Thanks for subscribing to the Houston Family Fun newsletter. This October newsletter is packed full of fall festivals and fun activities for your family. I also encourage you to check out my blog for candid commentary on Houston family life & add your comments to participate in this online community.

Fall Frivolity

I love autumn. Even in Houston, the weather cools down a bit and there are so many great things to do with your family. To get you moving toward more fun this month, I’ve highlighted five family favorites for fall.

1). Cornelius Nurseries Fall Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 6. Last year, we found this was an enjoyable way to pick up some fall foliage for the house and yard, while our daughter Little K decorated her very own pumpkin. (You’ll see how much fun she had in this photo.) This low-stress event is perfect as a come and go event, really encouraging people to get in the mood for fall. Bring your camera for plenty of photo opps.

2). Dewberry Farm has a wonderful 12-acre pumpkin patch so your little helpers can pick out their own pumpkins. A new feature this year is the Pumpkin Light Parade. This nighttime hayride through Halloween Hollow will thrill the kids and adults as their favorite cartoon characters, movie stars and others come to life in a spectacular display of over 300 carved pumpkins. Saturday nights at Dewberry Farm will become a fall tradition to see this unique display of glowing pumpkins set in six separate scenes.

3). Take a leisure hour drive to Chappell Hill, Texas for the annual Scarecrow Festival, on Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14. You’ll enjoy the adorable scarecrows as well as arts, crafts, country cooking and live entertainment. A special Children’s Activity Corner provides pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train and more.

4). Looking for something closer? Head downtown for the Bayou City Art Festival, the weekend of October 13-14. More than 300 artists from across the nation will be showcasing their works. Stroll the streets in and around Hermann Square on Walker, Bagby and McKinney Street as well as Sam Houston Park. Besides the 19 media that are displayed here, you’ll also find an interactive Creative Zone for children, the “Art on Water” floating art installation, restaurants and wine cafes, and the performing arts stage, where the Houston Arts Alliance spotlights ongoing multi-cultural musical and dance entertainment.

5). The Houston Fire Museum sponsors Fire Fest on Saturday, October 27 to honor firefighters and educate Houstonians about what happens daily at fire stations throughout Houston. The Houston program is so well regarded that aspiring firefighters from all over come to Houston to train. Bring the kids to enjoy free fire demonstrations, fire trucks, music, food and fun. Plus, children love to shake hands with real firefighters. Fire Fest is held at the Val Jahnke Fire Training Center, just south of Hobby Airport.

Of course, your youngsters will also be looking forward to the indulgence of Halloween trick or treating this month. Grab a treat for yourself and enjoy.

Good Times Ahead

Help your kids find awesome autumn adventures, using the book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids. This book is packed with fun ideas for the fall and it makes a wonderful gift to new Houstonians and new parents. Order your book online or pick up your copy at any of these shops: Barnes & Noble, Berings, Borders, Blue Willow Bookshop, Brazos Book Store, Houston Invitation Service, or Olive Anne in the Heights.

Megan F. Salch

"The Kids Activity Queen"

MeganSalch@TellYourTale.com

http:/www.tellyourtale.com/Kids