Autumn fun for kids > Fresno, CA

Fun Autumn Activities Indoors and Out

It’s Autumn and that means tons of fun fall activities to do as a family. My creative juices stir this time of year. Maybe it’s the changing colors and the warm smells of cinnamon, apples and pumpkin pie. If you’re looking for fun things to do with the kids, this is the perfect time of year. Some of our favorites involve apples, leaves, and pumpkins. Getting outside together seems to be the theme, and what better way to celebrate a new season than by getting out and appreciating it in all its glory? Whether you’re looking to make a day trip or staying home, there are activities to suit your needs.

Apple picking is a popular way to spend a day together. We enjoy driving an hour or two and finding a U-Pick farm that carries our favorite apples. If you’re not sure which your favorite is, why not have an apple tasting first? So much learning can happen on an apple picking outing. Our kids loved picking the apples and my husband taught them to rub the apple against their clothing to “shiny them up.” Of course, they taste tested a few along the way. Some farms have cider pressing, candle dipping, hayrides, and other activities. I can’t leave without a gallon of cider, an apple caramel pie, and a caramel apple. Once we get the apples home, we let the kids take turns putting the apples onto the old-fashioned apple peeler and watch their excitement at getting a completely intact spiral peel. Next, we get out Aunt Betty’s apple pie recipe, and start baking. This is a family tradition everyone will look forward to and enjoy each year.

You can have just as much fun staying home, too. With gas prices still high and everyone trying to find ways to cut back, it makes sense to stay close to home. Keep it outside and focus on the changes around your neighborhood. On our walk to the local bakery last week, we were thrilled to see many yellow and red leaves. We collect them for leaf rubbings (put the leaf under paper, use the side of a crayon-paper peeled off, and rub the paper for a beautiful picture of your leaf) and a variety of other arts and crafts. The kids are bound to ask why the leaves change color in the fall. Don’t fret if you don’t know the answer, here’s a simple explanation to make you look like you really do know everything! Some other fun leaf activities include raking them into a pile or a maze, preserving the leaves, or gluing different leaves onto paper to make animals. There’s always another kid favorite, crunching them underfoot while walking the dog! Here’s a Family Fun article for more fall activity ideas.

Another favorite holiday tradition in our family is going to a pumpkin patch to pick out our collection of pumpkins to carve into jack-o-lanterns. There are a number of pumpkin patches to choose from. We have been to quite a few in the area.  Most have so many different kinds of pumpkins varying in shape, size and color. The pumpkins are on the vine, so your family can choose just the right one and cut it from the vine. This place is really an experience. Most have a petting zoo, a picnic area, the haystack castle, and much more. This year we’re thinking of checking out a new one on our short list. For a list of pumpkin patches and even the history behind Halloween, I found this resource worthy of bookmarking.

Another fun activity we do throughout the year, particulary over 3 or 4 day weekends is to take a trip to John’s Incredible Pizza Company.  This is the perfect place for fun particulary when the weather won’t permit outdoor activities like apple picking or searching for the great pumpkin.  We always suggest making John’s part of your plans at some point throughout the holiday season.

Here’s what your family gets and why we like it so much:

1. John’s Incredible Pizza is giant! You’re not going to run out of space or fun things to do here. John’s is easily the largest indoor play area for kids (or adults) anywhere. Now you can even take an interactive look at what a typical John’s Pizza is like on the inside. If you’ve never been to a John’s Pizza, you’ll be surprised.

2. John’s has many indoor rides and games. These are real indoor rides for kids including the coolest bumper car setup we’ve seen anywhere.

3. They have interactive and fun video and other games

4. Multiple themed dining rooms. Themes range from music videos to cartoons, each is easily the size of a standard restaurant.

5. There is great need for multiple dining rooms due to the all-you-can-eat-buffet. The buffet ties the rides for our favorite part of John’s. Simply said John’s has more pizza flavors than you can imagine, tons of pasta variations and a fantastic salad bar for those seeking a lighter fare. Of course if you dine on the salad bar you’ll have room for the all-you-can-eat dessert section too, which includes soft-serve ice cream, cakes, cookies and more.

John’s Incredible Pizza
7095 N. Cedar Ave. 
Fresno, CA 93720 
(559) 323-1111 
Promotions and specials sign-up 

 

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