THE CLOCK IS TICKING For big-time fall fans, the worst part of the season is that it has to end. Yet, the temporary-ness of autumn may also be a part of its allure “The fleetingness is part of the appeal, making us ultimately more appreciative of what we get to experience each season, and making us look forward to repeating these experiences all over again in the future,” says Wu. On those final dog days of summer, crisp, cool nights are the subject of sincere yearning. During the fall season, most pumpkin patches are only open on weekends, making them feel like a scarcely available attraction! Then, ultimately, come mid-October, it doesn’t take much effort to find peppermint flavors and snowman decor. Because life is cyclical, and winter family fun is around the corner. Fall is temporary, fall is limited, and so, fall is to be savored. If you are one of the many people who love fall, you are in good company, because there certainly is plenty to love. And no matter what your reasons are for loving fall, we hope you have the loveliest fall ever in 2026. Happy fall memory-making, families! Fall Fest Presented by: Camp Marydale | St. Francisville, La.
future generations.” As adults repeat their treasured traditions with their own children, an emotional layer of the season is revealed. The wholesome, pure joy of multiple generations of kids enjoying childhood for the fun of it is something to be reveled in. NEW SEASON, FRESH STARTS And kids deserve fun! Part of summer’s appeal is its go-with-the-flow fun. Yet, Wu explains that humans also crave routine that fall provides, remarking: “During the fall we experience that first return of structure and predictability through schools starting, sports beginning, work schedules settling, holidays approaching, bedtimes and mealtimes becoming more consistent, and daily or weekly rituals returning.” Summer can bring fun-but-chaotic unpredictability, whereas fall provides relief by giving children a sense of what comes next. Wu continues by explaining that the predictability can “feel calming by nature and a welcomed relief from all the extra running around we tend to do during the longer and warmer days of summer. Yes, there is more routine come fall, but there is definitely still room for lots of leisure, too. Kids can find comfort in the routine of being students again, settling into their schedules like a nice warm bath. During
fall, many children are able to see their friends with more consistency, now as their classmates or teammates. So where summer may be spontaneous, fall feels like getting the train back on the tracks, which for many, is desirable. A SEASON OF SIMPLICITY On nice weekends, when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, families flock to farms for fall fun. These just-right days off provide a mood boost as bountiful as a harvest itself! Sunshine on the face, getting your hands dirty to find the perfect pumpkin, bodies in motion. It’s simple, but it is also everything. And as it starts to get a little cooler, and the dark emerges earlier each evening, warmth and light become their own little treats. Inside, we have thick knit blankets, big mugs filled with hot cider, and maybe an ever-so-slightly spooky movie that results in the kids needing to cuddle close to their parents even though they claim they definitely aren’t scared! Inside itineraries include meaningful time together through game and movie nights, craft time, cooking, baking, storytimes, and overall, sweet little moments. “The fall represents a slowing down and a refocus on the smaller joys that come from togetherness and connection,”Wu agrees.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Featuring a Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 17, 24, and 31.
Pumpkin Patch
Hayrides Games and Activities
Trunk or Treating
Local Vendors, Food, and More!
Camp Marydale
Youth $20-25 | Adults $15
gsle.info/fallfest
BRPARENTS.COM | OCTOBER 2026
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