Looking for some simple and fun fall activities for kids?
Here are some of our favorites that are budget-friendly and great for all ages. Whether you’ve got babies, toddlers, big kids, or teens, there something for everyone on this list.
I also share out fun experience going pumpkin picking with a toddler. Spoiler alert, it was super fun!
Top Fall Activities for Kids
1. Pumpkin Painting
Painting pumpkins is a fun and creative fall activity for kids that lets them express their artistic side without the mess and safety concerns of carving.
With a variety of paints, stickers, and markers, kids can personalize their pumpkins with vibrant designs, favorite characters, or spooky faces.
It’s a great way to get into the fall spirit while creating unique decorations for Halloween!
2. Pumpkin Carving
Carving pumpkins is an exciting fall tradition for kids, filled with creativity and a bit of adventure.
From scooping out the gooey insides to carefully carving out silly or spooky faces, the process is hands-on and engaging.
It’s a great way for kids to work on their motor skills and have a blast turning an ordinary pumpkin into a glowing jack-o’-lantern that lights up Halloween night!
3. Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
After you spend some time pumpkin picking and carving, roasting pumpkin seeds is a fun and tasty fall activity for kids. It turns the messy task of pumpkin carving into a delicious reward.
After scooping out the seeds, kids can help rinse and season them with their favorite flavors before watching them transform into crispy, golden snacks in the oven.
It’s a simple way to teach kids about cooking while enjoying a crunchy, homemade treat that celebrates the season!
4. Leaf Painting
If you’re looking for an inexpensive fall craft, leaf painting is a fun and creative activity that combines art with nature.
By collecting different shapes and sizes of leaves, kids can use them as natural stencils or paint directly onto the leaves to create colorful prints and patterns.
This hands-on activity encourages kids to explore the outdoors and experiment with colors, resulting in unique art pieces that capture the beauty of the fall season.
5. Nature Art
You can also use leaves and other elements from nature to create pictures and fun fall scenes.
Your little ones can use their imagination to turn ordinary objects into art, using nature elements of various shapes and textures to create familiar objects.
6. Nature Walk
A fall nature walk is a delightful adventure for kids, filled with the wonders of the changing season.
As they explore the outdoors, kids can collect vibrant leaves, acorns, and pinecones, observe wildlife, and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about nature, appreciate the beauty of fall, and gather natural treasures for future crafts, making it a fun and educational experience that connects them to the world around them.
7. Nature Sensory Treasure Hunt
Turn your nature walk into a nature sensory treasure hunt! Create a list of nature elements to collect and work as a team to gather them all.
Or, you can create multiple teams and turn it into a fun competition.
8. Corn Maze
Let kids explore their adventurous side with an evening out in a corn maze. It’s a great way to get outdoors and spend quality time as a family.
9. Fall Festivals
Fall festivals are another great family-friendly activity. And they’re especially great for families with kids of various ages.
There will be games and attractions suited to all age-ranges so none of the children get bored.
10. Playing in Leaf Piles
Playing in the fall leaves is a quintessential autumn activity. And it’s one of our favorites because it’s free! All you need is a yard filled with fall foliage and a rake, and you’re all set!
11. Apple Picking
Apple picking, just like pumpkin picking, is a delightful activity for kids. It combines outdoor fun with a touch of adventure.
As they wander through rows of apple trees, children enjoy the thrill of reaching for the juiciest apples and filling their baskets.
The excitement of picking their own fruit makes it a memorable experience, and the fresh, crisp apples they harvest become a tasty reward.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy nature, learn about where food comes from, and create cherished family moments together.
12. Decorating Cookies and Treats
Decorating fall cookies and treats is a joyful and creative activity for kids, sparking their imagination and making autumn even more festive.
With an array of colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations, children love turning plain cookies into whimsical works of art.
This hands-on experience not only enhances their fine motor skills but also provides a delicious reward for their efforts.
13. Pumpkin Picking
We finally made it out to the pumpkin patch this past weekend, and I’m so glad we had a break in the weather to do so. We visited a farm with pumpkins, cows, and tractors galore, and needless to say it was like heaven for our toddler.
Charlie had so much fun pulling the little red wagon (which she insisted on doing across the entire bumpy field), running free, and getting dirty. She ran from row to row and wanted to help each pumpkin that has “fallen over” to stand back up again—seriously the cutest thing ever! Love her little helper heart.
This post contains affiliate links. Photos by Mary Ware
It was a bit chilly, and the wind was ramping up before getting a Nor’easter later in the evening, so we both wore our favorite fall outfits (leggings + tunics +boots). I know she is my daughter because she insists on wearing that combination just about every day!
(My striped tunic is so comfy and comes in a bunch of cute colors, and her outfit is from Carter’s— this is a similar one)
Spending just a short time at the farm was such a good break for me. I’ve been feeling super overwhelmed and stressed out, and this was a great reminder of what really mattered, and how life should be. We took our time, let her explore, touch and get dirty, and just watched her as she took it all in. It was really magical to just see how she saw the world.
And we also learned that she is obsessed with tractors. The farm girl in me loves that. 🙂
I can’t wait to get out and enjoy this fall weather so more—if only the rain would hold off!
Are you planning on going pumpkin picking this year? Which of these fall activities for kids is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!