Autumn Activities for Young Children

Alexis Jul 25, 2026
two children are painting an autumn tree on paper
two children are painting an autumn tree on paper

As the weather cools down and the leaves change colors, many parents are eager to find fun and engaging autumn activities for their young children. While some may think of the season as a time for cozying up indoors, there are plenty of exciting ways to enjoy the great outdoors with your little ones. From apple picking to nature scavenger hunts, the possibilities are endless!

two children are painting an autumn tree on paper
two children are painting an autumn tree on paper

One of the best ways to enjoy the fall season with your kids is to get them involved in some outdoor activities. Apple picking is a classic autumn activity that's perfect for kids of all ages. Not only is it a fun way to spend time together, but it's also a great way to teach your children about where their food comes from. Many apple orchards offer pick-your-own options, where kids can help pick the apples right from the trees. This hands-on experience will give your child a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into growing their favorite fruits.

Fall Bucket List with Toddlers
Fall Bucket List with Toddlers

Outdoor Games and Activities

Another great way to enjoy the fall season with your kids is to play some outdoor games and activities. One popular option is to set up a leaf-themed obstacle course in your backyard. This can be as simple as setting up a few small hurdles and having your child run through them while collecting leaves, or as elaborate as creating a full-fledged obstacle course with leaves, twigs, and other natural materials. You can also set up a scavenger hunt with a fall theme, where your child has to find items like acorns, pinecones, and fallen leaves.

Fingerprint Fall Tree Craft - Toddler at Play
Fingerprint Fall Tree Craft - Toddler at Play

Leaf-themed Obstacle Course

Setting up a leaf-themed obstacle course is a great way to get your child moving and having fun outdoors. You can use leaves to create a variety of challenges, such as a "leaf bridge" where your child has to jump over a series of leaves, or a "leaf maze" where they have to navigate through a series of leaves to reach the finish line. You can also use leaves to create a "leaf pit" where your child has to climb through a series of leaves to get to the other side. This activity is perfect for kids of all ages and abilities, and is a great way to get them outside and active.

Fall Activities for Kids: Harvesting Fun and Memories!
Fall Activities for Kids: Harvesting Fun and Memories!

Scavenger Hunt

Setting up a scavenger hunt is another great way to get your child outside and engaged with nature. You can create a list of items for your child to find, such as acorns, pinecones, and fallen leaves, and then send them on their way to find as many items as they can. This activity is perfect for kids of all ages, and is a great way to encourage them to explore and appreciate the natural world around them. You can also make it more challenging by giving your child a list of riddles to solve before they can find the next item on the list.

Nature Crafts and Activities

Autumn Activities for Preschool | Early Years Activities
Autumn Activities for Preschool | Early Years Activities

Another great way to enjoy the fall season with your kids is to engage in some nature crafts and activities. One popular option is to make leaf rubbings. This involves placing a leaf under a piece of paper and rubbing it gently with a crayon to create a detailed impression of the leaf. You can also make leaf collages, where your child glues a series of leaves together to create a beautiful and unique piece of art. You can also make leaf crowns, where your child glues a series of leaves together to create a beautiful and wearable piece of art.

Leaf Rubbings

Making leaf rubbings is a great way to get your child engaged with nature and creative with art. You can use a variety of techniques, such as using a crayon to rub the leaf or using a leaf press to flatten the leaf and create a detailed impression. You can also use a variety of materials, such as paper, cardboard, or even a leaf press, to create a beautiful and detailed leaf rubbing. This activity is perfect for kids of all ages and abilities, and is a great way to encourage them to explore and appreciate the natural world around them.

children are playing with pumpkins in an orange bowl
children are playing with pumpkins in an orange bowl

Leaf Collages

Making leaf collages is another great way to get your child engaged with nature and creative with art. You can use a variety of techniques, such as gluing the leaves together or using a hot glue gun to attach the leaves to a piece of cardboard. You can also use a variety of materials, such as leaves, twigs, and other natural materials, to create a beautiful and unique piece of art. This activity is perfect for kids of all ages and abilities, and is a great way to encourage them to explore and appreciate the natural world around them.

Fall Leaf Suncatcher Craft for Kids
Fall Leaf Suncatcher Craft for Kids
Exciting Fall Nature Activities That Help Kids Explore the Outdoors
Exciting Fall Nature Activities That Help Kids Explore the Outdoors
Robaczki z listków
Robaczki z listków
a little boy that is standing next to a tree with sticks in front of him
a little boy that is standing next to a tree with sticks in front of him
Autumn Activities for Kids for Fun Learning and Play
Autumn Activities for Kids for Fun Learning and Play
Autumn Sensory Activities for Babies and Toddlers | EYFS
Autumn Sensory Activities for Babies and Toddlers | EYFS
paper roll fall tree craft for kids with crayons on the table next to it
paper roll fall tree craft for kids with crayons on the table next to it

As the fall season comes to a close, it's a great time to reflect on the fun and engaging activities you've done with your kids. From apple picking to nature crafts, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're looking for a fun and active activity or a more creative and artistic one, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season with your kids. So why not get outside and start enjoying the season with your little ones today?