Whether you’re the parent of a teen, toddler or baby, you likely have a to-do list that never seems to end. Just when you feel like you’re getting somewhere in knocking things off the list, new things make their way on, which can feel overwhelming at times.
When the weekend comes, it can be easy to get sucked into the full focus of catching up on household chores and yard cleanup to the point where the feeling of accomplishment of completing each task comes at the expense of not getting as much quality time with the kids as we’d like.
These days, kids can easily spend time on screens for entertainment as we whittle away at our tasks. As they intently focus on each game or movie, it can be hard for us to let go of the focus we have on each ‘to do’ item. Making a commitment to drop it all and take a break for at least two hours to switch focus and make some fall memories with your kids over the weekend will not only get you all outside moving during this glorious time of year but will likely fulfill you in a way that the cleaning of a dirty soccer uniform and socks can’t.
Pulling out a picnic blanket and heading to Riverfront Park to enjoy a packed fall lunch to take in the leaves or riding free bikes from Schuylkill River Greenways’ bike share program to explore the Schuylkill River Trail are some convenient and cost-free ways to make the most of fall and experience a greater level of connection with kids. Read on for more fun ideas to make the most of the season with your family!
Bike through history at Valley Forge
You can bike through history by using the wonderful trail system at Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County. As you bike along and come across interesting historical structures dating to the Revolutionary War, you can stop and get educated between the recorded messages and information boards that are located throughout the park. It’s best to park at the visitor’s center and grab a map. You can head out on the trails from there and spend a day going back in time as you take in the stunning beauty of the open land and the fresh, fall air. You can take your time on the trails and easily pull over when needed. In addition to your bikes, you’ll want to pack a snack and water bottle to keep everyone fueled and hydrated.
Location: 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia
Phone: 610-783-1099
Cost: Free
For more information, including hours, visit: www.valleyforge.org
Fall at Frecon Farms
A trip to Frecon’s beautiful apple orchard and pumpkin patch in Boyertown will enable your family to experience the bounty of the season’s harvest. Open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, at the orchard, you can have the experience of picking your own apples right from the trees and pumpkins from their straw patch. You can also feel free to take your time exploring the orchard, enjoying their food items and live music.
For an extra special treat, you can purchase their signature apple cider donuts and fresh apple cider. It’s best to start at the market (address below) for directions or to go to the orchard directly by entering the intersection of Poplar and Edge Hill roads in Boyertown in your GPS.
Location of market: 501 South Reading Avenue, Boyertown
Phone: 610-367-6200
Cost: Apple picking bags start at $10 or get an orchard pass for $7 ($5 can be applied to a purchase of pumpkins, etc)
For more information, including hours, visit: www.freconfarms.com
Get lost at Wilcox Farms
A large or small corn maze at Wilcox Farms is a fun way for any age to get lost in the fields as they figure out how to make their way out of the maze. The large 25-acre maze is ideal for teens and adults while the small one is perfect for toddlers and their parents to make their way through.
For teens looking for a spooky experience, they can do the large maze at night. Just make sure they’re equipped with a flashlight if going after dark. Each year the maze has a different theme that inspires the design of the maze and this year it’s the Headless Horseman.
Regardless of the time you go, you are almost guaranteed to leave with a taste of the countryside and a greater level of excitement some fall spirit leading into Halloween and Thanksgiving. Hay rides are also available to take in the farm’s scenic location. A food truck is often on site during the weekends and you can find items such as fresh cider and pumpkins available at their farm store.
Location: 1134 Reading Avenue, Boyertown
Phone: 610-367-2387
Cost: $5 per person for children’s corn maze and $8 for the adult maze ($6 per person for groups of 10 or more). $4 per person for hay ride and play area (weekends only)
For more information, including hours, visit: www.wilcoxfamilyfarm.com
Fall beauty at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
The fall season is a beautiful time to hike the trails at Hawk Mountain Wild Bird Sanctuary in Kempton, Berks County. You’ll get to explore nature in its full glory as the trees show off their fall leaves. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy once you make it to the top of the trail. There are many vista points to look out for hawks and other birds in flight. The stunning views are a reward for the hike. When you arrive, pay a visit to the visitor’s center first to get your ticket and make a restroom stop.
Location: 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton
Phone: 610-756-6961
Cost: $10 admission fee per adult, $7 for seniors 65+, $5 per child (6-12), Children 5 and under are free
For more information, including hours, visit: www.hawkmountain.org
Spooky Golf at Manatawny Green Mini Golf
Throw on your coats for this evening adventure which is a Halloween experience tied in with a game of mini golf. Daytime hours are also available if you are looking for less spook for younger kids. They will still be able to see the decorations, but the fog and special effects are most impactful after dark. Located next to the Pottstown Carousel and across the street from Memorial Park, this is a fun event for the whole family.
Location: 71 W. High St., Pottstown
Phone: 610-970-6607
Cost: $8 per person for daytime golf and $9 per person for nighttime golf
For more information, including hours, visit: Manatawny Green Miniature Golf on Facebook
Source: Berkshire mont
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