This activity is so simple, but has given me some of my favorite parenthood memories! When I think back on some of my more elaborate efforts at orchestrating the perfect moment (i.e., when I hired a fairy godmother for my three-year-old daughter’s princess birthday party) and how they backfired miserably (my daughter was in such a state of shock she didn’t speak or smile!), I appreciate how easy, fun and cheap this seasonal activity really is!
All you need to do is go to an area where the leaves are falling from the trees. For me, that’s my backyard. But the neighborhood school and town park work nicely as well.
Then when the wind blows just right, look up and try to catch leaves before they hit the ground. This is easier said than done! That’s what makes it so fun though!
We run around like a bunch of little leaguers trying to catch fly balls and squeal with delight when we actually catch a leaf. Then we put these trophy leaves in a plastic bag for safekeeping. We don’t stop until we’ve caught at least five leaves each!
Some days, that’s enough fun for us! Other times, we use our precious leaves for various crafts. I recommend decorating a frame with the leaves to display a picture from this memorable day!
Follow these easy steps to make a frame:
- Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle (about 7 inches wide and 8 inches long).
- Use a pen to trace a rectangle in the middle of the cut cardboard, 1 1/2 inches away from each edge of the cardboard.
- Cut out the traced rectangle to create the opening for the photo.
- Glue the leaves around the edges of the frame.
- Glue small magnets to the back of the frame to display it on the fridge.
- To preserve the leaves, spray the frame with a clear varnish. (optional)
Have fun making a memory!
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Wow. An activity with the kids that a) involves fresh air b)involves exercise c) is free.
One of my favorite childhood memories is of using the iron (with adult supervision) to melt leaves and crayon shaving between wax paper layers. We put them in emboridery hoops and hung them in the windows as “stained glass.”
I like that idea! I’m going to try it!