I took my daughter pumpkin picking last year so this time around it was my husband’s turn. I’m writing this as they return- caked in mud with pumpkins that are almost the size of my two year old. I’m told they had a wonderful time and I’m deciding which of the many pictures they took to get printed and framed for the wall. Another family tradition to tick off the autumn to-do list. Here’s why it should be on your list of activities to do with your toddler this Halloween too.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
It gets your toddler outdoors: Chances are, thanks to lockdown and the colder days, your toddler has been inside a little more than normal lately, so it’s an excuse to get some fresh air in their lungs, their feet moving, dirt on their wellies and roses in their cheeks.
It’s an adventure: What toddler doesn’t love to hunt for buried treasure? Albeit- the treasure is a pumpkin and it’s buried in a field of long grass but the sentiment is still the same! There is nothing like the feeling of finding something you’ve searched hard for, especially when you are young.
It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy: If you want to do it with your cousins, aunts and uncles or grandparents, you can because it’s an activity everyone can get involved in and it’s outdoors, so perfect for these socially distant times we live in.
The fun doesn’t stop once they’ve chosen their pumpkin: You can bring it home to carve into a decoration with your toddler- then host a competition for the best one. You could hollow it out and use the flesh to make soup or pumpkin pie for your toddler to enjoy later, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
It’s inexpensive: A picked pumpkin might set you back a fiver, but when you measure this in the time spent getting wrapped up, searching for it and taking it home, there is at least an hour’s worth of activity to keep your little one entertained. A fair price to pay and great for families working to a budget.
The perfect photo opportunity: If you are someone who likes to have a selection of seasonal pictures to adorn your home, some of you toddler with a pumpkin are the epitome of autumn for the perfect fall decor collection. If you are lucky, the place hosting the pumpkin picking event might even have a professional photographer in tow to capture your day out too.
The day doesn’t have to end there: Often when a location hosts a pumpkin picking event there are other things to do while you are there. For instance, at our local pumpkin patch, there is a miniature railway, an ice cream shop, cafe and maze. Do your research and see what other activities there are on offer if your budget will allow. You might just find you can spend the whole day in one place.
MORE: Seven things to do with toddlers in autumn
With the beautiful red, brown, orange and yellow hues, there is plenty of variety to comment on if your little one is learning their colour palate at present. Plus you can kick up leaves, jump in puddles and pick lots of interesting things on your way like leaves, conkers, sticks and acorns… to read more click HERE
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