The season comes and takes the summer away by telling us that we are supposed to wear “no white after Labor Day” and suddenly it’s all about Halloween.

We have tried to put some order in this otherwise overwhelming Halloween craze.

First of all, let us confess that we like decorating, choosing costumes, getting dressed up, trick or treating and waiting for children to show up at the doorstep.

However, the season is not only that.

This is why we have been searching for ideas on activities to do with our families other than the ones that involve preparations for the night of October 31^st.

TIP #1 – Read books.

you may think: “Mind-blowing revolutionary idea!” But what about opting for a trip to a local brick and mortar book store and look for Halloween themed cute stories? It can be the equivalent of adapting the reading to the season, same way as adults we follow seasonal sports or buy the current best sellers.  Remember that whether you celebrate or not, Halloween is in the air and it’s a conversation starter even in kindergarten. Look at it this way: it’s an allergy-friendly activity. [1]

TIP #2 – Quiet activities.

A dream for parents of small children and truly, with children suffering from allergies or asthma, staying indoor is more than a simple choice.  So how about origami, the Japanese art of folding colored paper and creating shapes of animals or everyday items? Or, building trees with buttons as leaves, it has trees and leaves as children are learning in school about the seasonal foliage, it’s still a seasonal activity and no risks of sneezing. Here are some instructions.

TIP #3 – Pumpkin patch.

Temperatures have calmed down and even if we encounter the usual rainy cloud, rain-boots and seeking shelter under a porch momentarily will be compensated by fresher air. It’s a family bonding experience that will leave cemented memories for generations to come.[2]

If you have environmental allergies you may want to be prepared for sun, dust, grasses, bring Epinephrine auto-injector, insect stings repellant sprays and creams.

 QUESTION: CAN YOU BE ALLERGIC TO PUMPKIN? TAKE IT TO THE COMMENT SECTION IF YOU KNOW THE ANSWER

TIP #4 – Ice skating. 

In Florida they are of course indoor (although we hear that there are some built outdoor just for a short period of time) but they are the best excuse to wear some snow gear, scarf, beanies & gloves. You may end up with a couple of extra bruises if you are not really a pro at skating but it will provide an extraordinary experience.

TIP# 5 – Dress-up the whole family (pets included)

Make it a family affair, if there is a story behind each costume, each character/family member will feel the part. When it comes to trick or treating in the neighborhood follow all rules and suggestions to make it safe and fun.

Allergies to watch out for: READ this blog post.

TIP #6 – Weekend gateway. 

Scared of the trip to Disney? Here are 3 reasons why you should take advantage: Florida-residents discounts are a perk; it’s not as crowded as in other holiday-times throughout the year; you are going to have the time of your life watching your kiddos having the time of their life. Win-win situation!

Sources:

[1] http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Cute-Halloween-Books-Babies-Toddlers-Preschoolers-19185282#photo-19185282

[2] http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Family-Pumpkin-Apple-Picking-Photos-35886462?ref=38540040#photo-35886462