When you set the clock back earlier this week, what did you fall into? More computer time, phone time or TV time? Or, did you take advantage of the early sunsets to cozy up with your kids and have some extra family time? Let those darker evening skies inspire you to fall back into these 10 fun activities instead. And this weekend, make the most of that “extra hour” with an activity inspired by iMOM’s Family Fun Time Cards.
Here are 4 things you can fall back into this season with your family.
1. Flashlight Moments.
Kids love flashlights—it’s as simple as that. So buy a couple of inexpensive ones and go on evening walks. You can also let the kids use their flashlights for under the covers reading, which leads us to our next suggestion…
2. Cover Time.
Cover, as in book covers. Give them some hot tea or hot chocolate and let them burrow into a book. Fall is also a great time for cuddling up with your kids for bedtime reading. Even if your children can read on their own, kids as old as third or fourth grade will enjoy having you read to them. Here are some fall-themed titles for younger children: I Know It’s Autumn; In November; ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving; and Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf.
You can also create a reading nook for your kids with a comfortable place to sit and blankets draped overhead to give it a secluded feel. If you start reading a book series to your children, like C. S. Lewis’ Narnia books, invite your children to a special event at the reading corner, “Tonight in the reading corner we will discover what dangers are ahead for Aslan. Meet at the reading corner at 7 p.m. and bring ______________.” List an item from the book in the space. Serve a treat and get everyone cozy for the big read!
3. Traditions.
Start some fall traditions for your children. Have each member of your family cut out and decorate a construction paper leaf. Bake pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins. If you live in an area where the leaves change color, go on an annual Fall Color Family Drive and admire the scenery. Of course, top off the drive with a cup of hot chocolate!
4. Eating Together.
Mealtime “Remember When?” Game
While eating, get out a stack of old photos and put them face down and draw one (playing card style) and explain what was happening when the picture was taken. If you can’t remember, you have to make something up. Take turns taking a picture from the stack and going around the table… “Remember when….” You can also have them pick random pictures from your cell phone.
The kids will likely be hungry at 5 (since it’s the “old” 6 o’clock), so take advantage of their earlier hunger and gather around the table as a family. If you or your husband don’t get home until later, give the kids a snack to hold them over until you do get in and get dinner on the table. When the sun goes down, the cozy factor goes up.
Keep the fun going! Try these 15 fall riddles and jokes with your kids.
Tell us! What’s your favorite fall tradition?
