Fall Outdoor Activities

There is no doubt that fall is upon us.  We are past Labor Day, all of the kids are back in school, and in some parts of the country the leaves are even starting to change color!   One of the many great things about fall is getting to enjoy wonderful weather.  There is no shortage of fun things to do in the fall and some of our favorites involve being outdoors.

1.  Apple picking is one of the most fun activities to do when the leaves start to turn.  Not only will your kids enjoy picking fresh fruit, but the fun will continue at home when they get to make apple treats!

2.  Nature walks in the fall are a perfect family activity.  Kids can collect leaves in different shapes  colors, and quantities which is a great way for them to continue learning beyond the classroom.  

3.  Pumpkin picking is the best way to spend a day in October!  Your kids can pick out their own pumpkin and often times, pumpkin patches will have hayrides and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

 

And in case you need some more ideas, here is a great fall bucket list that you and your kids can check off together.  You can print it out and put it on the fridge so that your kids can see all of the fun activities that fall has to offer :)

 

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Benefits of Walking in the Woods

Many of us enjoy taking peaceful nature walks, but did you know that walking in the woods is actually good for you beyond just exercise?  In Japan, it is known as 'shinrin-yoku', which means forest bathing, and people around the world strongly believe that the natural elements have a strong restorative power.  Scientists say that while walking in nature you are getting the benefits of clean air and little noise pollution, you are actually receiving another benefit that have to do with how natural elements such as animals and the sun gently tug, but never grab at our attention.

 

 Walking in the woods and being out among nature give your time to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  It allows you to be alone with your thoughts, or to not focus on anything specific but rather soak in your surroundings.  The sounds you hear in nature, such a birds chirping, the wind whistling, and leaves rustling, are all much more relaxing than the sounds we get caught up in during daily life (phones, radio, horns etc).  Having time alone with these sounds can help restore balance and tranquility.

Researches have also found that walking in a forest can actually help boost immune function.  Trees emit a mist of wood essential oils, and these oils are said to possibly help with stress levels and even blood pressure. 

So next time you are feeling a little overwhelmed, or you just want to get some exercise, consider taking a nice long nature walk in the woods~

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Fairy Trees

If you little ones love playing with imaginary fairies, they might be excited to learn a little bit about Irish fairy house trees!  Many trees found in the Celtic countryside are said to serve as homes to fairies, as well as posses special powers.  From oak to ash, and apple to elder, all of these trees have special meanings in the world of fairies.  Since trees are so important to fairies, it only makes sense that's where fairies live!

 

Fairies are mythical creatures that are often refereed to in European folklore.  Today we think of fairies as dainty human like creatures with wings, which is why we can imagine they live in trees.  However, fairies were originally thought to be tall and beautiful creatures that lived among nature. 

 

Celtic nations often tell the tale that fairies used to live freely out in the open, but were forced into hiding when humans invaded their land.  That is why tress are so important in fairy folklore, because they were the perfect place for fairies to hide when humans were close by.

Fairies have always been associated with nature, and even though today we think of them as angelic creatures, legend has it they were often know for their malice and misbehavior.  Many say this is because humans moved onto the land they once had all to themselves.

 So next time you are out on a nature walk with your little one who loves fairies, keep an eye out for trees that look like they could be a fairy home.  How fun would it be to make one of your own, or have your little one pretend a fairy lives in the tree in your backyard!

Make sure to check out fairy inspired items at Our Green House!

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