25 Fall Activities for Kids

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, fall is on its way. With the change of seasons approaching, it's time to start thinking about all the fun fall activities there are for kids.

No matter how free and relaxing summer is, there's just something about fall that makes us welcome the change of seasons. Fall is a time to slow down and get back into the usual routines of life. Kids and parents alike can feel a sense of comfort as they return to daily life after an unstructured summer break.

Fall can be an exciting time of year to celebrate and get involved. As the leaves start to turn yellow and kids head back to school, it's more important than ever for children to spend time playing, learning, and engaging in fun activities. “Spending quality time with children during the transition back to school builds resilience, strengthens bonds, and reduces anxiety,” says Chelsey Borson, parenting consultant and founder of Luna Leaps.

If you need some fall-themed inspiration, check out our list of fun fall activities for kids and try some of them with your own family this season.

Fall Outdoor Activities for Kids

Getting outside together is fun and healthy for families, no matter what the weather. “Time spent outdoors invigorates children's minds and bodies and promotes overall well-being,” says Borson.

Just make sure your kids are dressed appropriately, whether it's sun protection or cozy sweaters, depending on what kind of fall you have.

• Go apple picking: Go to an orchard or harvest Granny Smith from your neighborhood tree.
• Visit a corn maze: With this fun fall activity, you'll support family farms and possibly take home a few cobs for yourself, too.
• Jumping into piles of leaves: But first, rake together the leaves that accumulate on your sidewalk.
• Create a scavenger hunt in nature: Make a list of things you can find that are both easy and more difficult. “This activity sharpens observation skills while teaching basic principles of ecology and biology,” says Vasilii Kiselev, founder of Legacy Online School.
• Visit a petting zoo: Try to learn some new interesting facts about the animals during your stay.
• Go to a pumpkin patch: Can you find the perfect pumpkin to take home?
• Take a family hike: This activity promotes healthy exercise and can become an annual tradition.

Indoor Fall Activities for Kids

Fall is also the cozy season. Stay home and enjoy each other's company. Try these indoor activities this fall.

• Bake a cake: Nothing says fall like a pumpkin or apple pie, but any variety will do!
• Drinking apple cider: Buy it or make it yourself and enjoy it by the fire.
• Complete a puzzle: By doing a puzzle, you can keep your child's mind fit and strengthen family cohesion.
• Have a family movie night: Go to the movies or just have a family movie night at home. Choose fall-themed movies that fit the seasonal mood.
• Carving pumpkin lanterns: This Halloween tradition can be fun for children of all ages, but variations such as pumpkin decorating are possible for younger children.
• Create leaf art: There are many ways to do this, but one fun way is to use colored pencils to rub on thin paper placed over your leaves. “Autumn crafts stimulate children's creativity while also training skills like fine motor skills,” says Kiselev.

Fall Science Activities for Kids

Science activities are always fun, and there are so many fascinating fall-themed STEM and STEAM experiments to try together. Here are some of our favorites.

• Watch a pumpkin rot: Take a piece of pumpkin and place it in a glass jar to watch what happens as it disintegrates.
• Sort leaves by color and type: This is great for both toddlers and older children.
• Play with falling objects sinking or floating: All you need is a bucket of water and a collection of items such as pumpkins, leaves or acorns.
• Seeds count: Cut open different seasonal fruits, such as apples or pumpkins, to see how many seeds they contain.
• Build circuits with a pumpkin battery: If you have zinc and copper plates and wires with alligator clips, you can power a light bulb or a small motor.

Autumn events and festivals for children

Before the sometimes isolating cold of winter arrives, fall can be a great opportunity to celebrate the season with your community. Fall festivals and other events are wonderful family traditions.

Search online for fall festivals near you or try these ideas.

• Autumn festivals: Visit the autumn festival near you or take a trip to a place where autumn is welcomed with all the senses.
• Farmers markets: Shop at the farmers market and bring home local produce.
• Entertainment Festivals: Enjoy a music or film festival.
• Diwali: Experience the celebrations of the festival of lights, Diwali.

Adventurous autumn activities for children

Fall activities don't have to be indoors or even close by. Go on an adventure this season to create unforgettable memories with your family.

Explore your world together with these ideas:

• Take a family trip by car: If you don't live in a place that has four distinct seasons, choose a location where you can see the fall leaves changing.
• Go camping together: Whether your tent is five kilometers from your car or simply in your garden, camping with children can create great family memories.
• Make S'mores in the Backyard: This tasty autumn treat is fun and delicious for the whole family.