But somewhere between homework, soccer practice, Scouts – and let’s not forget school and work – we plan to make time for some of our favorite fall pastimes.
Why? Because autumn simply won’t feel like it’s arrived until we’ve visited a local farm in search of the perfect pumpkin, enjoyed a cup of fresh apple cider, and created the biggest, crunchiest pile of leaves to jump into.
Here are a few seasonal activities to try with your family. And please go to theolympian.com/busymama and add your own favorite fall activity as a comment to this column.
SQUEEZE IN A VISIT TO A CIDER MILL
Spend an afternoon on the farm during Apple Festival, which begins Saturday and runs every weekend in October at Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm, 9402 Rich Road S.E., Olympia.
“We just have a wonderful time,” said owner Carolyn Lattin. “It’s just a fun thing for families.”
The festival features bluegrass music, local artisans and all of the regular activities of the farm, which is home to farm animals, a pumpkin patch, an apple slingshot, a maze, and a country store with fresh-squeezed cider, fritters, pies and other goodies.
Lattin’s is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. 360-491-7328 or lattinscider.com.
For those who want the taste of fresh cider, but not necessarily the farm experience, the Meeker Mansion, 312 Spring St., Puyallup, will host its 19th annual Cider Squeeze from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 8. 253-848-1770 or meekermansion.org.
DO THE PUYALLUP
If you haven’t had your fill of scones, Krusty Pups or onion burgers yet, don’t worry because there’s still one week left of the Puyallup Fair.
Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is free for 5 and younger; $11 for adults; and $9 for ages 6-18 and seniors 62 and older. 253-841-5045 or thefair.com.
SHOP FOR A CAUSE
From now through Christmas, scores of local groups will host bazaars featuring the work of local crafters and artisans.
Some of the biggest events benefit local schools and nonprofits, such as the Antique and Craft Bear-zaar from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19 at Olympia High School, and the annual Holiday Craft Fair at Spanaway Lake High School on Nov. 12-13.
Watch for a mega-list of South Sound bazaars in the Oct. 2 Olympian, and at www.theolympian.com after that.
LOSE TRACK OF TIME IN A CORN MAZE
Farming has been in the Rutledge family for more than 150 years. In 2000, family members began the Rutledge Corn Maze to maintain their way of life and promote agribusiness.
The theme for this year’s maze is “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” and features the faces of characters Bella Swan and Edward Cullen.
Rutledge Corn Maze is at 302 93rd Ave. S.E., Tumwater. It’s open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. 360-357-3700 or rutledgecornmaze.com.
Tickets are sold up to two hours before closing. Admission rates vary. The farm also has a U-pick pumpkin patch and produce.
(By the way, if you have a baby or toddler, consider taking a jogging-style stroller with big wheels or an extra sturdy wagon because regular strollers usually aren’t tough enough for corn mazing. Also, pack snacks, water and sunscreen because those mazes can take longer to complete than you think.)
PICK SOME PUMPKINS
Our family has visited many pumpkin patches over the years, including ones in Kent, Puyallup, Orting and Olympia. Each offers a slightly different experience, so it’s hard to pick a favorite one.
Our son’s preschool takes an annual field trip to Hunter’s Pumpkin Patch, 7413 Yelm Highway S.E., Olympia. The kids love the farm’s hay maze – which is ideal for preschool-age children – as well as the farm’s tractor pull and old-fashioned barn slide.
Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Oct. 1-30. Some of the farm’s activities, such as the pony rides and kiddie train, are only offered on weekends. 360-456-0466 or hunterchristmastrees.com.
To find out about other area pumpkin patches, watch for a Halloween events listing in the newspaper or go to pumpkinpatchesandmore.org.
Lisa Pemberton covers education for The Olympian. She’s also one busy mama with three children ages 4, 6 and 10. Reach her at 360-754-5433 or lpemberton@theolympian.com.
