There’s something about October that makes us all slow down and crave cozy evenings together. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and apples are everywhere—from farm stands to grocery bins. Why not turn this abundance into a fun, low-prep family tradition?

Enter: Apple Harvest Night.
It’s simple, budget-friendly, and a memory-maker for kids of all ages.

 🍏 Host an Apple Tasting

Pick up a few different apple varieties at the store or farmer’s market—Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, or even a local favorite. Slice them up and do a taste test.

• Which is the crunchiest?

• Which is the sweetest?

• Which one would be best for pie?

Give each family member a scorecard (or just a napkin and pencil!) and compare results. You’ll be surprised at how opinionated kids get about apples!

🥧 Bake Together

Once the tasting is done, turn those apples into something delicious:

• A warm apple crisp with oats and cinnamon.

• Caramel apples rolled in sprinkles, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts.

• Or even just baked apple slices with a little butter and brown sugar.

Cooking together not only fills the kitchen with amazing smells but also gives kids a chance to help measure, stir, and sneak a few tastes.

 Add a Story or Trivia Game

Round out the evening with something lighthearted and fun:

• Read Aloud: Choose a children’s book like How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World or The Apple Orchard Riddle.

• Apple Trivia: Did you know there are more than 7,500 varieties of apples grown worldwide? Or that it takes about 36 apples to make one gallon of cider? Take turns sharing fun facts or making up silly ones and guessing which are true!

 🌟 Why It Matters

Family nights don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Something as simple as tasting apples and laughing over trivia creates space to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy each other’s company. These are the little traditions that kids remember long after the season has passed.

So this Friday, grab a bag of apples, light a candle, and invite your family to join you at the table. You might just discover your new favorite fall tradition.

You may also want to take a look at the Johnny Appleseed Lessons from inside the schoolhouse!

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