FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN THE FALL

Autumn has finally arrived, and with it, the smell of pumpkin spice and apple cider. Many of us look forward to autumn with eager anticipation – the comfortable sweaters, warm mugs of tea and soup, decorations, the crisp air, and crunchy leaves. The weather is not too warm but not too cold, and many of us want to go out and experience what autumn has to offer before we are forced back inside by the bitter cold of winter.

However, with so much to do on top of our normal everyday lives, a lot of us may feel overwhelmed –especially those of us with children. Between, work, caring for our children and now returning to school (possibly both children and parents alike), you may feel too tired to try and find something fun to do.

I am here to help you! This article will propose many activities that are safe and fun for people of all ages. I’ve even taken the liberty to take my own child out to these events to test out what ages would be best for certain activities.

Liepold Farms Fall Festival – in Boring, Oregon

Last weekend, Liepold Farms opened for its annual Fall Festival, continuing through Oct. 31. I took my 2-year-old son with me to explore the farm. The hay bales and pumpkins for decoration were a remarkable sight. When we first arrived, we presented our tickets and were told to wear our COVID face masks, even outside. Once we entered, we started with the apple sling-shot activity. The sling-shot was a lot of fun; however, I would not recommend it for a 2-year-old without some help. It’s easy to pull

back, but a 2-year-old lacks aiming skills, and mine nearly nailed one of our friends in the head! I would say ages 5 and up would be better for the sling-shot.

The corn maze was a little muddy; I recommend rain boots and bringing an extra pair of clothes. The hay ride was a favorite for both of us, meantime. The pumpkin patch is highly recommended. And the children’s pavilion was perfect for toddlers and older children. Liepold also has a café available for food and drinks. I brought our own food and didn’t try the café.

All told, I’d give Liepold farm a 10/10 for all ages. Things that you need to know: Tickets are ONLY available online, and masks are required for all children ages 2 and up. It’s a little muddy, so bring boots and extra clothes. For more information: https://liepoldfarms.com/

Spirit of Halloweentown – in the city of St. Helens, Oregon

Spirit of Halloweentown is a festival celebrating Halloween and the movie “Halloweentown,” which was filmed in St. Helens (about 40 minutes north of Portland, via U.S. Highway 30). Tickets sales started Sept. 18 and the festival is ongoing through Oct. 31. The operators do ask that you wear your mask inside and outside of the town, and have hand sanitation stations all over town. There is parking available in town on the weekends, but you’ll have to pay for parking. On weekdays parking is free.

The big pumpkin in the middle of town square is breathtaking, modeled after the pumpkin in the namesake movie. It’s definitely a must-see, and if you visit around evening the pumpkin will be lit. We visited the haunted hotel, was a little scary for a 2-year-old; however, I think it would be perfect for ages 4 and up. We also visited the Museum of Oddities, which was a lot of fun, even for toddlers. We went through the pumpkin king tunnel; I highly recommend this.

We stayed for two days to do all the activities available. This festival was amazing, and I highly recommend it, as it’s perfect for all ages with lots to do. Things to know: Tickets are only available

online, parking on the weekends costs money, lodging is available for those who want to stay, the festival is small enough to walk through, and it’s chilly at times;, bring light coats, or heavy jackets. Masks are required through town for ages 2 and up. More information is available at https://spiritofhalloweentown.com/attractions/

Some other children-friendly attactions:

Mt. View Orchards – located in the hamlet of Mt. Hood (on Oregon Highway 35 near Parkdale, Oregon), open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., is a great U-pick orchard. No reservation is needed. We got some fresh apples, flowers, plums, and peaches. It was easy for my 2-year-old to do, and we both had fun. Dogs are also allowed in the farm, if they are on a leash. There is also a patio area you can go to, to try the farm’s root beer, wine, beer, ciders and more. See: https://www.mtvieworchards.com/

Leach Botanical Garden, at 6704 SE 122nd Ave. in Portland, is a beautiful place to see the changes of fall. The garden is offering free admission from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday, until spring of 2022, and I recommend it for all ages; the trails are stroller-friendly. See: https://leachgarden.org/

Hoyt Arboretum, at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd. in Portland (just north of the Oregon Zoo, in Portland’s West Hills) is available with free admission 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. This park, with numerous hiking trails, is a beautiful place to watch the trees change colors. I recommend this hike for all ages; the trails are stroller friendly, though are a little rough in spots due to tree roots and some gravel. I recommend bringing snacks and lots of water. See: https://www.hoytarboretum.org/

Visit your local library: There are many libraries located in Oregon, and they have started to open their doors to us once again. The Multnomah County Library branch in Gresham is open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on most days; same for the Sandy Public Library; and several Portland-are libraries have reopened, as well. Hours may vary. See: https://multcolib.org/

Visit your local parks! Many parks are allowing people to come back and play on the children’s playgrounds. I highly recommend visiting a local park and playground.

There are many fall activities to do near and far, free and already paid for. Whether you choose to venture close to home or not, you’re bound to find something fun to do with the whole family. Go out and explore – adventure awaits us all.