Autumn is my favorite time of year. Even here in Southwest Florida. The leaves might not change colors, but this region has its own magic. The light softens to a more peaceful glow. The temperatures ever so slightly back down from summer’s scorch. And the calendar fills with pure family fun.
1 of 4
Special to SW FL Parent & Child
Through the years
The Hayford family on Halloween 2015: From left, Logan as an airman, Riley as R2-D2, Pam as Lance from Portlandia and Stephen as Nina from Portlandia
2 of 4
Pamela Hayford
Through the years
Halloween 2015: From left, Logan as an airman, Riley as R2-D2,
3 of 4
Pamela Hayford
Through the years
The Hayford family on Halloween in 2011
4 of 4
Pamela Hayford
Through the years
Halloween 2008: Logan, left, as a ghost, and Riley as The Little Mermaid
We gathered together the details of more than 40 fall festivals and Halloween events for this month’s cover feature. There’s something for everyone, from tots to teens, from sweets to screams. And you’ll find even more in our online calendar.
The hauntingly good time continues in our travel story, an itinerary of sorts for a haunted road trip through Florida’s spookiest attractions.
Other features explore more serious issues, such as the rise in children being sent to psychiatric units under the Baker Act, and the upcoming talk by Parkland survivor Kai Koerber at the FGCU Child and Youth Mental Health Conference on November 9.
All these things are important to making Southwest Florida a better place to raise our children, whether it’s improving mental health or making time to simply enjoy our kids.
