Fall is the best season in Beijing. Crisp weather and clear blue skies make this the most beautiful time of year. Families want to get outside and make the most of the cooler weather before the winter chill sets in. But for those few fall days when the sun hides away, here are five indoor activities to try with your kids.
The Autumn Leaves
The leaves have yet to turn, so for now you’ll need to make your own. Use red, orange, and yellow painted leaves to make pretty collages following these instructions. Follow this video or this step-by-step to make autumn leaves with construction paper and glitter.
Scarecrow
Bring Mr.Scarecrow in from the fields. Make a decorative version with your kids. Try this easy paper version. To create a centerpiece, follow either of these step by step instructions. Surround your centerpiece with a harvest of crops such as apples, corn, pumpkins, painted leaves, and these themed cookies.
Homemade Apple Cider
The scent of mulled cider is one of the most evocative autumnal fragrances. Follow either of these basic from-scratch recipes, or get creative and add cranberries or extra oranges.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are delicious to snack on and good for you too. (See previous blog post here). Roasted these seeds are even tastier. Make them plain, savory, sweet cinnamon or flavored with soy sauce.
Fall Films
Where the Wild Things Are, based on Maurice Sendak’s 1963 classic children’s book takes place in an enchanted autumnal forest. Older teenagers and parents will enjoy 2007’s Into the Wild, directed by Sean Penn in which the changing seasons mark pivotal changes in the central character’s life.
Image courtesy of wikimedia commons.
