Growing up, I always adored the fact that my family had so many traditions when it came to almost every holiday. I always knew when I had children of my own I would want to have special things like that as well. I finally have a daughter of my own who is at the most fun age. The world is a magical place to a 1 1/2 year old. This makes starting traditions now even more exciting because you get to see the joy of learning about this new world in their eyes. Here's to fall!
1. Go on a hay ride
I don't think there's a toddler out there who wouldn't love one on a beautiful fall day.
2. Make leaf piles and let them jump in
Take this opportunity to teach them how to help and rake up the leaves, reward them by letting them do what all toddlers love best: jumping and making a mess!
3. Paint pumpkins
Since it isn't the best idea to let a toddler have a knife, and it isn't much fun for them to watch you do it, bring out the paint! Let them paint a pumpkin however they like with the colors of their choice. It's messy, but so much fun.
4. Visit the pumpkin patch with a petting zoo
If you're ever near the Western Slope of Colorado, a great place to take your little ones is Studt's pumpkin patch. They have a corn maze, slide, pony rides, pumpkin jump and animals for your little ones to pet. Perfect way to spend your day!
5. Make salt dough pumpkin hand/footprints
These are one of my personal favorites. Make a dough with flour and salt and imprint your child's hand/foot or both. You bake them in the oven and it becomes hard, then paint and decorate them!
6. Make a beautiful tree and let them place the leaves
I use a poster board and paint on a tree trunk. For the leaves, I usually go to a local craft store and find cut out leaves made of cloth or felt they have this time of year. I put some glue on the back and let my daughter do the rest!
7. "Bob for apples"
This is a great one if your child is ready for colors. You can use real apples or the small plastic ones, also found at some craft stores. Let them use a spoon and tell them to get all the red ones out first, then green, and so on.
8. Bake together
My daughter loves feeling like she is helping me. This is great for those colder fall days. Set them on the counter and let them help out every way they can.
9. Go on a walk and see how many different colored leaves you can find
This is another great way to have fun while learning. Go on a walk and pick up the leaves you see on the ground, have them see if they can tell the color differences in the ones you find.
10. Make caramel apples and let them decorate
Making caramel apples is a must-do activity for fall. I cut the apples into slices because it makes them easier for my little one to eat. I dip them in either caramel, chocolate or whatever you choose. I let my daughter decorate them with peanuts, marshmallows, coconut, chocolate chips, etc.
11. Pumpkin hide and seek
You can find these pumpkins/gourds at your local grocery store. Hide them around the house or outside and help your toddler go on a hunt to find them all.
Try any of these options on a cozy weekend, or just on a crisp evening! I'm sure you'll make a wonderful memory.
