101 Fun Fall Activities for Kids

These fall activities cover it all, whether you're looking to get crafty, introduce kids to a brand new seasonal experience or simply enjoy the crisp autumn air.

Autumn lovers, rejoice! Your favorite season is finally here (along with bajillions of fall activities for kids that accompany it). As the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to change color, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help children of all ages get outdoors and take advantage of everything this amazing season has to offer — or bring the outdoors indoors. 

From arts-and-crafts projects to festive outings, this list of fun fall activities for kids has something for everyone!

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All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day, also called The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, observed by Christians on 2 November. Through prayer, intercessions, alms and visits to cemeteries, people commemorate the poor souls in purgatory and give the departed their favorite indulgences.

In Western Christianity, including Roman Catholicism and certain parts of Lutheranism and Anglicanism, All Souls' Day is the third day of Allhallowtide, after All Saints' Day (1 November) and All Hallows' Eve (31 October). Before the standardization of Western Christian observance on 2 November by St. Odilo of Cluny in the 10th century, many Catholic congregations celebrated All Souls' Day on various dates during the Easter season as it is still observed in some Eastern Orthodox Church, Eastern Catholic and Eastern Lutheran churches. Churches of the East Syriac Rite (Assyrian Church of the East, Ancient Church of the East, Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Chaldean Catholic Church) commemorate all the faithful departed on the Friday before Lent.

Learn more, here.

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Feast of All Hallows, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallowmas, is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honor of all the saints of the Church, whether they are known or unknown.

From the 4th century, feasts commemorating all Christian martyrs were held in various places, on various dates near Easter and Pentecost. In the 9th century, some churches in the British Isles began holding the commemoration of all saints on 1 November, and in the 9th century this was extended to the whole Catholic Church by Pope Gregory IV.

In Western Christianity, it is still celebrated on 1 November by the Roman Catholic Church as well as by many Protestant churches, such as the Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist traditions. The Eastern Orthodox Church and associated Eastern Catholic and Eastern Lutheran churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The Syro-Malabar Church and the Chaldean Catholic Church, both of which are in communion with Rome, as well as the Church of the East, celebrate All Saints' Day on the first Friday after Easter Sunday. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, All Saints' Day is on Nayrouz, celebrated on 11 September. The day is the start of the Coptic new year, and of its first month, Thout.

Learn more, here.

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website

Some Courage Action Steps

1. Think of people in your community who show courage everyday (firefighters, police officers, paramedics, members of the military). Write a letter thanking them for having the courage to serve your community and keep people safe.
2. Practice courage by speaking up when you disagree with your friends about something, or when your opinior is different from others' in a class discussion.
3. Think of something you are afraid of. How can you show courage in the face of that fear?
4. Try something new that you've never done before.
5. You don't have to be a superhero to be courageous. Read a biography of a real person who showed courage.
6. Learn more about saints who showed courage: Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Bernadette, and Saint Paul Miki are great saints to start with!
7. It takes real courage to admit when we've done something wrong. Think of a time when you have made a mistake and not told the truth about it. Now find the courage to be honest!

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

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Virtue of the Month : Courage

To choose what is good, even when it is the most difficult choice and comes with risk.

"Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

Examples of Courage in the Bible

The Bible often uses the word "strong" as a synonym for courage and refers to courage as not giving into fear.

Psalm 27:1. 14

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?

The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid? Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"

Mark 10:49

"Take courage; get up, he is calling you."

Joshua 1:9

"Be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go."

Isaiah 41:6

"Each one helps his neighbor, one says to the other, 'Courage!'

John 16:33

"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

2 Corinthians 5:6

"So we are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight."

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

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Helping Kids Cope with Seasonal Changes in Fall

As the vibrant days of summer fade into the crispness of fall, many children experience a range of emotions. Seasonal transitions, especially the shift from summer to fall, can be challenging for children. Changes in routine, weather, and daylight can affect their mental health, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Understanding these changes and offering supportive strategies can make a significant difference in how kids adjust during this period.

The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Children’s Mental Health

As fall sets in, children return to school, adapt to new schedules, and cope with the changing weather and shorter daylight hours. These changes can significantly impact their mental health in the following ways:

1. Routine Changes and Anxiety: The transition from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured environment of school can cause anxiety in children. Adjusting to new teachers, classmates, and academic expectations can be overwhelming, especially for those prone to anxiety or other mental health disorders.
2. Weather Changes and Mood Shifts: The fall season brings cooler temperatures and less sunlight, which can influence mood and energy levels. Reduced exposure to sunlight is linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year. While SAD is more commonly recognized in adults, children and adolescents can also be affected.
3. Decreased Daylight and Sleep Disruptions: Shorter days can disrupt children’s sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and irritability. Lack of sufficient sleep can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it harder for kids to cope with daily stressors.
4. Social Changes and Peer Pressure: Returning to school often means navigating new social dynamics. Peer pressure, academic stress, and the fear of not fitting in can contribute to emotional distress, especially in children and adolescents who already struggle with self-esteem or social anxiety.

Learn more, here.

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website

Saint Francis of Assisi | What is Saint Francis of Assisi known for?

Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of animals, merchants and ecology, is one of the patron saints of Italy and is a very popular saint in the Catholic Church. He was particularly well known for his love of animals and nature.

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website