It’s official! Autumn is finally upon us!
October approaches and people delight in pulling out the sweaters and hoodies and boots. Bonfires are planned, hayrides are scheduled, and pumpkin spice is all the rage.
For most of us, school has been in session for several weeks now, and October can be the perfect time to take a break from the routine and get outdoors! Autumn doesn’t last long, so take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some fall color and the last of the pleasant weather before winter sets in.
So are you in need of some October field trip ideas? Here are some ideas to consider…
Pumpkin Patch
You thought of this one, right? Pumpkin patches are such fun for kids. What is better than hand-selecting your own pumpkin, straight out of the patch where it was grown?
There are pumpkin patches in virtually every corner of our fair country, so it’s likely there is one near you. And you generally have opportunity to do far more than pick out a pumpkin! Many pumpkin patches offer hayrides, corn mazes, bonfires, and other activities, so it can be easy to spend an entire day having autumn fun out on the farm.
Apple Orchard
Though the North is probably better known for its apple-growing, there are orchards throughout the South and West as well! In October, apple orchards boast many of the same events and activities as pumpkin patches, along with you-pick apples, apple cider-making demonstrations, and tasty apple products galore! Check out this link for some of the best apple orchards in the U. S., but know there is probably a great orchard within a day’s driving distance from you!
Farmers’ Market
Depending on your location, Farmers’ markets may still be teeming with fresh produce in October. And of course they are likely to have pumpkins, winter squash, apples, and even preserved produce available for purchase.
Farmers’ markets can also be a great place to pick up fun fall décor items like hay bales, bundles of corn stalks, and dried Indian corn. Mums are a hot item at farmers’ markets, too, along with beautiful arrangements of fall flowers like goldenrod, sunflowers, and gerbera daisies.
Besides all the great local items you can buy, not to mention the fun atmosphere, a farmers’ market can be the perfect place for kids to see entrepreneurship in action. If you want your kids to learn about producing and selling their own product, look no further than the people at your local farmers’ market. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Most will be glad to tell you all about their products and how they grow them, harvest them, and get them to market.
Historic Sites
October can be the perfect time to visit historic homes, towns, forts, battlefields, cemeteries, etc. A visit to many of these places requires a fair amount of walking outdoors, and it’s better to do it when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller. Many sites offer special autumn programs, workshops, reenactments, or demonstrations that might be of interest to the entire family. And keep in mind that some smaller sites close or operate with limited hours over the winter months: Another reason why an October visit may be a good idea!
Keep in mind, too, that many historic sites offer homeschool discounts or sponsor special homeschool days. Call or check out their website for details and snatch up some savings or take advantage of special programs!
Nature Hikes
There really is no better time to go hiking than in autumn. In October the temperatures are usually mild, the bugs are less active, and the colors are amazing! It can be the perfect time to get out and enjoy nature before less desirable weather sets in and it becomes harder to do so.
Besides the great exercise, nature trails give you an opportunity to learn about and identify trees and plants in your area. Tote along nature journals or books or help with plant identification and turn your hike into a learning experience for the whole family. Check out my guide to nature hiking for some tips on hiking with kids, and for links that might point you to some great trails near you.
Fall Festivals
Autumn seems to be festival season everywhere! I love small town festivals because they are such a charming slice of Americana, but also because they offer such a mix of events to participate in, wares to buy, and even contests in which to compete. Festivals can teach you so much about your region, its people, and the interesting things produced there.
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So get out and enjoy this October! Take school on the go and do some outdoor learning this autumn!
