Fall is a magical time of year, with its crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy vibes. And what’s better than enjoying this special season with your kids? Kids of all ages can enjoy many fun and exciting fall activities, from pumpkin picking to leaf raking and apple orchard visits.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up some of the best fall activities for kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, indoor activities, or something that’s both educational and fun, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab your coats and scarves and get ready for some fall fun! Here are some of the best activities you can do with your kids this season:
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
One fun and classic fall activity is visiting a pumpkin patch! This activity involves taking a trip to a local pumpkin patch with your kids to pick out the perfect pumpkin for Halloween or seasonal decorations.
Depending on the location, kids can enjoy different activities at the pumpkin patch, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and even apple picking.
It’s an excellent way for your kids to immerse themselves in the fall atmosphere, spend quality time outdoors, and bring home a pumpkin to carve, paint, or display as part of your autumn décor. And don’t forget to capture some memorable photos amidst the sea of pumpkins!
Coloring Activities for Kids
Fall is also a fantastic time for kids to get creative with coloring activities.
At Purple Ladybug, we love seeing kids get creative. We offer a FREE Autumn Printable E-booklet featuring 50 pages of fall-themed activities, including mazes, coloring pages, games, and more!
Let their imaginations and creativity soar as they add color to these pages. You can even host coloring contests or collaborative projects to make it extra fun! All you need are colored pencils, markers, watercolors, and crayons.
Outdoor Picnic
An outdoor picnic during the fall season is a wonderful way to make lasting memories and embrace the beauty of autumn.
Start by selecting the perfect picnic spot. It could be at a park or a nature reserve with picnic facilities. Bring cozy blankets and throw pillows for comfort, especially as the weather cools.
When it comes to food, you can bring seasonal delights like apple slices with caramel dip, pumpkin bread, and warm cider in thermoses. Don’t forget finger foods and snacks, such as cheese, crackers, and hot chocolate.
Plan fun fall activities like outdoor games and nature-inspired crafts to entertain your kids. Remember safety precautions and clean up once you’re done.
Scratch Pumpkins
Yes, you read that right! Your kids get to scratch pumpkins with Purple Ladybug’s Scratchy Scratch Paper! These scratch notes provide an engaging hands-on experience where colors gradually appear as your kids gently scratch away the surface.
Using the included scratching tool, you “scratch” pumpkins and other fall-themed designs! This hands-on activity promotes fine motor skills and encourages imaginative exploration.
Make a Suncatcher
Creating a fall-themed suncatcher is a delightful craft activity for kids that captures the essence of the season’s vibrant colors and natural beauty.
This hands-on project involves arranging a variety of collected fall treasures, like colorful leaves, acorns, and twigs, between two layers of clear contact paper or self-adhesive laminating sheets.
Once sealed, you can hang your DIY suncatcher by a sunny window so sunlight can filter through, creating a stunning display of autumn’s rich hues and texture.
You can buy suncatcher kits like Purple Ladybug’s SunGemmers to make it more convenient. You can choose between 9 designs, but our favorite for fall would be the SunGemmers Tree, Flamingo, and Flower kit!
Have a Bonfire and Make S’mores
Having a bonfire and making s’mores is a quintessential fall activity kids (and parents, too!) of all ages enjoy. Gather around a crackling fire, toast marshmallows to gooey perfection, and make delicious s’mores by sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate.
It’s a cozy and nostalgic experience that warms you and your kids up on a chilly fall evening and provides a perfect setting for storytelling, stargazing, and building cherished memories together.
Don’t forget to bring all the essentials, including marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, and roasting sticks.
Make Fall-Scented Playdough
Making fall-scented playdough is a delightful sensory activity for kids in autumn. This hands-on craft lets your kids engage their senses by kneading and shaping homemade playdough infused with fall scents like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
As your kids work the dough, they’ll enjoy the pleasant aroma and can get creative by crafting fall-themed shapes and objects. This activity encourages fine motor skills and fosters an appreciation for the comforting scents and colors associated with fall.
Check out this fall playdough recipe by The Soccer Mom Blog!
Let Your Pumpkin Rot
Letting a pumpkin rot for a fun science experiment can be an engaging and educational activity for your kids. By observing the natural decomposition process, they can learn about biology, chemistry, and environmental science in a fun and interactive way.
Your kids can track changes in the pumpkin’s appearance, smell, and texture over time while also discovering the role of decomposers like bacteria and fungi in breaking down organic matter.
This experiment sparks your kiddo’s curiosity and teaches a valuable lesson about the cycle of life and the importance of sustainability and waste reduction.
Make Caramel Apples
Making caramel apples is a sweet and enjoyable autumn activity that kids can look forward to. This hands-on craft involves dipping crisp apples into luscious caramel coating and decorating them with various toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.
It’s a fun way for kids to get creative in the kitchen while also savoring the delicious flavors of fall. Whether enjoyed as a family project or as a special treat for a fall gathering, making caramel apples is a delightful experience for the entire family.
Check out this Mini Caramel Apples recipe from Martinelli’s!
Visit an Apple Orchard
visiting an apple orchard allows your kids to connect with nature and experience the magic of harvest season firsthand. At the orchard, kids can pick their own apples, explore rows of fruit-laden trees, and learn about the apple-growing process.
It’s not just about apples; many orchards also offer hayrides, corn mazes, and other fun activities for a memorable day outdoors. The crisp air and colorful foliage make a picturesque backdrop for family photos and a sense of adventure.
And let’s not forget the apple cider and freshly baked treats you can often buy in the orchard’s store! All in all, visiting an apple orchard is a delightful fall tradition that combines learning, outdoor fun, and delicious rewards!
Take Fall Family Photos
Make fall family photos a cherished tradition that captures the beauty of the season and creates lasting memories. With the vibrant foliage as a backdrop, families can come together in cozy sweaters and scarves.
Whether it’s a casual outing in the park or a more organized photoshoot, the fall season offers a natural canvas of warm colors and soft light, making it the perfect time to snap those shots.
Rake Leaves
Raking leaves is a classic fall activity for kids that combines outdoor fun with a sense of responsibility. Children can grab rakes and work together with family members to gather fallen leaves into piles. As they rake and jump into the leaf piles, they’ll enjoy autumn's satisfying crunch and rustling sounds.
This activity also teaches your kids teamwork, patience, and the value of caring for their surroundings. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together while appreciating the beauty of the season and getting some fresh air and exercise.
No matter what you choose, you’ll have a wonderful time with your kiddos this fall. So, go out there and explore all that fall has to offer!
