When the leaves are falling and the weather is getting cooler, it can only mean one thing: It’s time for some fun fall activities for kids. Children love spending time outside during the fall, so why not take advantage of all that the season has to offer?
From pumpkin picking to hayrides and everything in between, there are plenty of ways to get kids into the autumn spirit. Out of them, we’ve put together a list of 30 great fall activities for kids. So dig out your cardigans and get ready for some fun activities for kids!
30 Amazing Indoor and Outdoor Fall Activities for Kids
Fall can be a busy time of year, but it’s important to make time for family bonding and good old-fashioned fun. We have divided our list of fall activities for kids into indoor and outdoor options, so no matter the weather, there’s always something to do.
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Try for freeBest Indoor Fall Activities to Add to Your Bucket List
Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, there are plenty of ways to have a blast with indoor activities for kids. So grab a cup of hot apple cider and check out these indoor fall activities for kids:
1. Bake Autumn-themed Treats
When it’s too chilly to go outside, why not have fun in the kitchen? Get your kids in on the action by baking fall-themed treats like pumpkin bread, apple pie and cinnamon rolls. There are tons of recipes online for fall-themed cookies, cakes, and pies, so you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. And what could be more fun than spending an afternoon in the kitchen with your little ones? Grab your mixing bowls and baking utensils, and have a blast!
Related Reading: Tasty Yet Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids That Kids Will Love
2. Have a Family Game Night
Play together for family night games at home. Set up board games or break out some cards and dice for some friendly competition. Games help to promote communication, problem-solving skills and teamwork activities in kids. They also provide an opportunity for parents to model good sportsmanship. And, of course, family game night is a great way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. So dust off those board games and get ready for some fun!
3. Host a Fall-themed Movie Night
Get into the autumn spirit by hosting a fall-themed movie night. Pop some popcorn and cuddle up under blankets to watch Halloween or Thanksgiving movies like Hocus Pocus, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Or, if you want something more family-friendly, try watching a movie about fall, like The Wizard of Oz or FernGully: The Last Rainforest. No matter what movies you choose, your family is sure to have a cozy and fun-filled evening.
4. Have a Craft Day
Why not spend some time indoors getting crafty with your kids? Look online for fall-themed crafts like a pumpkin suncatcher or apple paintings, or let your kids use their imaginations to create their own autumn-inspired masterpieces. You can use these natural materials to create all sorts of decorations, from wreaths and garlands to centerpieces and wall hangings. Just a little bit of creativity is all it takes to transform your home into a veritable autumnal wonderland.
5. Plan a Fall Scavenger Hunt
In the mood for some indoor fun? Plan a fall-themed scavenger hunt for your kids to enjoy. Hide items around the house that relate to autumn, like pine cones, red and yellow leaves, acorns and mini pumpkins. Or if you want to make it more educational, hide items that represent the colors of fall: red, orange, yellow, and brown. Your kids will have a blast searching for these seasonal treasures in your very own home.
6. Decorate for Fall
One of the best autumn activities for kids is getting the whole family together to decorate the house for fall. Here are some fun ideas:
- Have your kids help you carve pumpkins and display them on the front porch.
- Transform your mantel or entryway table into a festive autumnal display with pumpkins, hay bales and fall-themed décor.
- Create a fall wreath for your front door using leaves, corn husks or small gourds.
- String up colorful leaves or mini pumpkins to create a fall garland for your walls or staircase banister.
7. Make Your Own Halloween Costume
Getting ready for Halloween? Why not have your kids make their own halloween costumes? This can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family. Instead of going to the store and buying premade costumes, encourage your kids to come up with their own unique ideas. And then, let them design and create their costumes using materials like fabric, old clothes and craft supplies.
8. Decorate Pumpkins
Carving pumpkins is a classic fall activity, but why not try something different and have your kids decorate their pumpkins instead? They can use paint, glitter, googly eyes, or even pom-poms to give their pumpkins some extra flair. It’s a great way for your kids to express their creativity and get into the Halloween spirit.
9. Plan a Halloween Party
Halloween is a fun, spooky holiday for kids and adults alike. Your kids will love helping plan the family Halloween party. Have them come up with a theme, create the guest list, and help decorate the house. And, of course, they can assist with making Halloween treats and planning party games. This is a fantastic opportunity for your kids to show off their organizational skills and have some spooky fun at the same time.
Related Reading: 10 Easy Halloween Party Ideas for Kids
10. Sensory Bin Fall Play
Sensory Bin play is one of the hit fall activities to do with kids, and you can easily make one yourself. Fill a bin or large tray with items like dried leaves, fake mini pumpkins, acorns, pine cones and faux fall flowers. Then let your kids use their senses to explore the textures and colors of autumn. They can use scooping and pouring tools as well as their hands to play in the sensory bin. Your kids will have a blast getting in touch with the sights and sensations of fall.
11. Pumpkin Stamp Art
This fall activity combines two things that kids love: pumpkins and art. Cut a pumpkin in half and use the insides to create a stamp. Dip the pumpkin into paint and make prints on paper to create fun, seasonal artwork activity for kids. You can also try using apples or leaves as stamps for even more autumnal inspiration.
12. Make Fall-themed Slimes
Slime is always a hit with kids, and adding some autumnal elements can make it extra fun. Make regular slime and mix it in fall-themed items like mini pumpkins, fall leaves or cinnamon to give it a festive touch. Your kids will love playing with their seasonal slime creations. You can also ask your kids to come up with their own fall-themed slime ideas like adding pumpkin spice or apple-scented essential oils.
13. Do Some Science with Pumpkins
Messy science experiment for kids are interactive and funway of learning, perfect for the fall season. Cut the top off a small pumpkin and hollow it out. Then, fill the pumpkin with vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda. Let your kids mix in some food coloring to make it orange (or any color of their choice). Then watch as the mixture erupts like a volcano, spurting out of the pumpkin. This experiment is a fun and educational way to celebrate the season.
14. Leaf Painting
Head outside and gather some colorful fall leaves with your kids. Then use them as stamps to make leaf prints on paper or fabric. You can also have your kids paint directly onto the leaves and then press them onto paper to make unique fall artwork. When you’re finished, display your kids’ leaf paintings for a colorful and seasonal touch to your home decor.
15. Tasting Fall Fruits and Vegetables
Fall brings a harvest of delicious fruits and vegetables, including apples, pumpkins, squash and pomegranates. Take your kids to the farmer’s market or grocery store to pick out some seasonal produce. Then have them try different varieties and see which ones they like best. This is a fun way for your kids to try new foods and learn about the abundance of fall produce.
Best Outdoor Fall Activities To Add to Your Bucket List (H3)
What’s better than enjoying the cool, crisp weather of fall with some outdoor activities for kids? Here are a few ideas to add to your autumn bucket list:
16. Visit a Local Apple Orchard
Fall is the perfect time to visit a local apple orchard with your kids. Not only will they enjoy the opportunity to pick their own apples, but they’ll also learn about the process of growing fruit. Many apple orchards offer tours and demonstrations, making it a great educational outing for parents and children alike. After picking your apples, be sure to stop by the cider mill for a refreshing cup of apple cider. You can even purchase some freshly pressed cider to take home with you.
17. Have a Fall Picnic
Pack up a blanket and some seasonal snacks, and head outside to enjoy a fall picnic. Your kids will love munching on apple slices, pumpkin bread and warm cider while taking in the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. Take advantage of the cooler weather by having your picnic in a scenic outdoor spot such as a park or hiking trail. You can also add some extra fall fun by playing a game of leaf toss or pumpkin bowling.
Related Reading: Best Halloween Trivia Questions
18. Go on a Hayride
Many farms and orchards offer hayrides in the fall, providing a fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids. Bundle up and climb aboard for a scenic ride through fields of autumn leaves, pumpkins, and other seasonal sights. Many hayrides also include stops for pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, and other fun activities for kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in some beautiful fall scenery and make lasting family memories.
19. Have a Bonfire
Who doesn’t love sitting around a cozy bonfire, roasting marshmallows, and making s’mores? Gather your family and some friends for an evening spent outside by the fire. Your kids will love toasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories in the crisp autumn air. Don’t forget to make sure you have a designated fire tender and follow all safety precautions while enjoying your fall bonfire.
20. Take a Hike
Fall is the perfect time to hit the trails and soak in the beauty of changing leaves. Take your kids on a hike through a nearby forest or park and stop along the way to collect colorful leaves or search for animal tracks. Pack some snacks and water for a fun family outing in the great outdoors. Whether you choose a short loop or an all-day trek, your kids will love exploring nature during the gorgeous fall season.
21. Go Camping
When the weather begins to cool, it’s the perfect opportunity for a fall camping trip. Pitch a tent in the backyard or plan a trip to a nearby campsite. Your kids will love sleeping under the stars and spending time outside, exploring nature, and bonding as a family. Stay warm by huddling around a campfire and telling stories or roasting hot dogs for dinner.
22. Play in the Leaves
One of the best things about fall is all of the colorful leaves covering the ground. Why not take advantage of this with some good old-fashioned leaf jumping? Your kids will have a blast running and leaping through piles of crunchy leaves. You can also set up a leaf scavenger hunt or create leaf art by pressing them in a book or using them to make a colorful collage.
23. Attend Halloween Festival or Fall Festival
Fall is filled with fun festivals such as Halloween and harvest celebrations. Take your kids to a local festival where they can enjoy seasonal activities, such as picking pumpkins or corn mazes. Many festivals also offer hayrides, face painting, carnival games and tasty treats like caramel apples and pumpkin spice everything. When planning your festival outing, be sure to check for special events such as costume parades or live music.
Related Reading: Best Halloween Activities
24. Visit a Corn Maze
What better way to get lost in the spirit of fall than by visiting a corn maze? These mazes can range from simple and small to large and elaborate, offering hours of family fun as you navigate your way through the tall stalks. Each turn brings a new challenge, and your kids will love the thrill of finding their way out. Many corn mazes also offer additional fall activities such as pumpkin patches or hayrides.
25. Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Skip the supermarket and head to a local pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins. Your kids will enjoy searching for the perfect one to carve into a jack-o-lantern or bake into a tasty pie. You can also search for other fall produce, such as apples or squash, to bring home and cook with. This activity is a great way to support local farms and teach your kids where their food comes from.
26. Go for Nature Walks
Take advantage of the cool weather and stunning fall foliage by going for nature walks with your kids. Explore local parks or trails and encourage your kids to take in their surroundings, looking for changes in the trees, animals preparing for winter, and other natural sights. You can also bring along a nature journal for your kids to document their findings or collect leaves and other items along the way.
27. Visit a Haunted House
Get into the spooky spirit of Halloween by visiting a haunted house. Many local attractions offer kid-friendly versions with just the right amount of fright, making them perfect for older elementary-aged children and teens. If you have younger kids or prefer to keep things on the less scary side, try visiting a “haunted” hayride or Halloween-themed village instead.
28. Build a Scarecrow
Gather some old clothes and stuff them with hay to create a homemade scarecrow. Your kids can have fun designing and dressing their scarecrow, and it’s a great way to add some fall flair to your yard or porch. For extra spookiness, try adding a pumpkin head instead of a traditional scarecrow face.
29. Go to Botanical Gardens
Many botanical gardens offer special fall events and displays, such as chrysanthemum festivals or pumpkin patches. Take your kids to marvel at the foliage and colorful autumn flowers while also learning about plants and gardening. Some gardens also offer educational activities such as leaf rubbing or seed planting, making them a fun learning opportunity for younger children.
Related Reading: How to Make Gardening With Children Fun and Educational
30. Donate to a Food Drive
Teach your kids about the importance of giving back by participating in a local food drive. Many communities collect non-perishable items during the fall to support those in need, particularly around the holiday season. Your kids can help choose and gather items to donate and deliver them to the designated drop-off location. This is a great kindness activity for kids.
Let the Fall Fun Begin!
It’s finally fall, so it’s time to get outside and enjoy all the activities this wonderful season offers. With this list of 30 fun fall activities for kids, there’s no excuse to not have some fun. From apple picking to pumpkin carving and from playing in the leaves to making s’mores around a campfire, these activities are sure to keep your little ones entertained all autumn long. So gather your kids, grab your jackets, and start checking off this list of fall fun. Happy autumn!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What age range is appropriate for these fall activities?
These fall activities are suitable for all ages, but some may be more enjoyable or appropriate for certain age ranges. For example, younger children may enjoy picking pumpkins or building a scarecrow, while older kids and teens may prefer visiting a haunted house or going on nature walks. Choose activities that are age-appropriate for your children.
How can I make these fall activities educational for my kids?
Many of these fall activities, such as visiting a farmer’s market or going to a botanical garden, inherently offer educational opportunities. However, you can also incorporate learning into other activities by asking your kids questions about what they’re doing or engaging in discussions about seasonal changes and the environment. Additionally, you can encourage your children to keep a nature journal or do leaf rubbings during a nature walk to enhance their learning experience.
