Top Picks for Fall Family Fun in CNY
Fall is officially here! The autumn season is loved by so
many. Not only is it the kickoff of the holiday season, but there are so many
fun and cozy activities to do.
The best activities are the ones the entire family can join
in. Activities that are enjoyable for all age groups. Whether you are looking
for traditional fun or something new, here are 10 fall activities for the whole
family!
Fall Family Fun
Fall Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor game that requires participants to
navigate to specific coordinates using a handheld GPS or a phone GPS. Once you
find the location you then need to hunt for the ‘prize’ which is usually a
hidden box filled with items left from other ‘hunters’. Sometimes the cache
will have clues to the location of another cache.
Geocaching is fun for small children because they are going
treasure hunting! It’s also enjoyable for older children and adults because
there is strategy and an end goal in mind. Combine that with beautiful Upstate
New York fall weather and scenery and you have the perfect family day.
Visit New York Upstate for more information on geocaching in your area. There are many free apps you can use, including Geocaching, Cachly, C:Geo, and Spyglass.
Fall Hiking
Hiking in the fall offers a breathtaking experience. Fall leaves are especially vibrant and beautiful in New York due to the unique environment and climate of the state. When it comes to adventuring with small children, it is best to keep it fairly easy. According to New York Upstate, there are 9 trails that are particularly great for when you have children in tow.
Apple Picking
A tradition you do not want to skip. Apple picking allows
children to gain a sense of accomplishment after they’ve searched for the
perfect apples and personally picked them. Many apple picking farms also offer
homemade apple pies and other baked goods and apple cider.
Pumpkin Patch
Who doesn’t love picking the perfect pumpkin for carving,
painting, or simple displaying on their front porch? Just like apple farms,
there are often homemade baked goods, yummy fair foods, and warm apple cider
available.
Horseback Riding
This one might not be a traditional fall activity, but it
should be! Onondaga County Parks offers horse back riding from September
6-October 27, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Horses are one of
the few animals that has the ability to really bond and connect with people.
Your children will love spending time with their new furry friend!
Free or Cheap Fall Family Activities
Hay Ride
Hay rides are so popular and must in the fall. Many
community organizations and churches offer free hayrides. You can also usually
hop on a hay ride when you’re at the farm picking apples or pumpkins. There’s
no combination more nostalgic than hay rides and pumpkin or apple picking.
Corn Maze
Corn mazes are another activity that require a bit of creative thinking. Many corn mazes offer family deals and young children are often admitted for free. Springside Farm, located in Fabius NY, offers a $35 family pass which not only includes unlimited access to the corn maze, but also unlimited access to their tree maze, jungle maze, petting zoo, pedal cars, jump pad, zip lines, foosball, barrel train, wagon rides, playground and more. Children under 2 years old get in for free.
Pumpkin Carving / Pumpkin Painting
Oh course you have to carve or paint your pumpkin after you
get home from the pumpkin patch. The best part about this family activity is
that it’s totally free. Just use carving tools or knives from your kitchen, or
children’s craft paint. Remember to always supervise.
Caramel apples
Caramel apples are a traditional fall treat, especially
during the month of October. The best part about them, aside from how delicious
they are, is the fact that they are super easy and simple to make. Set out
bowls of assorted toppings like chopped peanuts, mini M&Ms, or toasted
coconut.
If you want to keep things even more simple, buy caramel dip
to set out with your toppings and cut apples into wedges.
Fall Festivals
Festivals and fairs are a great way to get your kids out and
into the community. There are a lot of options for fall festivals in CNY.
Ithaca NY, September 27-29, Apple Harvest Festival
Oswego NY, October 5-6, The CNY Great Pumpkin Festival
Newark Valley NY, October 5-6, Newark Valley Apple Festival
Cortland NY, October 5-6, Great Cortland Pumpkinfest
LaFayette NY, October 12-13, LaFayette Apple Festival
Little Lukes Preschool, Daycare, and Childcare Center
Little Lukes is a leading Syracuse and Oswego County
education provider with five inclusion preschool locations. The early education
program includes credentialed and caring staff that specializes in
comprehensive infant, toddler and pre-kindergarten development. Additional
services include pediatric speech therapy, pediatric physical therapy and
pediatric occupational therapy. Preschool locations include Dewitt (East
Syracuse), Baldwinsville (Radisson), Oswego, Fulton, and Pulaski.
For information about Little Lukes, please contact us at www.littlelukes.com/contact.html