This is the 7th annual Auntie Kim's Fall Festival--each year in October (Midwest) all my nieces and nephews and their parents come over for chili, cornbread, roasted corn and apple cider before heading off to a local pumpkin farm. Great time of year, as it's an off-season grab for a Saturday "Auntie" tradition that won't get in the way of school or summer vacations.

If you can find a pumpkin patch nearby that has games, hay bale mazes, farm animals, etc, you can make an entire day out of it. Mine has a tractor with a digging implement that they dress like a dragon. It "eats" pumpkins and blows smoke. The kids LOVE IT!

Local county websites can offer you details on most locations in your area. We get the big tractor ride out to the patch where everyone gets to pick the pumpkin(s) of their choice. We pick up some caramel apples & pie and head home to carve pumpkins, roast seeds, and make hot chocolate. The kids are so used to this tradition now, that when a new baby or younger sibling comes along, the older ones take the younger ones in hand to teach them how to pick the best pumpkin, not to be afraid of the dragon, how to get out of the maze, etc...

Usually around August, one of the kids will ask, "Hey! Isn't almost time for Auntie Kim's Fall Festival?" It's a tradition they always remember, and you'll never forget!

Bonus: The kids will sleep like rocks, so the parents will love you....although, the chili effects go home with kids too--haha!