We could wax poetic about fall forever -- the crisp air, fiery foliage, and sweet bounty of the harvest . . .
Whether you're venturing to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch, we're here to help you maximize the outdoor adventures with the kids. What to bring (don't forget snacks!), what to wear (this is prime family photo opportunity, after all...), and how to go from field to feast. Because babies can't be basic.... let's have some old-fashioned, food-focused, family fun!
Dress for Success -- Let's face it, those sun-dappled, leaf-filled photos are a big part of the occasion! No need to super coordinate the fam', just a nod to fall with your fashion picks is great -- as long as it's still comfortable! Nothing cuts the occasion short like a too-chilly child with damp socks, so dress in layers to be prepared. As Scandinavian parents say, "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes"
Be prepared -- The lovely thing about pick-your-own is that you don't need much to do the actual picking, but you will want to bring some supplies for a picnic in the field (colorful cloths, a child-friendly knife), and think about a way to get the produce back home. Little arms will appreciate a cart that they can pull -- those apples are heavy!
Farm to Table -- There's no better hands-on way to experience the harvest than in your own kitchen. And you don't need to be a master chef -- or have more than a few minutes of prep time -- to whip up homemade applesauce (seriously, just throw chunked apples in a pot with a splash of water!), oven-dried apple rings, or toasted pumpkin seeds. But if you want to go the extra mile, and, say, peel those apples to make pie, go for it! We'll be too busy straight-up dipping wedges in goat's milk caramel...
It's in a Book -- Celebrate and learn together with some seasonal bedtime tales...
Looking for an idyllic scene near you? Here are some apple (and some pumpkin) -picking spot from our friends at Mommy Nearest to get you started: New York, in Washington D.C., in Philadelphia, in Boston, in Miami, in Houston, and Chicago and Los Angeles Looking in London, here's a list from Time Out UK to peruse.