Around Town: Favorite Fall Family Activities
Favorite Fall Family Activities
It seems crazy to think that fall is already here. And yet, though that means back-to-routines and non-stop schedules filled with my girls’ activities - school, dance, gymnastics, and more – it’s my favorite time of year. Why? Not only do I love the crisp, fall air and cozying up in sweaters, but I love the season’s family friendly activities. Here are some of my family favorites (yes, in the suburbs!):
Apple Picking
All Seasons Apple Orchard in Woodstock, Ill., is apple-picking paradise. Families take a wagon ride out to the orchard (more than 10,000 apples trees) to pick 12 different varieties of apples and pears. Of course, the best part of apple picking is making homemade apple cider and apple pie! Get your pick on!
Pumpkinfest
Hands down my favorite Patch/Pumpkinfest is Didier Farms in Lincolnshire, Ill. Not only because I was there six times in three weeks last year (and Maya talks about it EVERY DAY and asks “Is it opening tomorrow?”), but because there’s so much for the kids to do there; from carnival, camel, pony and tractor rides to pumpkin picking and corn mazes. Yes, you have to pay for tickets, but there’s no charge for admission. The kids can stay there for hours, so it’s definitely an all-afternoon activity.
Palatine Stables
We’re lucky to live in a great suburb that provides so many fun family centric events and festivals throughout the year. Palatine Stables in Palatine, Ill., has a one-day Fall Festival offering pony rides, a petting zoo, wagon rides and make-and-take arts and crafts. Throughout the year, they also offer pony rides every weekend, but we usually save these for fall weekend activities!
Homemade Fall Crafts
Fall affords so many opportunities for homemade arts and crafts, from collecting leaves and making leaf collages to painting pinecones in autumn colors. The girls like to collect pinecones year-round, so we have a good stash when fall comes around.
How do you like to celebrate the season?
- Alana Horinko, Vice President