Let’s face it. Everything these days consists of “in a Pandemic?” so why would kids activities be any different? You’re doing what in a Pandemic? That’s the question many ask and many answer “nothing” or staying safe at home.

That’s all fine and well however the days are still passing and if you have little ones, they may not understand why they can’t do their normal fun fall activities.

Here are some ideas to get the feel of Fall, but still keep simple and safe as needed.

1. Paint a pumpkin. Part of the fun is Pumpkin picking, but if you’re not ready to go out to public spaces just yet, pick a few up during your next grocery shopping trip, and some dollar store paint sets and you’re just about ready to get down to business. It’s much easier than carving, and much safer for little helpers.

Tip: Start with an idea from googling “pumkin painting” or use a favorite character photo. Draw the image onto the pumpkin with a pencil before committing with the paint.

2. Pick flowers and make plant baskets. By now your lovely outdoor garden is probably starting to whither. At least here in New Jersey we’ve gotten a slight frost or 2 and temperatures are sure to drop quickly. Instead of watching the flowers die or waiting to rip out a woody stick skelton version of your coleus plant, try picking the flowers and displaying their last bit of life in a vase indoors or pruning and potting your plants for inside or as front door decor.

Tip: Little hands cannot wait to pick flowers and any excuse to do so with consent is sure to be taken on with enjoyment. Identify the smells, textures and even the colors to make it extra fun! Hey, maybe you’ll wind up with a little future horticulturist on your hands.

3. Take a trip to the local zoo. If you’re feeling adventurous but not THAT adventurous yet due to the Pandemic, get a little normalcy in with a trip to your local zoo. Most zoos are limiting capacity even though mostly outdoor exhibits, and there isn’t much to touch, so you can enjoy a nice day out while the weather still cooperates and give the animals at least a reason to be where they’re stuck anyway (so sad). I’m sure they love to see people since they don’t have as many visitors these days, especially tiny ones with big smiles!

4. BAKE. Even if you’re not an avid baker there are many simple recipes including bake-free ones that little hands can get in on like oreo chocolate truffles which are one of my absolute favorites! Adding some orange food coloring to coconut flakes can create the Fall feel and with a dollop of green colored icing or chocolate you can even make them into cute little pumpkin replicas.

Another favorite that is so simple you’ll wonder how you haven’t been doing this your whole life is cake cookies.

5. Paint Rocks. Find some rocks by taking a walk around your neighborhood or maybe there are some in your yard or local park. If you cannot find rocks “in the wild” hehe, you can always purchase a bag of larger rocks from your local hardware store. There are some really cute designs or sayings online, and you can use finger paint to make it little kid friendly or better yet…you do the painting (maybe add alittle paint and sip action) and then let your little ones choose where they go outside. To a neighbors porch? A random location for someone to find? A gift for aunts, uncles, or grandparents? The options are endless!

I hope I’ve inspired you to get out and have some Fall fun in spite of the current situation in the World! And SMILE 😃