Enjoying Autumn with the Family

by Aaron Jubar

I remember back a few years ago when I spent one Fall afternoon helping my two young nephews pick out a pumpkin for their grandma. Thinking back now I am reminded of how much I loved this time of the year when I lived in mid-Michigan. I can still picture my nephews tiny faces lit up in the cool October air as they watched the animals on the farm we were visiting. Remembering how much fun the boys were having now leads me to the realization that summer isn't the only time to enjoy outdoor activities with the family.

The End of Summer

Autumn has always been by far my favorite season of the year. Summer is too hot, winter too cold, and Spring... well, where I grew up in Michigan we didn't get much of Spring. It always seemed that when old man winter finally released his grasp on the mitten-state (usually around mid-June), the blistering summer sun kicked in and the SPF 100 came out. Michigan may be the only state that you can get frostbite and heatstroke in the same day!

But regardless of where you live, now that summer is officially over, many of us get into an unvarying weekly routine until the holidays arrive. The kids are in school, the workplace is at its busiest and, as a result, time with the family can become limited.

Depending upon where you live, there may not be as many outdoor activities in the cool-weather season as there are in July and August -- but don't despair. I've found that there are plenty of family activities to do when the leaves start to change color. Summer isn't the only season to spend quality time with your family. Fall offers a plethora of activities for all ages.

So go ahead and let the leaves pile up in your yard. Believe me, when the snow begins piling up, those leaves will be a mere memory. (That is, of course, until the snow melts next June.) And if you live in an area where you don't have to deal with falling leaves and falling snow, then you definitely don't have an excuse! Now is the perfect time for weekend activities, and even Michigan has a lot to offer in the months of October and November.

Close to Home

Let's start with something close to home, like a high school sports event. I personally think that everyone should make it to a high school game this year; and not just football, but any high school sporting event. Not only does it support the schools and community, but it gets you and the family out of the house and away from the couch.

Now, I don't say this because I'm partial to the sport, but the atmosphere of a Friday night football game in October can't be topped. Take the kids and let them play Nerf football under the bleachers while your wife socializes and you talk serious football with one of the guys--- it doesn't get any better than that!

If you're in the mood to get scared out of your gourd (pun intended), don't step onto the bathroom scale, go to one of the many haunted houses and mazes in your area. Some of my favorite autumn memories come from walks through creepy corn rows on a chill evening. For the younger kids, there are usually hay-rides, petting zoos, and other activities that the little ones love and the whole family can enjoy.

Enjoying the Season

On Halloween night, volunteer to chaperone for a group of trick-or-treating kids. Don't worry about buying a costume, just dig out some of your clothes from the early 1980's -- you'll scare the kiddies for sure! As an added bonus, you'll probably score some candy just for being a chaperone.

And what would autumn be without a trip to the apple orchard? Sure, you'll be able to buy apples on sale at the grocery store, but there's a certain satisfaction that comes with picking your own apples. While at the orchard, don't forget a cup of hot cider and a cinnamon donut before you leave.

For those of you in the area where I grew up, Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful deciduous forests in the nation. The best way to experience the autumn colors is to get out and view them with your own eyes. A color-tour is a great opportunity to take the family for a weekend getaway, or even just a long Sunday drive. Some areas to see wonderful color right now can be found around Cadillac, Gaylord, and Traverse City in the Lower Peninsula. Those who venture across the straits of Mackinac will be rewarded with the splendor of the state's Upper Peninsula.

Don't Forget Your Church

Fall is also a great time to get involved with your Parish, and there are a variety of ways for you and your family to help out. This could be anything from being greeters before mass to being a chaperone for children's events and youth functions. Even having your family take the gifts up during mass is an excellent way to get involved.

As we come closer to Advent and the Christmas season, becoming more active in your faith community is an excellent way to get your family ready for this holy season. It's easy to increase your Parish participation this fall -- just check with the rectory, your deacon, or priest.

Be Creative Wherever You Live

I have only touched on a short list of possible autumn family activities in and around my home state of Michigan. With a little motivation and some creativity, you and your family can find a number of activities to partake in this fall no matter where you live.

But if you live near my family and friends, you better get out there as soon as possible. It is Michigan after all -- and you could get snow any day!

Life Applications:

What are your favorite family activities during this time of year?
What are some different activities you could try with your family this year?
How can you become more active in your faith community?

Copyright 2002-2008 by Aaron Jubar
All rights reserved.