Another Good Day: Metro Detroit Fall Guide 2023!
Fall is in the air in southeast Michigan! The leaves are changing, the temperature is cooling down, and we’re all savoring the waning days of time outdoors together.
If you’ve been wondering how to make the most of this beautiful time of year with the children in your life, this is your go-to guide—where to visit, what to play and read, and even a tricky behavior to tackle this season. Let’s dive in!
Where to visit
Bowers School Farm - Wander the open barn, meet your new favorite pig, and pick some pumpkins.
Cider in the City - Hot cider, pumpkins, and fall fun at Beacon Park in Detroit the first three weekends in October.
Belle Isle - Escape to Belle Isle for nature trails, playgrounds, a museum, and the nature center, which hosts a free halloween event Oct 28 - 29!
Howell Nature Center - A hidden gem that’s fun for all ages with stroller-friendly trails, wildlife, a treehouse, and a teaching zoo. Check out their Howl-o-ween events the weekend of October 21!
What to play with (Products linked!):
Make a nature collage using contact paper
Use bowls and jumbo tweezers to send them off on a nature-item collection scavenger hunt
Switch out your backyard kiddie pool for balance beams and stepping stones that mimic river stones and logs from the nature paths you’re exploring this fall (these make great indoor toys when the temperatures drop!)
What to read:
The Leaf Thief (Alice Hemming & Nicola Slater) - A fun little picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons.
I am the Wind - (Michael Karg & Sophie Diao) - It’s windy season, so join the wind on a global exploration of the wonders of the world.
What to taste:
Fall brings unique flavors to your family dinner table, why not make it play with a taste testing activity?
Go on a grocery trip together to pick out different types of squashes (Spaghetti, acorn, butternut, pumpkin, etc.)
Conduct a tasting! Discuss the sizes and shapes, textures and smells, and finally, after cooking together, discuss their different tastes.
Fall behavior: transitions
The dreaded transition—now’s the time to proactively work on your transitions during this season of change.
A guide from Lovevery on coping with separation anxiety.
A guide to managing time with your children (including setting timers!) from Busy Toddler
The “Sleepytime” episode of Bluey (FYI—highly emotional episode, watch it first and prepare to talk through it!).
What’s your fall look like? What are your traditions and the things you look forward to? Where are your go-to spots in Michigan this time of year? Let us know and have a great autumn!
