We are in the thick of fall break. The kids are home, the snacks are disappearing at an alarming rate, and I am trying to keep everybody busy while still keeping my own schedule.
So I did what any former business owner turned mom would do: I graded it. Here’s our fall break report card, with the costs, so you can steal whatever works.
1. Hiking Cedar Ridge Preserve
Cost: Free
Grade: A+
I have lived in this area for 45 years, minus the years I was away at school. I have driven past this place and heard about it, and I had never once walked through the gates. That changed this week.
My mom tried to warn me: the hills and my goodness the stairs. Another warning, the sign at the trailhead listing four kinds of snakes like menu, but we went anyway. It was a real workout and a real energy burner. We got nature, a view at the top, and enough people on the trail so you don’t feel isolated and afraid. If you’re local and you haven’t been, consider this your sign.
2. Putting Up the Halloween Tree
Cost: Free (if you already have the decor)
Grade: A
A few years ago I decided to put the Christmas tree up in the fall. Why buy a whole tree to enjoy for three weeks? Now it goes up by October dressed for Halloween, then switches to Christmas later.
This year my mom and my son “made” me wait all day so they could “help.” Around 8pm I was still waiting, because the helpers had gotten distracted by something else (more on that next). Once we finally got going, we put the music on, pulled everything out of the fall box in the garage, and decorated together. The kids always get a kick out of the house changing, and so do I. It’s the easiest bonding there is.
3. Learning to Play Chess
Cost: Free (we already had a board; a cheap one runs about $10-15 on Amazon)
Grade: A+
Apparently chess was introduced at school the week before break, and the board on our coffee table has not had a day off since. I know the pieces, how they move, and how to set up the board. Strategy? Absolutely not. Being any kind of challenge? Not even close.
So, we’ve been YouTubing “how to play chess.” and somehow the kids, my mom, and I have all gotten hooked. I love when my kids get interested in anything, especially something that makes them think and isn’t a video game or a sport. It uses a different part of their brain. Mine too.
4. Grandma’s House
Cost: Free (plus snacks, and WHATEVER Mimi said she needed)
Grade: A+++ (10 out of 5. I know, low-hanging fruit. Too good to pass up.)
I’m so thankful for the village. A few hours of quiet. Time to write without “Mommy, can I have…,” “Mommy, he hit me,” or “Mommy, I’m hungry.” I sent the snacks and whatever else she asked for, and I’d do it again tomorrow.
5. Archery
Cost: Under $10 per person, plus about $12 for bow rental
Grade: Pending (by the time you read this, we’re probably at the range)
I’ve been shooting very casually since 2022 (I wrote about it in Catch Me Outside). A friend told me he’d already introduced his little ones to it, and I decided it was time to bring my two along. It’s outside, so the noise isn’t a problem, and it’s a real life skill. I’ll report back on who has the best aim, and whether anybody listened to the safety talk.
6. PumpkinFest in Mesquite
Cost: Free admission and parking; $15 activity wristband
Grade: Pending (but I already know who’s winning the costume contest)
If our plans hold, Saturday we’re headed to PumpkinFest at Paschall Park in Mesquite after our last regular-season soccer game. Parking and admission are free, and there’s a costume contest, hayride, trick-or-treat bags, selfie station, and arts and crafts. The $15 wristband covers unlimited inflatables, face painting, and balloon art, and there should be food trucks and stage performances too.
The costumes came in last week before I even knew about this fest, so first place is in the bag!
7. Paint by Number
Cost: Under $10 per canvas on Amazon
Grade: A+
We started these a couple of Fridays ago and we’re still going, because they’re more intricate than any of us expected. The kids decided to team up on one. We set up outside, put the music on, and paint for about an hour, which is when the antsy sets in. It takes a little setup to contain the mess, but it’s relaxing, satisfying, and stretches a different side of all of us.
The Students
Arrington: A- (extremely helpful; a solid citizen this week)
Aliah and my nephew: C (together they are…a lot)
Me: My calves are still filing complaints, and feeding everybody an extra meal a day is a part-time job. But we’re making it.
BTW: You don’t have to finish everything at once. Showing up a little each day is how a life, and a goal, gets filled in.
That’s our fall break so far. What’s on your list? Drop your best idea, especially the free ones. I’m taking notes.
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