The River Region truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering plenty of family-friendly activities to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. From dazzling light displays to visits with Santa Claus, the River Region has something for everyone to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re a newcomer to the area or a longtime resident, you’re sure to find your new favorite holiday tradition this year.
The Shoppes at Eastchase | November 15- December 24
Santa is making his annual stop at Eastchase starting on November 15th! Don’t miss this fun holiday tradition that is sure to delight the whole family! Schedule your photo session today!
Prattville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting features music, snow, and a visit from Santa while the city celebrates the lighting of its 35-foot Christmas tree!
Lights, marching bands, dancers, candy, beads, and trinkets will be abundant as the parade travels through downtown Prattville, with the appearance of the jolly old elf himself!
Shop with local small businesses for the perfect Christmas gift and then enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, hot chocolate and cookies, children’s make-and-take art projects, dancers, music, and more, plus a visit from Santa!
Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for families! But between the sugar rush and the crowds, things can get a little hectic. Whether your kids are just starting out with their first tiny pumpkin bucket or are seasoned trick-or-treaters, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping the night safe, smooth, and full of fun memories.
Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your family’s Halloween night a little more magical and a little less stressful.
1. Light Them Up!
Visibility is key when you’re walking around after dark.
Add glow sticks, reflective tape, or clip-on LED lights to costumes and treat bags.
A light-up necklace or flashlight also helps drivers see your child — and helps you keep track of them in a crowd!
If you’re trick-or-treating in neighborhoods with limited street lighting, consider a light-up wagon or stroller for younger kids.
2. Dress for Comfort (and Safety)
Elaborate costumes are fun — but make sure they’re practical for walking.
Check that masks don’t block vision and capes or long skirts aren’t trip hazards.
For toddlers, opt for face paint instead of masks to keep them comfy.
Layers are your friend — Alabama weather can surprise you in late October, swinging from warm to chilly after sunset.
3. Plan Your Route in Advance
If you’re heading to a neighborhood or event, take a few minutes to plan your trick-or-treat route.
Stick to well-lit streets or organized community events (like those hosted by local churches, schools, or city parks).
Many areas around Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka post official trick-or-treat times, so check local listings before you go.
For little ones, keep it short and sweet — 45 minutes to an hour is plenty of excitement!
4. Set a Candy Checkpoint
Kids will want to dig right into their haul — and who can blame them?
Teach your children to wait until you’ve checked their candy before eating.
Toss any unwrapped or suspicious treats.
Pro tip: Pack a few pre-approved snacks or treats from home so they have something to enjoy while you sort through the candy later.
5. Stay Together — and Use the Buddy System
Even older kids can get caught up in the excitement.
Younger kids should always be accompanied by an adult.
If older kids are going with friends, make sure they stay in a group and have a charged cell phone.
Set a clear curfew and route so you know where they’ll be at all times.
6. Keep Hands Free
Between flashlights, treat bags, and costume props, little hands can fill up fast.
Try a crossbody candy bag or bucket strap so kids can keep one hand free.
Parents: bring a backpack for extra layers, water, and wipes (because melted chocolate + costumes = chaos).
7. Hydrate & Fuel Up First
Trick-or-treating can be more exercise than you think!
Make sure kids eat a good dinner before heading out so they’re not running on sugar alone.
Pack a few water bottles if you’ll be out for a while.
Bonus hack: set aside a few favorite candies at home for a swap station — great for trading out anything suspicious or allergy-prone.
8. Capture the Memories (Safely)
Halloween photos are some of the best family keepsakes.
Take pictures before it gets dark while costumes are fresh.
Keep social media safety in mind — avoid posting location details or identifiable neighborhood shots.
Encourage kids to pose with their favorite decorations instead of near the street.
9. Know Your Local Options
If traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating isn’t your style, there are plenty of local alternatives:
Trunk-or-treats at schools, churches, and community centers
Downtown trick-or-treat events hosted by local businesses
Fall festivals with games, food, and safe candy stations
These are great for younger kids or families who prefer a more contained (and less chaotic!) Halloween experience.
10. End with a Sweet Tradition
After the candy is sorted and the costumes come off, make the night memorable with a cozy family ritual.
Watch a not-so-scary Halloween movie
Make hot cocoa or cider
Let everyone pick one “keeper” candy to enjoy before bedtime
Small traditions like these can make Halloween night feel special year after year.
Halloween doesn’t have to be hectic to be fun. With a little planning, some creativity, and a few safety-minded tricks, your family can enjoy all the treats — and none of the stress. So grab those costumes, charge those flashlights, and get ready for a night full of sweet memories!
New to the South? It probably hasn’t taken long to notice that college football isn’t just a sport here—it’s a way of life. On fall Saturdays, the River Region comes alive with fans dressed head-to-toe in team colors, grills smoking, and families gathering around TVs or radios to follow their team. And while the games themselves are the main event, the tradition of tailgating is just as big a deal.
Once upon a time, tailgating meant standing around a pickup truck bed, eating sandwiches, and tossing a football. Today, it’s an all-day (sometimes all-weekend!) celebration with elaborate tents, feasts that rival holiday dinners, and whole communities of fans joining together.
And if you’ve landed in Alabama, you’ll quickly learn there’s one question you can’t avoid: Are you for the Crimson Tide or the Auburn Tigers? Even newcomers are expected to pick a side—though don’t worry, no one will mind if you’re still figuring it out. Each school has its own flavor of tailgating traditions, and both are worth experiencing.
🐘 University of Alabama – Crimson Tide
Colors: Crimson and white
Mascot: Big Al the Elephant
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
If you find yourself in Tuscaloosa on game day, all roads lead to The Quad, the heart of Alabama tailgating. Picture generations of families—grandparents, parents, and kids—gathered around tents, cooking up smoky barbecue and passing down recipes as proudly as they pass down their team loyalty.
It’s not uncommon to see fans with giant spread tables, full buffets of Southern comfort food, and even big-screen TVs brought in so no one misses a moment of the action. That’s a good thing too, since Bryant-Denny Stadium often holds over 100,000 roaring fans—making tickets hard to snag!
One of the best parts about tailgating with Alabama fans? The warmth and hospitality. Tide Nation is known for welcoming newcomers, so don’t be surprised if you’re offered a plate of food or invited to pull up a chair. Just remember the magic words: “Roll Tide!”
🐯 Auburn University – Tigers
Colors: Orange and blue
Mascot: Aubie the Tiger
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Known as “the loveliest village on the plains,” Auburn transforms into a small city of tailgates on game weekends. By Friday night, you’ll see RVs and campers rolling in from all over the Southeast, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere that lasts all weekend long.
Fans take their tailgating spots seriously—you’ll notice people marking their chosen space with tape or tents well before kickoff. Why the early start? They don’t want to miss one of Auburn’s most famous traditions: The Tiger Walk. Before each home game, the football team walks through a cheering crowd of fans, led by the pep band, cheerleaders, and of course, Aubie the Tiger. It’s a must-see moment full of school spirit and excitement for fans of all ages.
Once you’re set up in Auburn, don’t be surprised if a fellow fan wanders over to share a snack or invite you to join their group. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive—just be ready to respond to every greeting with a cheerful “War Eagle!”
Why Tailgating Is a Must-Do
Even if you’re not a football fanatic, tailgating is worth experiencing at least once. It’s the perfect mix of Southern hospitality, great food, and community spirit. Kids can toss a football, families can share a meal, and everyone gets swept up in the excitement of game day.
Think of it less as “watching sports” and more as a cultural event—one that blends tradition, pride, and plenty of delicious barbecue. Whether you shout “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle,” tailgating is one of the best ways to feel connected to the heartbeat of the South.
Fall in the River Region is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy cooler weather, and make memories as a family. From art festivals and concerts to fairs and unique community gatherings, there’s something happening every weekend this season. Here’s your guide to upcoming family-friendly fall events in Montgomery!
Celebrate creativity at the MMFA Fall Festival! Families can enjoy sidewalk chalk art, an artist market, food trucks, live music, and hands-on activities for kids. It’s the perfect mix of art, community, and fall fun.
The Alabama National Fair is a fall staple in Montgomery! Families can spend the day riding carnival rides, visiting livestock shows, enjoying live entertainment, and sampling all kinds of fair food. With ten days to choose from, it’s one event you won’t want to miss.
Cheer on brave (and creative!) participants at the Build Your Own Boat Festival. Families can watch homemade boats race down the rapids at Montgomery Whitewater, then stick around for brunch at Eddy’s and the Golden Hour Concert.
End the season with a tasty adventure at the Montgomery Zoo. Food trucks, live music, and lawn games make it a fun day for families, and kids will love exploring the zoo while parents sample seasonal treats.
Life with kids can feel like a whirlwind—school drop-offs, sports practices, homework, laundry, work deadlines, and maybe (just maybe) a little sleep in between. In the rush of it all, it’s easy to feel like life is moving too fast. That’s why learning the art of slowing down can be such a gift, for both you and your kids!
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing less of what matters. It means creating space for more connection, more peace, and more joy in the everyday.
Here are a few simple ways families can embrace a slower, calmer lifestyle:
1. Create Little Rituals
Children thrive on routine, and small rituals can become anchors in the day. It could be as simple as lighting a candle at dinner, a five-minute cuddle before bed, or a family walk after school. These tiny moments become traditions that kids will remember long after the rush fades.
2. Protect Unscheduled Time
It’s tempting to fill every calendar square with activities, but free time is where imaginations blossom. Try leaving at least one afternoon or evening a week completely unplanned. Let your kids decide how to use it—building forts, drawing, or simply being bored (which often leads to the most creativity).
3. Practice Mindful Presence
Phones, TV, and endless to-do lists compete for our attention. One of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is being truly present with them. Try putting the phone away during meals or setting aside “device-free” family time, even if it’s just for 20 minutes.
4. Simplify Family Routines
Sometimes the rush comes from trying to do too much at once. Ask yourself: What can be simplified? Maybe it’s prepping school lunches the night before, rotating easy dinners, or streamlining bedtime. Small adjustments can create big pockets of breathing room.
5. Enjoy Nature Together
Time outdoors naturally slows us down. Whether it’s a family hike, stargazing in the backyard, or simply sitting on the porch together, nature has a way of grounding us and helping us breathe a little deeper.
6. Model Rest and Joy
Our kids learn not just from what we say, but from what we do. When they see us pausing to read a book, sip tea, or laugh together, they learn that rest and joy are important too.
Final Thought
The art of slowing down isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Your children don’t need a jam-packed schedule or perfectly planned days. What they really need is you—calm, connected, and present in the small, everyday moments.
Take a deep breath, mama (or dad). Slow down. The laundry will wait. But these years with your kids? They won’t. 💛
Packing school lunches five days a week can feel like a never-ending puzzle. You want it to be nutritious, your kids want it to be fun, and you’d really like it to be easy.
Whether you’ve got a picky eater, a snack-lover, or a child who barely sits still long enough to finish half a sandwich, these 10 lunchbox ideas will keep everyone happy—without adding stress to your morning routine.
1. DIY Lunchable Bento Box
Why it works: Kids love building their own mini “meals.”
What to pack:
Sliced turkey or ham
Cheese cubes or slices
Crackers
Mini pickles or olives
Fruit (like grapes or apple slices)
Tip: Use a silicone muffin liner or bento box to keep everything separated and neat.
2. Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
Why it works: It’s a sandwich without the bread fuss.
What to pack:
Sliced turkey or chicken breast rolled with cheese and secured with a toothpick (or just tucked into a wrap)
Pretzels or goldfish
Carrot sticks or cucumber slices
Hummus or ranch for dipping
Swap it out: Use ham, roast beef, or a tortilla wrap instead of deli slices.
3. Wafflewiches
Why it works: A fun twist on a sandwich that feels like breakfast for lunch.
What to pack:
Two toasted mini waffles with cream cheese, nut butter, or sunbutter and banana slices or jelly
Yogurt pouch or cheese stick
Fresh berries or applesauce cup
Bonus: Add sprinkles or cinnamon for a sweet surprise.
4. Protein-Packed Snack Lunch
Why it works: Great for grazers who prefer variety over a main dish.
What to pack:
Hard-boiled egg or cheese stick
Crackers or mini bagel
Baby carrots and snap peas
Fruit leather or a mini muffin
Trail mix (nut-free if needed)
Tip: Great way to use up small leftovers!
5. Leftover Pasta Salad
Why it works: Cold pasta holds up well and tastes even better the next day.
What to pack:
Pasta tossed with olive oil, cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, and salami or diced chicken
Mini breadstick or garlic toast
Apple slices with cinnamon
Make-ahead friendly! Prep a big batch on Sunday and use it all week.
6. Mini Breakfast Box
Why it works: Breakfast foods are always a hit—even at lunchtime.
What to pack:
Mini pancakes or French toast sticks (frozen or homemade)
Yogurt tube or hard-boiled egg
Sliced banana or strawberries
A small container of maple syrup or nut butter for dipping
7. Pita Pizza Pockets
Why it works: Tastes like pizza, feels like lunch.
What to pack:
Whole wheat pita pockets or flatbread stuffed with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni
Side of marinara for dipping
Celery sticks with cream cheese or sunflower butter
Grapes or dried fruit
8. Build-Your-Own Taco Box
Why it works: A fun, deconstructed lunch with all the fixings.
What to pack:
Small container of taco-seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken
Tortilla chips or mini tortillas
Shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa in separate compartments
Corn or black beans on the side
Hot tip: Pack in a thermos if your child prefers it warm!
9. Chicken Nugget Lunch (But Healthier)
Why it works: Who doesn’t love nuggets?
What to pack:
Baked chicken nuggets in a thermos to keep warm
Ketchup or honey mustard in a dip container
Sweet potato fries or a fruit cup
String cheese or yogurt pouch
10. PB&J Sushi Rolls
Why it works: A classic lunch… with a twist!
What to pack:
Flattened sandwich bread with peanut butter and jelly, rolled up and sliced like sushi
Trail mix or pretzel sticks
Cucumber rounds or cherry tomatoes
Sliced peaches or a fruit cup
Allergy tip: Sub sunflower seed butter for nut-free schools.
Bonus Tips to Make Lunch Packing Easier:
Keep a rotation list of go-to lunches taped to the fridge
Prep ahead by washing fruits, chopping veggies, and portioning snacks on Sunday
Use fun picks, notes, or cutters to add personality to any lunch
Involve your kids—let them help pack one item each night so they feel ownership
With just a little planning, school lunches can go from stressful to simple—and even fun. These quick and nutritious ideas are sure to fuel your kids through busy days and keep you from burning out in the lunch-packing department.
