Autumn is one of nature’s most colorful times of  the year! The fall colors inspire awe in even the youngest. Children love to view the changing leaves and enjoy the outdoor activities of the season. It’s a great time of year to resume walks and hikes and take in all of the changes. Here are some activities for fall.

• Put the little ones in the stroller, carrier, or wagon and enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood or a park. Take your toddler and older children on a nature hike. Point out what changes you see.
• Pick up different leaves, seeds and nuts along your walk.
• Photograph your yard and gardens in their autumn state.
• Let the kids rake leaves into piles for jumping in.
• Decorate your home with various leaves, apples, gourds, and pumpkins.
• Preserve leaves in wax for decorating.
• Draw leaves and color in yellow, orange, red and brown.
• Stamp a leaf, pumpkin or autumn design on a tablecloth or kitchen towel.
• Discuss what a harvest is and what crops are harvested in your area.
• Visit a pumpkin patch and let your child pick out his or her own pumpkin.
• Go for a hay rack ride.
• Make hot, spiced apple cider.
• Carve jack-o-lanterns.
• Make roasted pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie, bars and muffins.

Hot, Spiced Apple Cider

Pour 1/2 gallon cider in large pot. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon whole all spice, 1 tablespoon whole cloves and 4 sticks of whole cinnamon. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove whole spices before serving. 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 cup pumpkin or squash seeds (separate seeds from stringy portion of pumpkin and allow to dry.) Mix seeds with 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Spread on shallow baking pan. Roast at 250 degrees, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes or until brown and crisp. Cool. Store in refrigerator. 

Waxed Leaves for Decoration

          Select colorful and varied leaves.

          Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler (or make your own double boiler using an empty 14.5 oz. can placed in a pan of water). Simmer over medium heat until wax melts but do not boil. Remove from stove and place on flat surface protected with newspaper.

          Carefully dip leaves into wax holding by the stem or with a tong. Lay flat on waxed paper to dry.