Field Trip: Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday was our annual field trip to the local pumpkin patch.  The children really enjoy seeing the animals in the petting zoo, playing in the shelled feed corn and taking a pumpkin home. There are so many sensory experiences: the texture of animal fur, the dryness of the cornstalks and hay, and the smooth vegetables. Allowing children to run, climb and jump gives them the opportunity to develop gross motor skills. When families go on outings together, parents should engage with their children, do the things that are fun and age-appropriate, point out interesting things, and explain new words to encourage language development. Fall is a great time of year for family-friendly activities!