Fall Leaf Activities- Free Family Fun

There are approximately two months to activities involving the autumn leaves color changing. Starting in mid-September in the northeastern United States to the end of November in the southern United States, nature provides a wonderful show to enjoy.

A relaxing drive through a forested area, or a walk if you live close to a lot of trees is the simplest way to enjoy fall leaves. Take a camera and record your trip. A picnic lunch among the leaves is not only free, but if you pack a rake, making leaf piles and jumping into them will keep the kids amused while you relax.

A fall leaf collection can be enjoyed for years to come, and it is a perfect way to teach children about various trees and their leaves. Numerous books are available at the library, or guides are available on the internet to print and take along on your collecting trip. Be sure to only pick leaves that are disease free and are not damaged by insects. An old magazine works fine to hold the leaves until you get home.

Once home, you will need to preserve the leaves in a leaf press. This removes moisture so the leaf remains colorful and does not become moldy. A free leaf press can be made with newspapers. Chose a tabletop that won't be needed for a few days. Lay down a plastic tablecloth to protect your table. Add 3 sheets of newspaper and lay out the leaves, do not use wet leaves. They should not be touching. Add layers as needed. Find something mildly heavy to lay across all of the leaves. Plywood works well, but almost anything large enough will do. Add more weight on the plywood. Leave this undisturbed for several days. Spray your dried leaves with a thin coat of acrylic spray on both sides. The dried leaves require gentle handling or they will crumble. Once dry, leaves can be mounted on a display or used in crafts.

Don't feel like making a leaf collection? Get some clear contact paper from a dollar store. Collect some clean, undamaged colorful fall leaves and take them home. Cut a piece of contact paper about place mat size. Lay the leaves (not touching) on the sticky side. Cut another piece of contact paper the same size and lay the sticky side down on the leaves. Trim the edges with scissors and you have a fall place mat. You can make table runners or desk toppers, let your imagination run wild.

Fall leaves are great for decorating as well. Bring home some colorful leaves and let the kids fill clear bowls and vases to decorate your home with. There are numerous decorating uses for leaves, but when all else fails, jump into a leaf pile with your kids It's a great stress reliever.