Best Fall Entertainment for the Kiddies

Naomi Esterly is a mom of three kids. Sounds challenging, right? But she’s found that it’s easier to lure kids into watching television, good television, than chasing after them. In this guest post she shares some fall entertainment for the kiddos. When she’s not busy manipulating her kids into do something, she bakes and writes freelance for 1800WheelChair.Com

The fall weather makes many adults want to curl up with a hot beverage and a good book, but kids do not care about the changing seasons. They still want entertainment and need fun activities to keep them busy. Fortunately, there are many things kids can do by themselves or with the whole family during the autumn months.

Water slides and amusement parks may be winding down during the fall, but farms are opening their doors. Apple orchards, pumpkin patches and petting zoos are great places to spend a warm fall afternoon. Kids can pick pumpkins, drink cider, go on hay rides and more. This is also a great photo opportunity for parents. Look for events in your area that advertize mazes, animals and fall foods.

If you feel like staying at home, there are other ways for kids to work out excess energy. Raking leaves is a treat for parents and children. Kids learn about chores and enjoy jumping in the leaf piles at the end. Parents have less yard work to do because leaves will be somewhat organized even after kids play.

Having a campfire in your backyard is another low maintenance home activity. Use a grill or fire pit to safely light a fire, and gather around the heat. Kids can make s'mores, sing camp songs and tell ghost stories. This gives kids the fun of camp but lets them warm up indoors when it is over.

If your child needs something to do after school, then look into school and local activities. Choose a fall sport or select an after school program. The parks department, YMCA and other organizations usually hold fall themed events to keep kids busy.

Planning for the time kids spend indoors is especially important because activities stop kids from getting too restless while trapped indoors. Pull out board games and cards to start a competition between the entire family. Kids will get so caught up in the games that they will not notice the time passing.

Keep kids engaged while you attend to other matters by finding fall craft projects. This lets children show creativity and amuse themselves while everyone else is occupied. Projects can be purchased or be as simple as printing out coloring pages and using materials in the house.

If the fall weather is extra chilly and kids need a special treat, then bring the fun of camping indoors. Clear a space and allow kids to build a fort inside. Reading books, playing games or watching TV seem more fun from inside a blanket creation.

When all else fails, TV and movies always catch a kid's attention. Take your children to the theater for "Wreck it Ralph" or "The Hobbit". "Wreck it Ralph" follows a video game character that was created to destroy things but wants to be a hero. "The Hobbit" takes the whole family on an exciting journey through Middle Earth. Older children can read the book after, and parents can narrate it to younger audiences.

TV has endless options for children, but some programs are sure to get and keep their interest. ABC Family runs original shows and old favorites throughout the season. "Hocus Pocus", "The Nightmare Before Christmas", "The Addams Family", "Monster House" and more will air, and shows like "Switched at Birth" and "Pretty Little Liars" will have fall themed episodes. ABC has cartoons, family favorites and teen programing meaning there is something for everyone.

A prime time favorite is also a great choice for kids and adults. "Touch" centers around a single father whose son has trouble communicating normally. The father learns to interpret his son's messages, and they become closer by finding the connections between all people and making the world a better place. The excellent acting, intriguing storyline and beautiful messages will enthrall the whole family.

The fall can seem hectic, but parents who offer options will ensure everyone enjoys the season.