By Wendy

With the cooler temperatures outside, we’re finally getting into swing of fall. Before it gets too chilly out and the snow begins to hit the ground, enjoy the autumn season with these 5 fun and eco-friendly activities you can do with the entire family:

1- Visit a national state park for a hike- hiking is a great thing to do with the entire family. You’ll not only get to enjoy the great outdoors, but you’ll also get the heart pumping, nice quiet picnic along the hike and maybe see some forest animals.

2- Check out the fall foliage at your local park- take a stroll at your nearest park on a sunny afternoon and you’ll see trees with leaves change from green, to yellow, orange and red. It also makes for beautiful pictures!

3- Go apple picking- whether its apple picking or pumpkin picking, there are tons of local farms that start their picking season’s right after Labor Day and into the Fall season. It’ a fun weekend event for the family. Plus there are tons of activities right on the farm, from corn maize’s, hayrides, haunted houses, apple cider, and more. Check online for local farms and orchards in your area.

4- Make a delicious butternut squash soup- or maybe even a tomato basil soup. Head to your local farmer’s market and you’ll be able to find the fresh and locally sourced produce to make something delicious that will warm up everyone’s tummy.

5- Make your own Halloween costume- with Halloween a week away and no costume, it might be time to get creative this year and make your own costume. You can use any materials you want, from things you already have at home, like cardboard, construction paper, and glue, to picking up a few things at your local craft store. Have the kids come up with ideas and start decorating!

So whether you choose to go hiking or apple picking at your local farm this fall, have some eco-friendly fun this season this year with the family! What’s your favorite fall activity?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

Here’s a fun solitaire app game for the whole family. Costumes optional. Giggles required:

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Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.

by Corey

Yup. I know these guys. The one in the “This is what AWESOME looks like” t-shirt is my brother, Chris (dad, teacher-by-day, ACDC-cover-band-rock-star by night). The bathing beauty is my dear husband, Ryan. Like many dads (and moms, to be fair!), they hadn’t thought twice about their Halloween costumes until their kids we’re hanging all over their legs,  one hour before the Halloween party began, begging to see their costumes.

“Uh-oh,” Ryan whispered to me. “What am I going to be?”

We quickly scanned the room, his eyes settled on my old robe. “Gimme that. And that,” he said pointing to my blue shower cap.

He threw the get-up on (yes, with shorts underneath!) and there it was, his Halloween costume.

Chris’ kids apparently helped him throw his costume together too. (Although he swears he’s not actually wearing one. “What? You don’t think I wear this everyday?”) Still, the costume works.

So, green guys – even if you too have less than an hour, and not a dollar to spend, you can still hold your head up high with these last-minute (green) Halloween costumes (for guys):

• Young Republican: Oxford shirt, khakis, blue and red tie, loafers, hair parted on the side.
• Plumber: Saggy pants, work boots,  old-white t-shirt (one size too small), baseball cap, tool-belt, toolbox
• Olympic swimmer: Speedos, kids’ swimming medal around the neck
• “Mommy“: Wear Mommy’s clothes
• Greek God: White sheet wrapped into a toga (Yes! Wear shorts!), cut ivy down from your tree outside and form into a wreath

Get the kids in on the fun and invite them to dress Dad for Halloween. They may (or may not) come up with a killer costume, but the process is sure to bring on the giggles (and the good memories too).

Have fab and funny costume ideas for your last-minute, eco-friendly man? Do tell!

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Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.

by Corey

This healthy (and gluten free!) Halloween idea couldn’t be easier. Or cuter. Or yummier.

Roast the “ghosts” then let kids “decorate” them with organic sour cream (or cream cheese) and sliced olives (or even colorful bits of veggies if your ghosts are willing to wear more than white).

What you’ll need (use organic ingredients whenever possible):

• Potatoes
• Olive oil or butter
• Sea salt
• Sour cream or cream cheese
• Black olives, sliced

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Slice potatoes length-wise, about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick. Trim bottoms flat (don’t toss what you cut off, bake and eat too!). Lay on pan, single layer and brush with butter or olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with salt. Roast for 30-40 minutes. Cool. Spread on sour cream or cream cheese. Add olive eyes.

… and presto! Boo-tiful “edible decor” for your Halloween bash!

What are your fave healthy (or healthier) Halloween eats? Do share! We can’t wait to eat ‘em – er, we mean read ‘em.

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Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.

by Corey

This Halloween tip is just too cute (and easy!). Perfect for healthy treats, edible decor or a party activity for wee-ones.

What are your most clever Green Halloween ideas? Can’t wait to hear ‘em!

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Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.