November is a special time of year that brings us closer as we prepare for holiday celebrations, focus on gratitude, and enjoy cozy autumn days with our loved ones. We’re excited to share this month’s family-friendly ideas and activities to make the most of the season together!
🍁 1. Embrace the Outdoors with a Fall Scavenger Hunt
Enjoy the last days of fall foliage by creating a family scavenger hunt. Head to a local park, your backyard, or a nature trail and look for acorns, pinecones, unique leaves, birds, and other autumnal treasures. This is a wonderful way to connect with nature, spark curiosity, and enjoy fresh air before winter arrives!
Pro tip: Bring a bag to collect small items and a notebook for kids to record what they find. You could even bring some hot chocolate or cider to keep everyone warm!
📚 2. Storytelling and Family Histories
November is also Family Stories Month! Set aside a cozy evening to share family stories, look through old photo albums, or watch home videos together. Kids love hearing tales of parents' and grandparents' adventures, and it’s a great way to pass down family values and traditions.
Idea: Create a family “memory jar” where everyone can write down favorite family moments or stories throughout the month. Then, at the end of the year, go through them together.
🦃 3. Get Creative with Thanksgiving Crafts
Turn those Thanksgiving decorations into a family bonding activity! Try creating paper-turkey place cards, making “thankful trees,” or crafting leaf garlands to decorate your home. These handmade items can make your Thanksgiving celebration feel more personal and meaningful.
Easy Craft Idea: Cut out paper leaves and have everyone write one thing they're thankful for on each leaf. Hang them up as a garland, or place them on the table for everyone to read during dinner.
🏠 4. Volunteer or Give Back as a Family
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to give back. Consider volunteering as a family at a local food bank, donating gently used winter clothes, or even helping a neighbor with fall yard cleanup. Acts of kindness and gratitude make a lasting impact on kids and create beautiful family memories.
Tip: If you’re short on time, try hosting a small donation drive with friends or family, collecting non-perishable foods, or putting together care packages for local shelters.
Here is a great website where you can enter your location and find local non profits that will happily accept your donations!
📆 5. Plan Ahead - Family Advent Calendar Fun!
It may seem early, but planning an advent calendar with personalized activities can help you enjoy each day leading up to December. Fill your calendar with family-focused activities like movie nights, baking cookies, making homemade ornaments, or reading holiday books together.
Fun twist: Include acts of kindness in your calendar, like donating toys or writing holiday cards for nursing home residents. This small, meaningful tradition can help your family enjoy the holidays in a warm and intentional way.
November is full of opportunities to build traditions, connect, and appreciate what we have. I hope these ideas inspire you to make the most of this season together as a family. Have a wonderful month, and stay tuned for more holiday tips and activities coming in December!
Wishing you a cozy, joy-filled November! 🍂
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