Colder weather and wind means the leaves are falling down. Time to gather them in a pile and encourage a running start. Arrange them to create works of art like these beautiful images from Andy Goldsworthy.
This was one of my favorites as a kid. My dad would bring home gigantic cardboard refrigerator boxes for me and my brother to color on. Then we would arrange the boxes in tunnels, line them with pillows, add some lights, paint some bricks, cut out a window, and drape sheets from chairs. Viola!
Instant castle fortress.
Paper, scissors, stickers, crayons, paint, and some imagination can turn a pile of scraps into tiaras, puppets, and more. Looking for cheap craft supplies? Check out your local Dollar Tree. Recyclable materials are great too. Check out these cute fairy houses made from soda bottles.
This is a great option for inside or outside. Use a template like the one to the left or create one of your own using items around your house.
We love game night at our house. You can act things out in a game of Charades like the characters of Frozen 2, break out one of the family favorites like Candy Land, or try a new hit game like Chow Crown. Check out this video of a family giving it a hilarious try. Available on Amazon here.
The joy of living in Los Angeles is that there are numerous hiking opportunities. Some of our favorites are Griffith Park and the Hollywood Reservoir, but if you're feeling really adventurous, check out "The Wisdom Tree". It's steep, but worth the reward of the 360 degree view. Look for the hidden box with memory book. Always bring extra water and snacks, make sure your phone is charged and let a friend know where you're going before you begin the hike.
How many princesses can you name that clean up their homes? Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel... time to throw on that princess playlist and encourage princess time. If you prefer for your kids to clean up with an actual princess, you know how to reach us ;)