Fall break in Zeeland: 7 fun activities to do with kids

Using paint, markers, or googly eyes, the children can transform a pumpkin into a cheerful little figure, an animal, or a colorful work of art. You only need a few materials, and even the youngest children can join in with a little help. Acrylic paint works best for painting pumpkins. It covers the skin well and dries quickly.

What do you need?

• A small pumpkin
• Paint or markers
• Paintbrushes
• Craft glue

You can also use a pumpkin as a mold to make your own candle. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and hollow it out. Melt the beeswax pellets, add a little scented oil, insert a wick, and fill the pumpkin.

Supplies:

• A small pumpkin
• Spoon or small knife for scooping out the flesh
• Beeswax pellets, wick
• Optional: autumn-scented essential oilPrefer something simpler? Place a tea light or LED tea light inside the hollowed-out pumpkin. This way, you can create a warm, autumnal atmosphere on your table or windowsill in no time.

• Seashells from the beach
• A simple wooden picture frame
• Craft glue or restoration paste (available at the hardware store)
• A nice vacation photo from Zeeland

1. Choose a simple wooden picture frame with a slightly wider border.
2. Lay out the shells you’ve collected on the table and start arranging them into a nice composition.
3. Apply craft glue or restoration paste to the edge of the frame.
4. Gently press the shells into the glue and let everything dry thoroughly.
   5. Pick out a nice vacation photo and place it in the picture frame.Also fun: a real fall-themed version with dry leaves and small twigs that you glue onto the picture frame

1. Find leaves in different colors and shapes.
2. Let them dry between a few sheets of paper, perhaps with a heavy book on top.
3. Carefully attach the leaves to a string using small clothespins, or glue them onto a sturdy ribbon.
4. Hang the garland in front of the window or above the dining table.Tip: Combine the leaves with small drawings of chestnuts and acorns, or hang the leaves upside down and turn them into cute little foxes using white and black paint or markers. Turn it into a game: have each child find five different leaves. Who can find the biggest, the smallest, or the leaf with the most colors? That way, the walk instantly becomes a fun activity for the whole family.

• An empty toilet paper roll
• A twig from the woods
• A ball of yarn
• A pair of scissors

Pick up a ball of yarn in one of Zeeland’s charming little towns, such as Zierikzee, Veere, or Middelburg. Pick up a few small, dry twigs during an autumn walk. That way, you can combine some fresh air with a cozy crafting session indoors!

1. Cut an empty toilet paper roll into two small rings, and make small notches at the top and bottom of the roll, about 1 centimeter apart.
2. Wrap the yarn around the toilet paper roll over and over again. Keep going until the cardboard is completely covered with a thick layer of yarn.
3. Fold the notches on the toilet paper roll inward and carefully tuck the ends of the yarn between the other strands to create a nice, full little pumpkin.
4. As a finishing touch, insert a small twig in the center;giving the little pumpkin a real stem.

1. Gather three sturdy branches that aren’t too thick.
2. Arrange the branches on top of each other in the shape of a star and tie them securely together in the center.
3. Tie a piece of wool to one of the branches.
4. Wrap the yarn from one branch to the next, working your way outward.
5. Tie it securely with a double knot.
6. Decorate the loom with autumn leaves, acorns, pinecones, or other natural treasures you’ve found.

And there you have it: your very own spiderweb made from natural materials! Hang the loom in a nice spot or lean it against the wall as an autumn decoration.

• Smooth dinner candles that you can find, for example, at Dille & Kamille in Middelburg
• Candle markers or acrylic paint (water-based)
• Paper towels
• A mug or small glass of water
• Very fine brushes for acrylic paint
• Paper to practice on first
• A place (with a surface) to set the candles down while they dry

1. Prepare the pancake batter according to the instructions on the package.
2. Stir a teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter.
3. Wash the apple, remove the core, and cut the apple into thin slices.
4. Heat a little butter or oil in a skillet.
5. Dip the apple slices one by one into the pancake batter.
6. Cook the pancakes over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through on both sides.
7. Serve with maple syrup and enjoy!

• Have the children gather the ingredients and mix the batter.
• Work together to cut an apple into small pieces and add cinnamon.
• Or use blackberries for a fruity variation.
• Garnish the pancakes with some fruit and powdered sugar.