Half a Dozen Fall Activities to Do with Children

The weather is cooler now, and the leaves turning colors.  There are many fun activities to do with children that are unique to this season.  Here are half a dozen suggestions.

Go on a nature walk  

Children and nature go together—or they should.  Nature instills a sense of beauty and calmness in everyone. It exposes us to things that are alive and growing and promotes curiosity.  Exploring the outdoors can help children learn about being gentle and respecting living things.

Visit a Farm  

Apples, pumpkins, or pomegranates.  Children should see how apples grow in trees and pumpkins grow on the ground. A lot of farms will have other activities set up for you so you can enjoy your visit. From small animal petting area, corn mazes, and even slides your kids will love visiting there. You can spend a whole day plus you can come home and make an amazing homemade pumpkin pie or delicious apple cider.

Make a fall treat  

Bake an apple pie from scratch or make applesauce.  There’s so much learning involved.  You can teach math by focusing on measuring, reading by focusing on the recipe, or science by observing the changes in the pie as it bakes.  My grandchildren love to bake with me especially since it also means they get a sweet treat in the end.

It’s football season

Why sit on the couch all afternoon when you can watch your local high school team play?  My grandkids love watching the games.  They are a whole lot cheaper and a lot less crowded.  Best yet you can still have a Tailgate Party before the game. 

Witness an animal migration  

We are lucky to live right in the path of the Pacific Flyway (there are four flyways in North America.)  We are able to see a wide assortment of migratory birds at this time of year.  Many animals start their migration south in autumn—Monarch butterflies, grey whales, salmon, and bison, just to name a few.  Share the awe of the amazing journeys these animals take with your children.  

Have fun with leaves  

Take time to enjoy the changing leaves and smell the crisp, fresh air.  Raking leaves is not a chore—it’s a way to make a big pile to jump in.  Or make circles of leaves and pretend they are nests or castles.  Or make art projects such as leaf rubbings.