in the leaf piles, get them to set aside a few "nice" leafs. Keep them in a thick book (preferably a dictionary or a phone book), maybe later, you can find some craft activities where you need leafs!

Activity centers around Ottawa

Many farm have adapted their properties and made them family centers. Places like Saunder's farm (http://www.saundersfarm.com/ - a little on the expensive side) and the Valley View

Little Animal Farm (http://www.vvlittleanimalfarm.com/ - fairly priced) make for a great day outside.

If you kids are older, you can also have some "motorized" fun at places like Vanridge ATV Tours and Trails (http://www.vanridgeatvtrails.com/). However, call ahead to make sure you children are old enough to ride with you.

The first website of this post also lists a number of places where you can go in your area.

With the nice colors, how about a nice photo session?

If you are talented in photography or know someone who is, the fall colors are the prefect background to gorgeous pictures. An outside photo session might turn out better than any other you've ever had!

Make a Scarecrow

Using old clothes, stuff it with leafs or hay. Use a plastic or real pumpkin or a bag filled with leafs for the head. Once finished, the easier way to display it is to sit it in a patio chair.

It's a great decoration for Halloween night too!

The Last Picnic

OK, it's getting cold, but it's no reason to stay inside!

So, how about a day at the park where your kids spent the whole summer? Most coolers or lunch bags will also keep your food warm, so pack a Thermos of soup or chili, a few gingerbread cookies, and another Thermos for... what else? HOT CHOCOLATE!

Have fun this fall, and stay safe!