10 Things to do Outside Before it Snows

SUMMER IS GONE, dear reader, and while I hate to be a bearer of bad news, whether you like it or not our short little fall season is almost gone, too. A few more weeks is all you get to enjoy life without ice and snow and hat head. So why not revel in the those last few precious weeks and enjoy whats left of this warmer weather?

1. Bike It! The bike trails are clear and mostly clean right now, get out for one or two more bike rides before the snow flies and the sun goes away. [Bike Trails in Alaska]

2. Hike It! Most of the local hiking trails are still incredibly clear and perfect for hiking. Look for snow and ice at higher elevations, but lower climbs and hikes will be open and clear. Plus, you can't beat that gorgeous, glorious foliage right now.

3. Walk It! Lets face it lots of us have kids that just don't hike yet but they can walk! So hit up your local parks for all kinds of walking trails just right for any age kids, even stroller babies. [5 Stroller-Friendly Hikes in Alaska]

4. Park It! The local playgrounds are wonderful this time of year and just waiting for a gaggle of kids to fill them up. Hit your local playground before the snow renders them un-fun and dangerous.

5. Farm it! Check out your local farms for picking. Sure it's late in the season but the apple orchard next door JUST opened for its U-Pick business - guess where we are headed this week? [PickYourOwn.org/AK]

6. Pet it! Check out your local farms for fun. The Reindeer Farm out in the Butte has October family fun days with all sorts of FUN family ideas. What a great way to get out and enjoy one last glorious day.

7. Pick It! High bush cranberry picking is in full swing. See if you can pick enough to make cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving day! Simply follow any pectin package recipe for cranberries or even currants, the recipe will make a fine addition to your Thanksgiving table.

8. Gather It! Pick a few of each kind of leaf colorful leaf you find and tuck between the pages of a heavy book. Lay another book on top and press for a few weeks. The results? Lovely dried leaves that will look great gracing your Thanksgiving table. In a few weeks I'll be showing what you can make with all those dried leaves so make sure you gather them now!
 

How many mushroom fairy rings can you find outside? 

9. Shroom It! Grab a few kids and head out to inspect mushrooms growing in the moist fall weather. This does not mean EAT them simply see what's out there! Hit up the local librabry and grab a copy of a mushroom book and learn to identify them. You may even know a local shroomer who will guide you through identification. Never eat any mushroom without proper research and identification!

10. Catch It! Our favorite fall game is what we call "Catch Leaf". Simply wait for a windy day and get out there and catch leaves. Thta's it! It's so much fun and the kids will love trying to beat mom and dad.

So while the sun is still shining on green grass why not get out and do something outdoors? In the middle of winter you'll remember these golden-leaved, crisp days fondly.