Awesome Activities
From apple picking to picking up extra money, there are lots of ways to enjoy the season. Here’s a bushel of ideas:
Visit a cider mill, pumpkin patch or tree farm. Save money by picking apples and making your own cider. Or, pick out some pumpkins for cooking and decorating. And hunt for the perfect tree among hundreds to dress in holiday style. This time of year, lots of places also have corn mazes and host hayrides — you might be able to hitch a ride with your friends and family!
“Recycle” your used and unwanted video games. You’re going to be outside enjoying the cool, crisp air, right? So, take your old games to your game store and ask if you can trade them in for a discount on a new game. Or, give back to your community by donating the games to a local children’s hospital or homeless shelter.
Make a scarecrow. You can have a scary good time — and show your parents how scary smart you are about saving — by making your own fall holiday decorations. For a scarecrow, you just need a couple sticks, some old clothes and some stuffing (straw or old plastic bags work well). Check online or at the library for easy directions on making a scarecrow and for other decorating ideas!
Go canoeing or for a hike. Seeing the seasonal changes up close can’t be beat, plus you’ll get some fresh air and exercise too. Investigate and learn about the plants and animals in your favorite nature area and lead a guided tour.
How About Them Apples?
There are lots of sayings about apples — an apple a day keeps the doctor away, one bad apple spoils the whole bunch, and so on. But, did you know that apples can also provide a financial windfall?
Pick apples. Save some money by picking your own apples at a local farm or apple orchard. Your family will appreciate your thrifty gesture and they’ll also enjoy the fresh taste of the delightful treats you can make — like apple sauce, apple pie and apple cider. If you can’t pick them off the trees, pick them up at the store! And you can keep a long tradition going strong by bringing an apple to your favorite teacher!
Make and sell apple cider. There’s a saying that when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. But if you cook your own apples, you can make apple cider — and sell it! Set up a “cider stand” and charge your customers by the cup. And what goes great with apple cider? Donuts! Buy a couple dozen — either from a local cider mill or donut shop. You can sell them individually for more than you paid for the dozen. It takes a little investment to start, but once you get going, you should be able to turn a profit. That’s one way to become “one smart apple”!
Apple Cider Recipe Ingredients
10 apples, cut in quarters 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon of ground allspice Water
Directions
1. Place apples in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover by at least 2 inches. 2. Stir in sugar, cinnamon and allspice. 3. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered for 1 hour. Cover pot, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. 4. Strain apple mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids. 5. Drain cider again through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. 6. Refrigerate until cold.