As Fall arrives and the weather changes, the door opens for playdates that Summer wouldn’t allow. As a Mom myself, Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. There are so many things that you can do outdoors with your kids. This also makes it easier to have fun, Fall-themed playdates with your family and friends.
But the Fall season can be super busy. School is back in session, sports are starting again, and the holidays are right around the corner. If you’re a busy Mom (who am I kidding, we all are) then setting up for a playdate at home might not always be so easy. That’s the great thing about Fall, though! There are so many activities, events and places to go that you don’t necessarily need to stress over having a playdate at home. So if you’re a busy Mom and you’re looking for some fun and exciting Fall-themed playdate ideas, here are a few that I’ve come up with.
Have a Fall-Themed Playdate at Playgrounds and Parks
Topping the list of Fall-themed playdate ideas is a trip to the park or playground. Sure, you can do this anytime of the year. But in the Fall things are so much more colorful, and there is so much to explore outdoors!
Playing on the playground is the first obvious activity that you can do on this type of a playdate. But there are several other Fall-themed activities that you can do while on a playdate at the park. For one, you can go on a nature scavenger hunt. You can make it Fall-themed by hunting for things that you would only find in the Autumn months. Make it a contest to see who can find the biggest leaf, or the largest spider web. Whatever it is that you decide to hunt for, your kids will definitely have fun while exploring. And did I mention a scavenger hunt can even be a little educational, too?
Another great Fall-themed activity that you can do while on a playdate at the park is to take walks through the trails. Luckily for us, Charlotte is the home of a lot of greenways and surrounding parks with trails. If your children are old enough, or if you have the stroller with you, take a walk together with your friends. Everyone gets to hang out and relax while getting fresh air!
Indoor Playgrounds are Perfect in the Fall
Charlotte and its surrounding areas are full of indoor playgrounds to choose from. Indoor playgrounds and play places are perfect for a playdate in the Fall. While they might not necessarily be “Fall-themed” they are great on the days that the weather is cool and there is a breeze in the air.
Another reason that indoor playgrounds are great for the Fall is because Moms can sit and chat occasionally while the kids go off and play within a confined space. I love that several places monitor who a kid comes and goes with. In my opinion this makes for a much safer, more relaxed playdate.
Also, if you’re lucky enough then the indoor play place will be serving drinks and snacks. Many of the newer indoor playgrounds now have coffee shops and cafes which is amazing for Moms. Grab that Pumpkin Spice latte while your kid is running around and enjoy!
Explore Pumpkin Patches and Farms for a Fall-Themed Playdate
When it comes to Fall and Fall-themed playdate ideas, nothing says “Fall” more than a pumpkin patch or farm. The best thing about these types of venues is that there is always so much to do! Depending on where you go, your kids might be able to explore a field of pumpkins and pick their very own to take home. Many pumpkin patches and farms also now have corn mazes and hay rides to entertain your little ones.
Another great reason to visit a farm in the Fall is the animals. By the time Autumn arrives many of the baby animals from the Spring have grown and are now out roaming the pastures. If the farm is the type where the kids can get up close to the animals, they might even be able to pet them.
Another great thing about Fall-themed playdates at the Farm? The goodies! Many farms serve fresh apple cider, coffee and other tasty things during this time of the year. The kids might like some of it, but at least Mom gets to enjoy it, too.
Fairs and Festivals
The Fall season is definitely a season for county fairs and state fairs. There are also several Fall festivals and events that are perfect for kids. If you can handle the crowds and your kids like lot of activities to do, then a playdate at a Fall festival is a great idea!
Many festivals and fairs have the usual games and rides for kids. Some have prizes, and almost all have food. Here in Charlotte there are so many things going on between September and October that you’re bound to find at least one event that you and your friends would want to rendezvous at for a playdate. Don’t believe me? Google “Fall family events in Charlotte” and you’re guaranteed to find something!
The Fall is a Time for Fun
Fall is wonderful for so many reasons. But I like to see it as the season to take a breath and recover from the Summer. And while the Autumn can also be a very busy season, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find easy ways to get together with your friends and family. There are so many great things going on in the Fall that you are bound to find at least one Fall-themed playdate idea that you like.
What are some of your favorite Fall-themed playdate ideas? Let us know in the comments below!
