Hands down Fall is my favorite season. As a child, it was probably Summer, but in adulthood Fall represents much more. Perhaps it is partially because my birthday falls in September and with school starting, it feels like a new beginning. Plus how could you not love the beauty of the season with its cooler temperatures and vibrant colors with the leaves changing.
For the past three years, our family has taken part in a special tradition once Fall officially begins. We spend the day at a local apple orchard, picking fruit and enjoying all the seasonal activities offered there. From tractor rides to mazes to big open play spaces, nothing really compares to enjoying this all as a family. Well, perhaps my husband may say otherwise (thinking watching football solo would be way higher on his list). In any case, the kids get excited about our orchard adventure year after year.
We travel about 45 minutes to Taves Family Farm each September. They have so many variety of apples to choose from. This year we chose the Ambrosia variety. While I can’t say the kids take their time in selecting the perfectly ready apples, they are efficient in their picking, going fast up and down the rows of trees. But I will say involving them in the process sure gets them eager to eat them and bake with them, which is cool.
This year, we also enjoyed checking out the beautiful sunflowers that they planted this year at the farm. They were so high that there was a path you could follow amongst the tall flowers. And supposedly pumpkin season came early thanks to our dry and hot summer. We had quite the selection of pumpkins to pick from. But knowing us, this won’t be the only patch we visit before the end of October.
After our “work” was done in the orchard, there was plenty more to enjoy. One of the kid’s favorite features is the corn maze. However, anyone else get freaked out in the corn maze? I swear part of me each time is worried we will never get out! And the bouncy pad is where my son spends most of his time.
So while you may not have an apple orchard close to where you live, I do suggest you start your own fall traditions. It can be a super busy season for a family with school and activities dominating the routine, however, taking time to enjoy something together can center you all. And hello, just think of the photo opportunities. This year, I requested we have a photographer along to do our annual family photos. Thanks to one of favorites, Paraphrase Productions, for documenting us on this adventure. It was the best birthday gift, as I may have a thing with documenting experiences 🙂
