10 Fun Fall Activities for Kids and Toddlers

There's something undeniably magical about fall, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of cinnamon and apples in the air, and the cozy feeling of pulling on sweaters and boots for family adventures. For little ones, it's a season full of wonder and sensory discovery. Every walk becomes a treasure hunt, every gust of wind a game, and every pumpkin patch an opportunity to explore, imagine, and learn.

It's also the perfect time for parents to slow down and savour simple moments together, from collecting leaves and sipping warm cider to crafting at the kitchen table on rainy afternoons. Fall invites families to reconnect with nature, creativity, and each other, without the rush of summer or the chill of winter just yet.

Whether you're looking to spend crisp mornings outdoors or curl up inside with a story and a snack, these 10 fun fall activities for kids and toddlers will fill your days with laughter, learning, and lasting memories.

Fall Outdoor Activities for Kids and Toddlers

There's no better time to bundle up and head outdoors. Whether it's a stroll through the park or a day at the orchard, these fall activities are perfect for creating cozy memories together in the fresh autumn air.

1) Nature Walks: Exploring Leaves, Colors & Textures

There's something magical about crunching through piles of leaves under a canopy of orange and gold. Take your little one on a simple nature walk through a local park or trail, no special equipment needed, just curiosity!

Encourage them to collect colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones, or sticks. Talk about the different textures and colors they see and feel. For toddlers, bring a small basket to collect their "nature treasures" for future art projects. Older kids can turn it into a scavenger hunt, spot a red leaf, a bird feather, or a smooth rock!

Pro tip: Bring magnifying glasses to make it extra exciting because kids love being "tiny explorers."

2) Apple Picking With Little Ones

Apple picking is a classic fall tradition, and for good reason. It's active, delicious, and full of learning opportunities! Teach your child how apples grow, let them pick their own (low branches are perfect for toddlers), and end the day with a warm cider or homemade apple pie.

If you're visiting an orchard, many also offer hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos, bonus fun!

Try this: Back home, have a mini apple-tasting session. Cut up different varieties (Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith) and let your child describe the taste, sweet, sour, or crunchy? It's a playful way to build vocabulary and explore new foods.

To learn more, also check out: Easy toddler lunch ideas

3) Simple Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Who says pumpkin fun has to involve carving knives? Younger kids can decorate pumpkins safely with paint, stickers, yarn, or googly eyes.Set up a "pumpkin station" with washable paints and let their creativity go wild. For a sensory twist, toddlers can explore pumpkin slime, the goopy insides, and talk about how it feels.

Bonus idea: Paint mini pumpkins to look like animals, superheroes, or their favourite storybook characters.

4) Fall Sports for Kids: Soccer, Baseball & More

Cooler temperatures make fall perfect for outdoor play. Whether it's kicking a soccer ball around the yard, practicing t-ball, or simply playing catch, sports are a great way for kids to build coordination, teamwork, and confidence.

If your child isn't into organized sports, don't worry, even simple activities like a leaf race (blowing leaves across the grass with straws) or an obstacle course made from pumpkins can get them moving and laughing.

Tip: Always pack a cozy blanket and thermos of hot chocolate for after-practice warm-ups!

Fall Indoor Activities for Kids and Toddlers

5) Movie Time: Fall Movies for Kids

Rainy day? No problem. Set up a "family movie theater" at home. Grab blankets, make popcorn, and let the kids build a pillow fort while watching cozy fall favorites like Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving, Room on the Broom, or The Peanuts Movie.

You can even make it educational, pause to talk about the changing seasons, kindness, or friendship themes in the movie.

6) Storytime: Fall Books for Toddlers

Nothing says autumn like cuddling up with a good book. Choose picture books that capture the cozy, colorful feeling of fall. A few favorites include:

• Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

• Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

• The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger

• Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

Reading together builds language skills and imagination, and it's a perfect pre-bedtime ritual as nights get longer.

7) Nature-Inspired Projects: Easy Fall Crafts for Kids

Bring the outdoors in! Use the leaves and pinecones you collected on your walks to make fun seasonal crafts.Try pressing colorful leaves between wax paper to make "leaf stained glass," or glue them onto construction paper for leaf animals or collages.

For toddlers: Dip leaves in paint and press them onto paper for beautiful fall prints.

For older kids: Create wreaths or mobiles using twine, sticks, and natural finds.

8) Autumn-Themed Printables: Fall Coloring Pages for Kids

Sometimes the simplest activities are the best. Fall-themed coloring pages are easy to print and perfect for keeping little hands busy while you sip your own pumpkin spice latte.

Look for pages featuring pumpkins, woodland animals, or cozy fall scenes. Coloring isn't just fun - it strengthens fine motor skills and encourages focus and creativity.

Extra fun: Add texture by gluing bits of real leaves or using crayons in warm fall tones - red, orange, gold, and brown.

9) Seasonal DIY Ideas: Fall Art Projects for Kids

Get creative with seasonal materials and household items! Some favorites:

• Pumpkin stamps: Cut small apples or potatoes in half, dip in paint, and stamp onto paper to make pumpkin shapes.

• Cinnamon playdough: Mix flour, salt, water, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a fall-scented sensory experience.

• Pinecone bird feeders: Spread peanut butter on a pinecone, roll it in birdseed, and hang it outside, kids love watching birds visit!

10) Time for Game: Fall Games for Kids

Turn family time into game time with autumn-themed twists! Try "Pumpkin Bowling" (use a small pumpkin as the ball and plastic bottles as pins), "Leaf Toss" (throw paper leaves into baskets for points), or "Apple Balance" races (balance an apple on a spoon).

Even classic games like Simon Says or Freeze Dance can get a seasonal update - "Simon says jump in the leaves!" or "Freeze like a scarecrow!"

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Autumn Activities for Toddlers

Fall is a season that invites togetherness, curiosity, and creativity. Whether you're stomping through crunchy leaves or snuggled under a blanket with a book, these activities help your little ones connect with nature, and with you.

So bundle up, grab your apple cider, and dive into the magic of autumn. The season may be short, but the memories will last all year long. 🍎✨