November is here, and it’s time to make this season extra special for your child with non-traditional family activities. Don’t settle for the same old ideas; try something new and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Are you searching every corner of the internet, including Pinterest, in hopes of finding fresh family activities? It can be frustrating when every blog suggests the same things repeatedly. You want your kids to be excited and entertained, and the best way to achieve that is by trying something different! At GameTruck, we understand your desire, so we’ve compiled an excellent list of non-traditional ways to create fun memories with your family this season. Let’s explore these unique ideas!

1. Embrace National Cinnamon Day

Cooking with your kids is an excellent way to build new memories and teach them life skills, so find your favorite recipe for a dish with cinnamon to celebrate National Cinnamon Day.

You could also visit a bakery to support local businesses and order your favorite cinnamon treats there! 

2. National Family Literacy Day: Unleash Your Family’s Creative Storytelling

Did you know that every November, novelists from around the world challenge themselves by seeing how much they can write in one month? Why not join them in creating your own family novel that features your family members? 

Believe it or not, this is how some famous novels, like Swiss Family Robinson, came to be. Every night the Dad would tell his three sons a story that alternated the boys as the main character for that tale. After the boys fell asleep, the father would write down that night’s adventure, and these became his chapters, with the illustrations done by his sons. 

From world-building to character development to illustrating, this idea is free and challenges kids to get creative using their imagination. So whether your child wants to be a young wizard, a flying superhero, or simply themselves, they can star in the book your family creates. Who knows, maybe it’ll become the next bestseller or your new favorite memory. 

3. Craft Scented Candles: Aromatic Creations for Family Fun Night

Want an affordable Family Fun Night? Try making your own candles! Amazon and other crafting stores offer great kits with many options that include everything you need to make your own candles. You’ll have a beautiful-smelling home and plenty of social media-worthy pictures to share with friends and family. 

4. Laser Tag Fall Party: Action-Packed Adventure for Kids and Adults

Blast away boredom with laser tag! From capture the flag to the last man standing, your kids and their friends will have a fantastic time while you (and maybe some friends) can get a much-needed break. Call your local GameTruck today! 

Consider hosting a Laser Tag party at Dusk or Night for an even more fun and unique idea. Kids love staying up late and will tire themselves out for bedtime, all while creating lifelong memories with their friends. 

5. Book a GameTruck Party for a Memorable Experience

Invite your local GameTruck to entertain your family in a way they’ll never forget this season! No matter what the weather is like outside, GameTrucks are always the perfect temperature inside. With hundreds of games to choose from, classics and new releases, your family will love connecting and creating new memories over their favorite games. Call your local GameTruck today to book your fall party! 

Swap out the boring, run-of-the-mill ideas for something new this year! Your family might discover a new passion that helps bring everyone closer together because family and positive connections are what this season is truly about. 

Looking for more Non-Traditional Family Activities for November? Explore our article on 8 Fun Fall Activities for the Whole Family to keep the excitement going!

You want your kids to develop independence and life skills while making special memories with you. At GameTruck, we’re all about helping you play and create family memories. From booking video game or laser tag parties to providing fun activity ideas, we’re helping you rock this parenting thing.  

Use this blog as a beginners cookbook for your kids with no add pop-ups or long recipe back stories about third cousin Sue on your grandpa’s side. This blog delivers recipes, directions, and helpful tips that are straight to the point. 

Here are our top three fall recipes for your kids to experiment with in the kitchen!

Kid-Friendly Fall Recipe 1: Apple Tart

First off, get ready to delight your taste buds with our easy-to-make Apple Puff Pastry, a dessert that marries the sweetness of apples with the lightness of puff pastry.

Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed, each cut into half or thirds 
• 3 apples, cored, halved, and sliced very thin
• 2/3 c. brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• Powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and/or whipped cream, for serving, optional

Directions

• Firstly, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Secondly, spray your pans with nonstick spray for easy removal later.
• Thirdly, place the puff pastry rectangles onto the prepared pans.
• Then, add sugar and salt to your apples and give it a good stir.
• Next, let the apple mixture sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
• After that, arrange the apple slices neatly on top of the pastry rectangles, in a straight line.
• Subsequently, bake for 18 – 20 minutes until they are just right.
• Once the baking time is over, your pastries should look golden brown and perfectly puffy.
• Lastly, quickly remove the tarts from the pans and place them on a serving dish. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Helpful Notes

Additionally, try serving with ice cream, caramel topping, whipped cream, and/or a sprinkling of powdered sugar. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a8881/quick-easy-and-yummy-apple-tart/ 

Kid-Friendly Fall Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Salad

Additionally, prepare to be amazed by our quick and delicious Sweet Potato Salad, perfect for a comforting Fall meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 medium)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons Honey Mustard Dressing (or Balsamic Dressing or Orange Vinaigrette for vegan)
• 2 cups baby arugula (not standard arugula*, plus 2 to 3 cups mixed greens for the plated salad variation)
• 1/2 medium shallot, thinly sliced into half moons
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries
• ¼ cup pepitas
• ¼ cup feta or goat cheese crumbles (optional)

Directions

• To begin with, preheat the oven to 450.
• Next, do not peel the sweet potatoes. Instead, cut them into cubes.
• Afterward, get a big bowl to mix the sweet potatoes with garlic powder, salt, and olive oil.
• Then, put a sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet and place the sweet potatoes on top. Bake for about 25 minutes. They should be tender and brown on the bottom.
• Finally, in a bowl, mix potatoes, baby arugula, shallot, cranberries, pepitas, and feta or goat cheese crumbles. Add the dressing if desired. Now it’s ready to serve!

Helpful Notes

Additionally, it’s best to only use baby greens! Baby arugula is mild in flavor, but as it matures, it becomes spicier.

However, you can use baby mixed greens or spinach as a substitute.

Note that you can make ahead the roasted sweet potatoes and refrigerate until serving: bring them to room temperature prior to making the salad, or reheat them in the oven.

https://www.acouplecooks.com/sweet-potato-salad/ 

Kid-Friendly Fall Recipe 3: Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge (Allergy Warning!)

Lastly, brace yourself for a simple and mouthwatering dessert with our 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge that can be whipped up in no time.

Ingredients

• ½ cup peanut butter 
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 sheets parchment paper

Directions

• Firstly, whisk peanut butter and maple syrup together in a bowl until well combined.
• Secondly, pour the mixture onto a single sheet of parchment paper. Then, place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the mixture and press down to make sure it’s flat.
• Thirdly, transfer the flattened peanut butter mixture into the freezer for about 10 minutes.
• Finally, roll the mixture into balls and store them in an airtight container.

Helpful Notes

In addition, if you prefer smooth Peanut Butter, you can use that instead of crunchy! Check out this link for more information: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254845/peanut-butter-freezer-fudge-2-ingredient/

In conclusion, cooking with your kids is not just a fun activity, but also a great way to build new memories and teach them important life skills. Feel free to bookmark this blog in your cookbook or help your kids craft their own to store these fantastic recipes!

Spooky season is upon us! From jack-o-lanterns to delicious treats, Halloween is here. This magical time of year brings back so many childhood memories. As a parent, you want to create these moments for your child. You want them to smile as they dress up as their favorite superhero or princess. Their costume is a unique way of expressing themselves while having fun trick-or-treating. To ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween night, it’s important to follow these Halloween safety tips from your friends at GameTruck.

It’s easy to daydream about the excitement and joy of Halloween night, but it can quickly become a stressful or harmful experience. We never know what will happen. From allergies to strangers to getting lost, you want to protect your kid from these moments to give them the best night ever. Here are five easy ways to practice Halloween safety from your friends at GameTruck. 

1. Increase Visibility for Safe Halloween Trick-or-Treating

As the sun goes down, it can be difficult for drivers to see everyone, especially on busy streets. An easy way to keep kids safe is to increase their visibility. From reflective tape to light color costumes, you want to catch the attention of others to ensure that they’ll see your kiddos. 

If your home has trick-or-treaters visiting, consider making it even safer by ensuring walkways are well-lit and clear from debris. This helps protect visitors from slipping and falling. 

2. Trick-or-Treating in Groups: Enhancing Halloween Safety

If your child is old enough to go trick-or-treating on their own, encourage them to go with friends. An easy way to promote safety is with groups of three or more people. Larger groups of friends increase the fun and offer more protection as there are more eyes and ears in the situation. This will help deter adults with bad intentions. 

3. EpiPen Education for Allergy Safety

If your child or someone in their friend group has an allergy, take a moment to offer EpiPen education. Demonstrate how to use it in an emergency. 

4. Host a GameTruck Halloween Party: Safe and Fun Alternative

Need an alternative to trick-or-treating? Host a spooktacular party with our mobile video game theater! Kids and adults can enjoy safe, warm, and clean fun while showing off their amazing costumes. You can rest easy knowing that our game coaches will do all the set-up and clean-up for your private party while you sit back, relax, and maybe enjoy an uninterrupted adult conversation. Contact your local GameTruck here to check availability. 

5. Clear Communication for Halloween Safety

If your child will go around the neighborhood and/ or visit other ones, always practice clear communication. Discuss the route and plans ahead of time. Do periodic check-ins. When traveling with groups, plans often change, so make sure that these changes are discussed and cleared with you before changes are made. Practicing clear communication is a great way to give your child some freedom and responsibility while keeping them safe. 

Halloween is a fun and magical time of year. Use one or all of these ideas to keep your family safe while giving them the best spooky season yet! 

Learn more about GameTruck’s mobile video game theater parties.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our article on 7 nontraditional fall fun ideas for a frightfully good time!