We’re officially hitting that time of year where we fall for everything fall. From corn mazes and pumpkin carving to apple picking, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything and the burnt oranges and reds that fill the treetops on our walkways, it’s a special time of year for families. We are embarking on the unofficial start to the holiday season and trying extra hard to fit in the family time and make memories together. With the throes of COVID-19 still very much on our heels it may feel hard to plan out ways to keep your family entertained without feeling too isolated. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to enjoy autumn while staying safe and mindful when it comes to precautions surrounding COVID-19.
Go apple picking together
Pick a day and time that is less likely to be crowded and take your family on a fall-favorite activity by going apple picking in a local orchard. Wear your masks, choose trees that are farther away from anyone else, and pick to your heart’s content. Take candid family photos that you can share on social media with family and friends. Sanitize your hands post-trip and wash your apples thoroughly before consuming. Use the apples to make yummy fall treats, like apple crisp or apple crumb pie as a family.
Have a pumpkin carving contest at home
Pumpkin everything is synonymous with fall. Pick pumpkins at a local patch, grab some from a roadside stand or add some to your grocery pick up cart to enjoy the joys that pumpkin decorating and carving brings each year. Use paints, stickers, stencils and carving tools to decorate your pumpkins. Make it extra fun by having an at-home contest with your family. The winner could be judged via social media or by a video chat judge of your choice if all family members are participating at home. The winner gets to choose the next meal or movie for family movie night.
Boo your neighbors
What better way to show your neighbors that you’re thinking about them by surprising them socially-distanced style? Put together a Halloween (or fall) themed gift basket complete with candy treats, pumpkin decorating items, and a fall scented candle and leave it on their doorstep. Include a sweet note letting them know they’re on your mind and wish them a great fall season from afar. This simple, but the fun idea will leave your neighbors feeling happy and embracing the new season.
Participate in a virtual Turkey Trot
Most fall races have gone virtual to stick to social distancing guidelines and regulations, but they have not been completely canceled. Many runs and walks have gone virtual so that you can still participate and support a cause of your choosing. Get your family together to participate in a virtual race to enjoy the fall weather and exercise together. Choose a cause you support along with a distance that is suitable for your family. Most races come with swag, such as a finisher medal and fun t-shirt to commemorate the event.
Navigating our new normal, all thanks to COVID-19, can seem overwhelming. Giving up old traditions and creating new ones can be tough sometimes, but with the right mindset, life-long memories can still be made. Enjoy all that fall has to offer this year while being mindful of risk factors and putting your family’s health at the top of your priority list. With a little creativity and a lot of family teamwork, there is fun to be had this season.
