Fall is my favorite season. I love watching the trees transform into a kaleidoscope of oranges, browns and reds. It’s the best time to be outdoors. The world is full of vibrate colors and the joy of the returning holiday season makes me happy. My son is at the age where he is discovering the seasons. Everyday he asks me in his curious voice, “Mommy, is it still Fall today? Mommy what is Fall?
This makes me remember out first trip back home to Connecticut in October of 2006. He was walking and would touch and feel EVERYTHING. One Sunday we were involved in a benefit walk, (gotta do a little good in the neighborhood that brought you up) I was overjoyed because it was at my favorite park as a kid; Edgerton Park in New Haven, CT. This park did not have a swing set, slide or monkey bars. The fun was in the beauty. Its surrounded by a turn of the century (19th that is) elegant eight-foot stone wall complete with a greenhouse and Mansion. The walking paths are peppered around the enormous oak trees that remind you of the classic childhood story Hansel and Gretal. There is even a bridge that is now nestled behind an overgrown forest. We use to walk across it when I was younger, but you can’t now. My all time fave, one huge hill I use to run up and down all day long as my parents watched sitting on a picnic blanket observing the view. (and their daughter getting so tired she would knock out in the back of the car and stay sleep most of the afternoon…I get it now!)
Walking into Edgerton Park with my son felt nostalgic. The first think he did was look at the colorful leaves on the ground and started throwing them all over. My mom and I looked in delight. It was his first Fall.
We may not have an Edgerton Park here in Florida or Cleveland but their is so much to do with our little ones during this season of visual change. Pull out the stroller and discover the world around you.
•Run a few errands and let your little one help you if they are old enough. Pick up Thanksgiving decorations and the fixings for your holiday fest. Start a tradition they will long love. Plus, they love sitting in the car and looking out the window. Fall is the perfect time to gaze.
•Collect leaves. Rake a pile of leaves and have fun running and jumping into them for a while with your child. It will give you and your child a boost! After play time, collect your favorites and pull out the construction paper and let your little one create a collage. Also, teach them the different colors in each leaf…they will never know they are learning!
•Introduce the neighborhood. Take a stroll in your neighborhood and talk about the trees, colors, and buildings that make up your community. This will give your little one a sense of their surroundings. And you will get some much needed exercise.
•Window shop at the mall. Let baby and you be dazzled by the hustle and bustle of the lighting and people moving about as they shop. Take in the energy of the holidays. Moms, give yourself some Me Time and stop for a few minutes at the coffee shop. Latte anyone?
•Go to story time at a local book store. You baby/toddler/child will love it. Also pick up a few books on the season of fall and Thanksgiving to enjoy at home on your front porch or patio during a warm morning paired with hot chocolate.
What are your Autumn Adventures?
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