Posted by Greenpark on October 18 / 2018
DIY Halloween Costumes
Get a head start on Halloween costumes by trying something a little different this year. Take a stab at creating your very own costumes! DIY projects don’t have to be overwhelming, choosing a simple costume idea makes the process much easier. This is also a great way to re-use old clothes and other materials lying around your house, giving them a fun purpose!
Decorate as a Family
Take any opportunity to come together as a family this fall. Even something as simple as getting your house ready for Halloween can be a great bonding experience. Give your children small tasks like packing away summer décor items and taking out your fall-themed decorations that have been packed away for the year.
Bake Pumpkin Flavoured Desserts
One of the best things about fall is pumpkin flavoured… everything! A great way to spend chilly Autumn afternoons is in the kitchen. This year, why not make a list of your favourite sweet treats and give them a fall themed twist. Try baking pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies, apple crisp cheesecake and pumpkin pie s’mores. These delectable goodies are sure to be loved by the whole family. Check out this link for some more delicious recipes!
Scavenger Hunt
Test your family’s skills with a fall-themed scavenger hunt! Not only is this a great way to spend quality time together but by placing items inside the house and outside, you will have a fun way to spend time outdoors before the cold weather rolls around.
Raking Leaves
Raking leaves is another great way for the whole family to spend time outdoors this fall. Get all family members to participate by giving each child their own personal rake. This will get them excited about tidying up the yard and they will also feel more fulfilled when they jump into the pile of leaves that they gathered!
Nature Hike
Enjoy the captivating sights of colourful leaves and the crisp cool air while on a beautiful hike. There is nothing quite like being immersed in the forest in fall. Round up the family, pack a bag of tasty treats and hit the trail for an afternoon full of laughter, bonding and stunning views! See the link for a list of great trails throughout the GTA.
Visiting the Pumpkin Patch
Taking a trip to a pumpkin patch is a must-do this fall. This is the perfect opportunity for the family to pick out pumpkins for carving. Check out the link to see some great pumpkin patches in the GTA.
Apple Picking
Making your way to an apple orchard is another great family outing idea this fall. Not only will you have the opportunity to capture some cute family photos, but you can also satisfy your sweet tooth by making delicious caramel apples! Click the link to view some great apple orchards in the GTA.
Carve the Perfect Pumpkin
- Great carving starts with a great pumpkin. Make sure you choose a pumpkin that is fresh and has no bruises, also make sure that it has a flat bottom so it won’t roll away while you’re trying to carve.
- Be sure to cut out the lid of your pumpkin on an angle, not vertically. A boning knife works best for this, ensuring that the lid won’t drop inside the pumpkin after you clear out the inside.
- Use an ice-cream scoop to clear out the pulp, make sure to also scrape a little more off of the pumpkin’s inner wall so it is about 1 ¼-inch thick, this will make it easier to pierce the shell.
- Be sure to hold the pumpkin on your lap when carving, it will be easier to cut straight, defined lines when the pumpkin is facing you. You may want to get a pumpkin carving kit that comes with a mini saw.
- Preserve your pumpkin for as long as possible by spreading petroleum jelly on the cut edges, keeping it fresh!
- After your carving is complete. Place a candle inside your pumpkin, put the lid back on and poke a small hole in the top of it!
This fall season, make it a priority to spend as much time with family as possible! Every task, chore or event can be a great bonding experience! Greenpark wishes you and your family a safe and fun fall season. To read our previous blogs or learn more about our communities, visit our website at https://www.greenparkgroup.ca/