As fall brings in that unmistakable classic burst of fall color across the landscape and you and the kids feel that crisp breeze in the air, it’s time to get them excited about all the fun things to do this season. To help keep their young hearts and minds engaged, we’ve come up with a list of eight fun and festive fall activities for kids. Put on your best outdoor gear, and camping blankets like apple picking or crafting sessions, there’s something for every kid to help define the magic of autumn everywhere!
- Visit the Pumpkin Patch — Going to a pumpkin patch with your little ones will allow them to explore vibrant fields. They can get insight into agriculture while playing around rows and climbing on hay bales. Navigate corn mazes and foster creativity as they pick which pumpkins they want to decorate or carve. Watch their imaginations go wild as you all create lasting memories and traditions as a family.
- Then Carve Some Pumpkins— After your kiddo picks their favorite pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, take it home and carve some pumpkins. Carving pumpkins with your child will spark creativity so they can create their own unique jack-o’-lantern designs. Your family will bond as parents and kids work on this exciting, creative endeavor. For families who celebrate Halloween, pumpkin carving can build excitement and memorable traditions for children as they grow.
- Go on an Apple Picking Adventure — Pumpkins can be a bit heavy to lug around, especially for younger kids. They can be difficult to cut up, even for adults. Alternatively, go on an apple-picking adventure. Apple picking offers a sensory and tactile experience for your kids, allowing them to taste, smell and touch ripe fruits straight from the tree. What better way to connect directly with nature? Kids can climb ladders and explore orchards as they reach for the juiciest apples. It’s an educational and wholesome family fall tradition.
- Collect Leaves for Arts and Crafts — Here’s another creative endeavor that will get your kids’ creative juices flowing. Collect leaves in your neighborhood or a nearby park or forest. Aim for a diverse collection of shapes and colors that can enhance your child’s dexterity and attention to detail. Create a leaf collage or a leaf bookmark. You can turn those leaves into a seasonal decoration as part of a fall-themed wreath on your door.
- Enjoy a Hayride— Sit back, relax and enjoy a hayride with your kids. Your child will be immersed in the beauty of autumn as they’re surrounded by golden fields and that crisp fall air. There’s something about riding on a bale of hay that sparks any child’s sense of adventure. Many hayrides feature seasonal themes or storytelling elements to help enhance their creativity and learning. It’s a great social activity for playdates and bonding with our friends and family, offering a much-needed break from the usual screens and indoor routines.
- Create a Fall-Themed Scavenger Hunt— If the kids are going on a scavenger hunt with the family dog, make sure you get a Tile for pets. That way, even if they accidentally drop the leash, you’ll always know where your dog is with this tracker. A fall-themed scavenger hunt is a great choice for your kids and their furry friends. They and the family dog can work together to search for pine cones, acorns and colorful leaves. They’ll get in some exercise while exploring and having fun. It’s a great way for them to learn about teamwork while nurturing social bonds with their furry best friends.
- Bake with Fall Ingredients— Baking is a fun and yummy way to work together as a family. While many activities are done outdoors, like apple picking or collecting leaves, baking indoors is a great opportunity to enjoy the fall season on a rainy or chillier fall day. Your child can learn fundamental kitchen skills while appreciating seasonal items like apples, pumpkins and fall spices. Have fun mixing and decorating different sweet and savory treats as you experiment with recipes and presentations.
- Jump into Leaves— Jumping into a big pile of leaves is fun for kids and adults of all ages, but it’s best to be aware of what may be lurking in that pile. According to Vulcan Termite, in addition to pointy sticks and mold, you may find spiders, ticks, caterpillars and other bugs in that leaf pile. Ensure that any leaf pile you or your kiddo jumps into is free of sharp objects like rocks and sticks. Kids should jump in feet first to prevent accidents. Land with slightly bent knees to reduce the risk of injury. The leaf pile should be soft enough to cushion the fall but not so deep that a small child can get stuck underneath the leaves.
No matter which of these activities you end up doing with the kids, they’re sure to be entertained while creating cherished memories with their family and friends. Take in the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pies. Jump into a pile of leaves or host a pumpkin carving party. Go on a kid and doggy nature scavenger hunt and outfit your dog with a dog collar and leash set with fall-inspired hues like dark or emerald-tone colors.