September is coming to a close — and pumpkins, chilly breezes, warmer coats, hayrides and vibrant leaves are starting to dot the landscape. If the calendar didn’t tell us with the coming of the equinox a few weeks ago, the season itself has certainly made itself known. Autumn is here.
This is a season of transition in nature, and one in which families are also trying to adjust to changes in the world around them. School has started up again. The winter clothes are being put back into the closets while T-shirts are still being worn by those brave enough (or foolish enough) to brave the chilly winds. Jobs are becoming more hectic as well, as companies gear up for the holiday season or the close of the fiscal quarter, whichever the case may be.
Finding time to have some fun often gets pushed aside.
If you’re interested in not letting that happen this autumn, here are a few ideas that may be a great place to start.
Autumn Adventure # 1: Go For a Hay Ride
A staple in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania is the hayride and pumpkin patch visit. If you live near a farm, chances are this is one of the annual events that you look forward to each season. Why not make a day of it? Gather up the kids, travel to the nearest pumpkin patch, enjoy the festivities and top off a fun day with a bit of apple cider in the evening. What’s not to love?
Autumn Adventure # 2: Rock Hounding
If you know where to look, Ohio is a great place to find all sorts of treasures, and often some of them are just beneath your feet. Besides the various places to find fossils in Ohio, there are plenty of places where you can find great rocks and minerals such as flint, jasper, limestone and even quartz. Plus, it barely costs anything at all! Simply take a look around your backyard, or in a local park. Just make sure you have permission to take what you find.
Autumn Adventure # 3: Lend a Helping Hand
Believe it or not, this time of year, the people who help the most needful really could use your help. The colder weather often means those without shelter or those looking for their next meal often turn to various churches and charities to help bridge the gap. Why not have your family help out as well? Trust me, helping others can not only be a great family bonding experience, but it can also be a fun time as well. Take time to help out in a soup kitchen, collecting clothes for the homeless, or simply take the time to sit down and have a nice chat over coffee with a person living on the street in your neighborhood. My guess is that you’ll come away with not only a great feeling but also a great story to tell.
Autumn Adventure # 4: Visit Your Local Library
Worried about being outside with the weather being so unpredictable? Not to worry. There is a place where you can allow your imagination to soar, visit exotic locales and allow your children to have fun in a safe and wholesome environment. Plus, it’s fairly easy to find. Your local public library will most likely have wonderful after-school or weekend activities for both you and your kids. So why not give them a call and see what’s on the agenda for this season?