Petting Zoo

Farms and barnyard animals never fail to capture the imagination, and there’s no better time to make a new four-legged friend than harvest season! Meeting a farm animal up close is a magical experience, especially for kiddos who sing Old MacDonald by heart and love playing farmer with our Big Red Barn. After seeing – and feeling – the real thing, playing pretend with the farmer and animal figurines will be that much richer. Kids will also get to feel the difference between a sheep’s fleece and a goat’s fur, which can help develop sensory skills!

Hayride

Local farms around the country are open to the public this time of year for lots of activities. A classic hayride is a great way to start or finish a day of outdoor family fun and is accessible to all ages. Little ones, parents, and grandparents can all bounce along, enjoying the sights and smells of golden fields and hay bales. The only question is choosing between a horse or tractor-pulled hay wagon!

Apple picking

It’s harvest time, so why not set the kiddos hunting for the reddest, ripest apple they can find? U-pick apple orchards are bursting with the freshest fruit available this time of year. The wide-open spaces let children run free and healthy snacks are guaranteed! Kids will love putting their gross motor skills to use reaching to pick their sweet red rewards, and can even climb low-hanging branches with a bit of help.

Old-fashioned baked apples

Now it’s time to use those apples! Old-fashioned baked apples are a tasty way for little ones to get comfortable in the kitchen (with a little help from the parents) – it’s literally farm-to-table! And since it’s Grandparents Day on September 12th, turning fresh apples into delicious dessert is an excellent time for grandparent-grandkid bonding and for sharing old-fashioned know-how.

Baked apples are a simple and sweet treat that’s quick to prepare and will make the house smell like apple pie without all the work. If you want to include little ones in the process, core the apples in advance. Then, have them mix the filling and stuff the apples – the more, the better! Once the apples are in the oven, the kids can dream up their next dish with the help of our pretend play Cooking Set. Ding! Order up!

Whether the family is on the farm or in the kitchen, take advantage of fall’s fair weather and bright colors. Like the weekends, the season should be savored! We’d love to know what your family is doing this weekend, tell us over at @battattoys.