Community Corner
Head Outside For Fall Fun
With kids or without, here's a collection of outside activities and events you can do from your backyard to the nature centers around and outside the metro area.
Many Wisconsinites claim that fall is their favorite season. The crisp mornings and comfortable days provide perfect weather. Grab the kids, and a jacket, and let the outdoor fun begin.
In The Backyard
Fall festivities can start in your own backyard. Let the Packers inspire you. Toss a football around the yard, or gather the neighborhood together for a game of touch football.
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Falling leaves provide an opportunity to let imaginations run wild. Have your kids make leaf people, or other fun art protects out of these natural decorations. A young friend once gave me a kitty cat face made out of a maple leaf and a few pine needles as whiskers.
While we might despise the task of raking leaves, kids can make a game out of it. The innocence of jumping in a pile of leaves is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Lay a tarp out and have the neighborhood kids rake up the pile. Sure they’ll get tired before the entire lawn is cleared, but at least you’ll have a jumpstart on the job.
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In The Neighborhood
Take a stroll on one of the many urban trails. You’re never far from the Oak Leaf Trail or the Hank Aaron State Trail. These trails are popular with both walkers and bicyclists. When was the last time you went on a family bike ride?
Local nature centers have activities schedule throughout the year. Fall highlights include Habitat Helpers at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and Tracking Down Deer at Havenwoods State Forest. Habitat Helpers is held Friday mornings from 10:30 am – 11:00 am and is for ages 3-5 years old. The Havenwoods’ event is December 1, 2012, from 10:30 am – 11:00 am and is a family friendly nature hike.
On The Road
Load up the car and take an autumn day trip adventure. Horicon Marsh State and National Wildlife Areas are just 90 minutes from the Milwaukee airport. Both provide a great opportunity to witness congregations of vocal and charismatic sandhill cranes as well as numerous species of ducks, geese, and swans.
There is a sense of urgency to get all of the chores wrapped up before the snow flies, but be sure to take time out for fall family fun too. The weather is perfect. Get outside and enjoy it.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Habitat Helpers, Fridays
Drumstick Dash 5K at State Fair ParkNov. 22
Havenwoods State ForestTracking Down Deer, Dec. 1
Milwaukee Zoo: Family Free Day at the Zoo, Dec. 1
Racine Zoo: Charles W. Johnson Appreciation Week, with free zoo admissions, Nov. 11 – 17
River Bend Nature Center, get out enjoy the park anytime.
Urban Ecology Center: Help Feed the Center’s resident turtles, snakes, fish and more, Saturdays
Wehr Nature Center: Homemade Holiday Open House, Dec. 1
