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2012: My Top 5 On-the-Go Fall Family Activities

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My Top 5 On-the-Go Fall Family Activities

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Anthony Easton)

With Halloween and Thanksgiving coming, the local fall activities are increasing in our area.

I love the many options to go out with our family to enjoy the fall season. From trips to the playground to attending a soccer game, we enjoy the outdoor activities during the autumn season.

With so many choices, I chose these adventures as my top 5 on-the-go fall family activities:

My Top 5 On-the-Go Fall Family Activities

#5 – Romping through a corn maze

Before Paul and I had children, we visited a corn maze each year. We loved the 1-2 hour adventure through the maze finding our way out.

With younger children, we limit the corn maze to the smaller options at the apple farm. If you have upper elementary-age or older children, then they may enjoy an adventure through a local corn maze. I have seen a few daily deals for corn mazes, so check to see what’s available in your area.

#4 – Roasting marshmallows around a bonfire with friends

My husband and children love making s’mores. Preferring my chocolate separate from the graham cracker and the marshmallow, I like toasting my marshmallows and eating them plain.

Hanging out with friends around a warm bonfire on a brisk autumn evening mesmerizes me with the crackling wood and reddish-yellow flares. Ah, the wonderful sights and smells of fall!

#3 – Watching the live performances at our Fall Festival

Even though I am working at our fall festival, I love to watch the live performances with my children. Occurring in the center of the KidZone, the live performance continue throughout the event. I get to watch with my children while staying available should a problem arise. I love mixing my responsibilities with family fun at our event.

To find local festivals, check Craig’s List for activities and events under the community category.  Continue visiting that site to find new or updated information on community events as Craig’s List is updated regularly.

#2 – Taking a hayride

Sitting on the hay and riding through the woods with the putting sound of the tractor over the uneven trail rings in the fall season. Enjoying two thus far this fall, I always look forward to an adventure on a hayride.

#1 – Visiting the pumpkin patch at the Apple Farm

The #1 pick for my top 5 on-the-go fall family activities is our annual visit to the apple farm. Besides getting a bag or two of apples, we pick our pumpkins, take a hayride, romp through the corn mazes, snap pictures, visit the animals, eat a picnic lunch, bounce on the tire jumps, solve our scavenger hunt, and mine gems. Visiting the apple farm is the highlight of our fall.

In planning your fall activities, you might attend a sporting event, schedule family portraits, visit a local park, or choose one of my top 5 on-the-go fall family activities. However you choose to spend your fall season enjoy those close to you while using time wisely. In two weeks, I’ll share my top 5 without-leaving-home fall family activities. Happy planning!

Question: What are your top 5 fall family activities?

2012 Third Quick Tip Week: Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut

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Free Krispy Kreme doughnut - Halloween

Photograph Credit: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Quick Tip Week continues! Hope this week of shorter posts highlighting one tip in each category helps you in using time wisely.

For series already in progress, I will continue with the next segment following our Quick Tip Week.

Embrace this week, add your tips in the comments, and continue using time wisely!

Quick Tip #6: Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut

Per Krispy Kreme Doughnut’s Facebook Page:

Visit any participating Krispy Kreme location and show us your costume and receive a free doughnut.

Dressing up as who knows who? A fairy, a goblin, or something that boos.

Wear your favorite costume to Krispy Kreme on October 31st to receive your FREE Halloween or Pumpkin Spice Doughnut. No purchase necessary.

Find a store near you- http://locations.krispykreme.com/.

Offer good for one doughnut per customer at participating stores on October 31st only.

Visit http://KrispySkremes.com/ to see all of our haunting delicious treats.

This offer is good in the United States and Canada. Now off to choose a costume and a delicious doughnut. Enjoy!

Question: Do you plan to dress up on Halloween?

Six Flags: Read to Succeed – Earn a Free Ticket

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Six Flags: Read to Succeed program

Photograph Credit: Read to Succeed

With summer reading programs complete, your scholar may need some encouragement to reach those reading minute goals. Though my children enjoy reading, the extra rewards reinforce their efforts.

The Six Flags Read to Succeed program seeks to motivate students from Kindergarten to 6th grade to read for fun. Students who log 6 hours of recreational reading earn one admission ticket to a Six Flags Theme Park. The reading must not be homework, class assignments, or school-related to encourage reading for fun.

Who is Eligible?

Kindergarten through 6th grade students who attend a school within a 250-mile radius of a Six Flags Theme Park are eligible. The school must register and teachers who submit at least one student to the program will earn a free admission ticket.

How to Register?

To participate in the Read to Succeed program for 2012 – 2013, all teachers and school coordinators need to register by visiting the Read to Succeed website. Click Register for a new account, and follow the prompts.

For more information, visit the Six Flags Read to Succeed Frequently Asked Questions page.

If your child qualifies for the Read to Succeed program and your school does not participate, then forward this post to your child’s teacher or administrator.

In using time wisely to instill a love of learning, the Read to Succeed program offers a great prize. Happy reading!

Question: Do you prefer a roller coaster or train ride?

Krispy Kreme: Veterans Day – November 11, 2012

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Veterans Day - free doughnut and coffee

Photograph Credit: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

For all veterans and active duty military, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is celebrating you.

On Sunday, November 11, 2012, present your military identification or wear your uniform to a participating Krispy Kreme Doughnut location to receive a free doughnut and small coffee.

With no purchase necessary and no coupon required, enjoy a sweet treat in celebration of your service for America.

Thank you, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and

Thank you, Veterans!

Outback Steakhouse: Veterans Day Celebration

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Veterans Day celebration

Photograph Credit: Outback Steakhouse

In support of Veterans Day, Outback Steakhouse will give all properly identified military personnel a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-cola beverage. This offer is valid on Sunday, November 11, 2012, and Monday, November 12, 2012.

Beginning Tuesday, November 13 through December 31, 2012, Outback Steakhouse continues their support with a 10% off discount to all properly identified military soldiers.

As you visit your local Outback Steakhouse, compliment them on their support of our military. Thank you, Outback Steakhouse!