October is a Great Month for Healthy Fall
Activities the Entire Family Will Love
The days are shorter, the weather is cooler, and it’s a great time to get your family outside! Moving not only keeps you well during the fall, but it is also a beautiful time of year to appreciate nature and bond with your family and friends. Here are some healthy fall activities to change up your everyday routine.
Take a Hike
What may have been miserable in the summer heat is now a relaxing activity the whole family can enjoy. It’s time to lace up the hiking boots and hit the dirt paths for an active day that might not even feel like exercise. Check out local gorgeous scenic trails and state parks.
Go Apple or Pumpkin Picking
Visit your local apple orchard and pumpkin patch and spend family time hunting for the perfect pick. Most orchards offer kids’ hayrides, cider tastings, and plenty of outdoor games to play, as well as amazing mental and physical health benefits for the whole family.
Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Instead of tossing out all the seeds when you carve a jack-o-lantern, try roasting them. Roasted pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients, provide needed magnesium, and there are a number of delicious ways to season them.
Rake Leaves
Rather than use a noisy and potentially hazardous leaf blower, get the whole family involved. Raking builds upper body and core strength and is a great way to get everyone out in the fresh air. Don’t forget the best part: Rake all the leaves into a pile for the little ones to jump on.
Go Birding
There are lots of ways to enjoy bird watching. Some folks travel the world just to find elusive species, but you can see quite a few in your own area. Find the local birds for your region and practice using their names with your kids. Make toilet-paper-roll binoculars with your children and go on nature walks to see what kind of birds you can find. If you really enjoy it, consider a longer-term excursion, or make your own backyard bird feeder and see who stops by to visit.
Take a Cemetery Walk
Halloween is almost upon us, and it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Chances are there’s a cemetery in your area, which can double as a free, peaceful walking trail. Walking for 30 minutes a day is a great way to improve overall health and stay in shape for parents and kids. Use the opportunity to talk with your children about what life was like when cemetery residents were alive. And be sure to respect cemetery rules.
Ride a Bike
Before it gets too cold, take family bike rides and check out the fall foliage. Local trails and greenways are great low-traffic options for family riding. Or just take a spin around your neighborhood and see what kinds of leaves you can spot. If you have a kid who still needs to learn how to ride a bike, now is the perfect chance to get some practice in before winter.
Next time you find your family buried in blankets watching TV all day, try one of these activities to keep them healthy and busy. You’ll not only keep everyone active but also create fun fall memories that will last a lifetime.