Autumn break – that delicious week in the middle of the storm, where the sun sometimes peeks out, you recharge your energy, and where you can actually enjoy slow mornings and cuddle sessions on the sofa.
But! At some point, the little feet will likely be itching to get out of bed and go on an adventure. That’s why we have gathered a list of some of the finest, free activities you can do during the autumn break.
(Psst, if the kids are lucky enough to spend the autumn break with grandparents, you can send the list to them )
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Explore the forest's treasure chest
This may seem a bit obvious, but it’s one of those things we at Mammashop always want to do but never really get around to. It’s simply about getting the kids dressed in their snowsuits and then just getting outside to enjoy nature.The Nature Agency has good advice on where you can find wild berries and fruits. -
Make the prettiest chestnut animals
Even if you don’t have luck finding wild berries and fruits, you can almost always find chestnuts. Slip into the forest with a big bag and let the kids run around collecting the pretty, fresh chestnuts – and since the children can gather them themselves, you can bring a cup of coffee or tea for the adults When you get home, lay the chestnuts on the dining table – remember a tablecloth underneath. As an adult, you should poke holes in the chestnuts with a needle or a knitting needle, so you can easily insert matches or string. -
Bake a Rasmus Klump-sized stack of pancakes
…and if you are lucky enough to find blackberries in the forest, you can eat them with homemade jam!
Serve the pancakes for breakfast – many kids think that’s the wildest luxury. -
Create your own home cinema
This one is especially good if it’s gray, wet, and windy outside. Serve popcorn in individual bowls, cucumber sticks, and other tasty snacks. Let the kids find all their coziest stuffed animals and drag the blankets onto the sofa before you hit play and forget the world outside. -
Spend an afternoon drawing
…and make it a bit cozy while doing it – light some cozy lights and play some soft music. Make sure there isn’t too much else to stimulate the children, as there will be better chances for a quiet and creative cozy moment. -
Go to the library and read aloud to each other
You can either sit in the library's children's section or borrow books to take home. Sit on the sofa or build a cozy reading nook and take turns reading aloud to each other. -
Make jack-o'-lanterns
The lamps can be made scary or sweet, and children of almost all ages can participate. The little ones can scoop out the insides of the pumpkin, while the slightly older ones can carve the designs themselves. -
Do practical things
It sounds a bit backwards to relax during the holiday by doing practical things, but the whole idea here is to involve the children. By showing them practical tasks, they become aware that these tasks exist – and they experience a really nice boost in self-confidence when they are allowed to help rake leaves, empty the storage room, or tidy up the closet.
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Wear pajamas all day and enjoy indoor activities
Read books, play your favorite games, build a fort, or stay in bed for as long as you like. Have a relaxing day where the only thing you need to do is be together.
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Cook together – and make double portions so you have some for the freezer
Make the kids' favorite dishes and let them help prepare them. Make sure to choose dishes that can handle taking a little longer to peel the carrot or where it’s okay for the pieces to be uneven in size. If you make extra large portions, you’ll have some for the freezer when everyday life comes knocking again. -
Bonus tip for grandparents:
Take a walk in your childhood neighborhood. Show them your school, where you were born, and share stories from your childhood. It will surely spark curiosity and questions from the little ones
Have a great time – and enjoy your holiday