September is here! After the summer season, it can feel like it took forever for September to arrive, but at the same, this year has gone by so quickly! Now that Fall is here, it is time to get out and enjoy fall-centric activities. Get out for some family fun, some for free, this Autumn!
Waves of Honor
Busch Gardens and Sea World parks around the U.S. host a trick-or-treating daytime activity for kids. It is not scary but typically fall-themed with scarecrows, hay mazes, story times, and trick-or-treating. In the last few years we attended, no chocolate or nuts passed out, meaning no worries about nut allergies while participating. If your active-duty family still needs to use the Waves of Honor program ticket, use your ticket for a daytime ticket during the trick-or-treating days. It is typically offered on weekends and Halloween days if it occurs during the week. This means that the family fun is entirely FREE!
Busch Gardens parks are in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia.
Sea World parks U.S. locations are in Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California.
Howl O’Scream
Busch Gardens and Sea World’s answer for the adults and older kids who enjoy a scare is the Howl O’Scream program. This is an evening event and will need a separate ticket. You still need a separate access ticket if you are there during the day. It is a favorite event for those who enjoy scary movies and being scared. This is not for the easily scared.
Unique Trick or Treating
If your family is a big fan of LEGOS, both coasts host Legoland parks, where Brick or Treat events occur every September and October. It is trick or treating, with the bonus of one DUPLO brick handed out amongst the treats. It is very kid-friendly, without scares. There is some loud music in some areas, but you can usually ask team members which areas to avoid the noise adverse.
Unique Fall Fun
Baseball season lasts through early October, and their weekend games are often host to fall-themed giveaways or activities. The San Diego Padres hosts KidsFest every Sunday two hours before games for families – kids can run the bases on specific dates, some giveaways occur, and enjoy myriad activities, including face painting, bounce houses, and other activities. Check out your local area baseball team to see if there are specials for fall to check out a local gem while spending time together.
Library Campaign
Check your local library for a calendar of activities for fall. These are frequently totally FREE and open to all ages. We have lived in six locations worldwide in the last decade, and there has always been some sort of activity for trick-or-treating at the library. This is great for younger kids that won’t be up for the evening trick or treating. Local businesses like reptile houses have brought reptiles to the library to share them with kids, and librarians host readings of their favorite kid-friendly stories. Checking out local happenings also connects you to other families in your area, creating a great network.
Local Happenings
Check out local schools or non-profits for fall festivals or evenings to support local charities. The local outlet mall may host an event for fall showcasing local businesses or resources – a great way to enjoy an outing and learn about the area. Local schools may host a fall festival where a small cost supports the school, and you can enjoy activities like face painting, a cakewalk, or even a haunted house.
Before heading to the commercial pumpkin patch, check for local pumpkin farms or businesses. Support local and check out the local fare.
Check out local magazines, newspapers, and even social media pages to learn what activities there are in the area.
The fall season may not mean cooler temperatures every place and climb military families live, but it is a change in seasonal activities. Get out and explore for some family fun this fall. What are you planning to do or explore?
