It’s that time of year again – the leaves are changing color, the air is getting crisper, and pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu. Fall is a wonderful season, and it’s the perfect time to spend quality time with your family.
Why should you do fall activities together? Since the weather is cooling off and the leaves are changing colors, it’s the perfect time to do some fun fall activities with your family. Here are a few reasons why you should take advantage of this season:
- Fall is a great time to bond with your family. You can spend time together outside enjoying the cooler weather and all of the fun activities that come with it.
- Fall activities are a great way to get some exercise when it is no longer super hot and not yet too cold.
- The lovely fall colors makes every outing an adventure. Also there are more sunrises and sunsets during waking hours to enjoy.
- End a hike or outing with a hearty meal.
- There are fewer crowds and travel is more affordable since summer vacation is over. So enjoy local attractions!
There are so many fun fall activities for families to enjoy together. We love to have fun with our family this fall! If you’re looking for fun activities for fall, I got you covered! Here’s your autumn or fall bucket list ideas post!
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Fall Bucket List Ideas – Fun Fall Activities for Kids and Families
Go to a pumpkin patch or farm
Looking for some fun fall activities? Why not go to a pumpkin patch or farm? You can pick your own pumpkins, go on hayrides, and more. Plus, what could be more festive than getting into the fall spirit by surrounded by all things pumpkin?
Attend a fall festival
Looking for something fun to do this fall? Check out one of your local amazing fall festivals! There’s something for everyone at a fall festival, so round up your friends and family and head on out to enjoy the autumn weather and all the seasonal festivities!
Paint pumpkins (or carve them)
Pumpkins are the perfect fall activity. They’re easy to find, inexpensive, and you can do so many different things with them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– painting pumpkins is a great way to express your creativity. You can use any colors you want and make them as simple or intricate as you like.
– carving pumpkins is a classic fall activity that’s perfect for getting the whole family involved. Just be sure to have some safety gloves and a sharp knife on hand.
– if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can try your hand at making pumpkin pie from scratch. It’s actually not as difficult as it sounds, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your Thanksgiving feast.
Go apple picking
One of the best fall activities around is apple picking! Head to an apple orchard and spend a day surrounded by beautiful trees, fresh air, and, of course, apples. It’s the perfect activity for family and friends, and you’ll get to bring home a bounty of fresh apples.
Take a hayride
Go on a hayride! Hayrides are a great way to enjoy the cooler weather and take in all the autumn sights and smells. Best of all, they’re usually very affordable.
Walk a giant maze
There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a giant maze. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends or family. And there’s no need to worry about getting lost – everyone is sure to have a great time!
Collect leaves – then jump in them
One of the best ways to enjoy fall is to collect some leaves, then jump in them! This is a great activity for kids of all ages, and can even be done with adults. All you need is a good spot to find some leaves, and maybe a rake to help gather them up. Once you have a pile of leaves, just take a running jump into them and enjoy the feels of fall!
This is a great way to get some exercise while also enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. So next time you’re looking for something fun to do, remember – collect leaves then jump in them!
Make a fall leaf tree craft
Why not try a fall tree leaf craft (here’s ours)! In addition to the craft I shared, here’s another craft that is simple and easy to do, and it’s a great way to get the kids outside and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Here’s what you’ll need:
-A handful of leaves in different colors (red, yellow, orange, brown)
-Glue
-Scissors
-Construction paper or cardstock
-A pencil
To start, have your child trace their hand on the construction paper. Then, they can cut out the handprint shape. Next, it’s time to start gluing on the leaves! Encourage your child to be creative and use different colors and patterns. Once all the leaves are glued on, let the project dry overnight.
Paint leaves
This is a great activity to help kids get in touch with nature and have some fun at the same time.
You’ll need:
– Leaves of different shapes and sizes
– Paint (acrylic or watercolor work best)
– Paintbrushes
– A piece of cardboard or newspaper to use as a paint palette
Directions:
1. Begin by gathering leaves from your yard or a nearby park.
2. Once you have your leaves, it’s time to start painting! Use either acrylic or watercolor paint, and mix colors on your cardboard or newspaper palette.
3. Have fun painting the leaves in any way you want!
Collect pinecones and acorns for crafting
Another fun activity to do is to collect pinecones and acorns! These common objects can be turned into all sorts of fun crafts.
For example, you can use glue and glitter to make sparkly ornaments. Or, paint the pinecones different colors and use them as decorations around the house. Acorns can be painted and used as cute magnets or keychains.
So get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, and have some fun crafting with nature’s treasures!
Go for a nature walk
One of my favorite fall activities is to go on a nature walk. There’s something about being surrounded by the beauty of nature that just makes you feel good. And what better way to get some exercise than by enjoying a leisurely stroll through your favorite park or forest?
So put on your hiking boots, grab a hat and scarf, and head out for a nature walk today. You’ll be glad you did!
Visit a petting zoo
Petting zoos are great for all ages. They provide an opportunity to see and learn about a variety of animals up close. Many zoos also offer other activities such as hayrides and pumpkin picking. Visiting a petting zoo is a great way to spend an autumn day. It’s a fun activity for the whole family that everyone will enjoy.
Dress up for Halloween as dress-up play at home
Halloween is the perfect time for kids to get creative with their costumes and have some fun pretending to be someone or something else. Here are a few ideas to get your little ones started on their Halloween wardrobe:
For the girly girls, try a princess or witch costume. Add some sparkle with glittery shoes and accessories.
For the tomboys, how about a superhero or action figure? Be sure to add lots of padding for those big muscles!
And for the animal lovers, dress up as your favorite furry friend. Add some whiskers and a tail for extra cuteness.
Bake together (apple pie anyone?)
Nothing says fall like baking a pie together. It’s the perfect activity to do with the kids on a cool, crisp autumn day.
Make chili
Now that the weather is cooling off, it’s the perfect time to make a big pot of chili. This hearty dish is sure to please everyone in the family, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge. Plus, making chili is a fun fall activity for kids! Here’s how to do it:
First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ground beef or turkey, tomatoes, beans, onions, garlic, tomato paste, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. If you want to add some extra veggies into the mix, feel free to throw in some chopped carrots or peppers. You can use water as your base or beef broth.
Next, start cooking! In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef or turkey over medium heat. Add in the liquid, onions and garlic, spices, tomato paste, and vegetables and cook until softened.
Do Halloween crafts
Looking for some fun fall activities to do with your kids? Why not try some Halloween crafts together! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Make some spooky paper ghosts! All you need is some white paper, a black marker, and some scissors. Cut the paper into ghost shapes, then use the marker to draw on spooky faces.
Decorate some pumpkins! You can either carve them, or paint them with fun designs. This is a great activity to do together as a family.
Make some homemade Halloween decorations for your home. Paper bats are always a hit, and they’re easy to make too! Just cut out bat shapes from black construction paper and hang them up around your house.
These are just a few ideas – get creative and have fun! And enjoy my list of ideas!
- 10 adorable Halloween crafts for toddlers
- Glow in the dark Sensory Slime & more easy Halloween crafts
- Easy and Fun Halloween Spider Craft for Toddlers
Do Fall Crafts
It’s finally fall, which means it’s time for some fun autumn-themed crafts! From pumpkin painting to leaf collages, these crafts are sure to get your little ones in the spirit of the season!
Make sensory glow in the dark slime
Slime is a great fall activity for kids! It’s a perfect way to keep them entertained on those rainy days.
There are so many different ways to make slime, and each one is more fun than the last! Here are a few of our favorites:
The Classic Slime: This slime is made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. All you need is some glue, water, and food coloring. Just mix everything together and voila – you’ve got slime!
Glow-in-the-Dark Slime: This slime is perfect for Halloween! Just add some glow-in-the-dark paint to your classic slime recipe and watch it light up the night. Or see how we made sensory glow in the dark slime!
Pumpkin Spice Slime: What’s more fall than pumpkin spice?
Make a fall sensory bin
Fall is a great time to explore the senses! Here are some fun fall activities for kids that will help them learn about the world around them.
Collect some leaves from outside and try to identify them by sight, touch, and smell. Can you tell the difference between a maple leaf and an oak leaf?
Make a batch of homemade applesauce! This activity is great for kids who are curious about how different fruits and vegetables taste.
Put together a fall sensory bin with different fall-themed items like acorns, pumpkins, leaves, and corn kernels. Let your child explore the textures and smells of these items.
Do Apple Themed Activities for Kids
You could try some old fashioned apple bobbing with the family.
Go on an apple scavenger hunt! Write down a list of things to find, like red apples, green apples, apple trees, etc. Give each child a copy of the list and see who can find the most items on the list.
Try my apple counting activity for preschoolers while you’re at it.
Make a Thankful tree
One great fall activity is to go on a nature walk and collect leaves. You can use these leaves to create a thankful tree. To do this, simply glue the leaves onto a piece of paper or cardboard in the shape of a tree. As you add each leaf, write something that you are thankful for on it. This is a fun way to reflect on all of the things that make your life special.
You can also see how we made our thankful tree.
Do a scavenger hunt
Here are some great ideas for fall-themed scavenger hunts that the whole family will enjoy. There are so many theme options for a fall scavenger hunt. You can do a search for specific colors, specific nature treasures, and even a Halloween scavenger hunt (don’t forget to grab my scavenger hunt printable on that post).
For a nature-themed hunt, try looking for things like acorns, leaves, pine cones, and berries. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even try to identify different types of trees and plants. For a more Halloween-themed hunt, look for spooky items like black cats, bats, and ghosts. And for a festive autumnal twist, try finding things like pumpkins, apples, and cinnamon sticks.
No matter what theme you choose, scavenger hunts are a great way to get the kids outside and enjoying the crisp fall air. So put on your coziest sweater and get ready for some fun!
Make a fall wreath
Making a fall wreath is a great activity for kids of all ages, and it’s a perfect way to decorate your home for the season. Here’s what you’ll need:
-A wreath form (you can find these at any craft store)
-Fall leaves (real or artificial)
-Glue or tape
-Scissors
To start, have your child choose their favorite fall leaves. Then, help them glue or tape the leaves onto the wreath form. Once the leaves are all in place, you can add any other embellishments you like – berries, acorns, ribbons, etc. Hang your finished wreath on your front door or anywhere else in your home and enjoy!
Do a puzzle as a family
Puzzles are a great way to spend some quality time together while also getting the brain working. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than completing a puzzle as a family!
Family board game night
Gather the family together for a board game night. There are tons of great board games out there that the whole family can enjoy. For younger kids, try games like Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders. For older kids and adults, try games like Monopoly or Scrabble. No matter what games you choose to play, board game night is sure to be a fun and memorable experience for all!
Do chalk art
Chalk art is the perfect fall activity for kids! It’s easy, it’s fun, plus, it’s a great way to get those creative juices flowing. Here are a few tips for getting started:
1. Choose your location carefully. Look for a smooth, level surface that won’t be too windy.
2. Gather your materials. You’ll need some chalk (of course), some paper or cardboard to use as templates, and something to draw with (a pencil or pen works fine) to make your template.
3. Get creative! Encourage your kids to try different shapes, colors, and patterns. And don’t forget to have fun!
Trunk or Treat
One of our favorite fall activities is trunk or treat. Trunk or treat is a great way to get your kids out of the house and into the Halloween spirit. It’s also a great way to meet your neighbors and get some exercise. Here’s how it works: each participant decorates their car trunk with Halloween decorations and then hands out candy to the trick-or-treaters. It’s a fun, safe, and easy way to celebrate Halloween with your kids.
Make S’mores
One of the best fall activities is making smores! What could be more fun than roasting marshmallows over a cozy fire and then squishing them between two graham crackers with a delicious piece of chocolate? Plus, it’s a great activity for kids of all ages – even adults will enjoy getting in on the action!
So whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your family or friends, or just want an excuse to eat some yummy smores, head outside and start roasting those marshmallows!
Picnic in the park
A great fall favorite is heading to the park for a picnic lunch. Not only is this a great way to get some fresh air and Vitamin D, but it’s also a perfect opportunity for kids to burn off some extra energy before settling in for an afternoon nap. Plus, there’s something about eating outdoors that just makes food taste better!
So round up the kids, pack up a lunch, and head to your nearest park for a family picnic. It’s an activity everyone will enjoy!
Roast pumpkin seeds
Let’s try roasting pumpkin seeds! It’s a fun and easy activity that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover pumpkin seeds. Here’s how to roast pumpkin seeds:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spread pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Let cool before eating. Enjoy!
Paint rocks
One of the best fall activities for kids is painting rocks. It’s a great way to get them outdoors and enjoying the cool weather. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative with some colorful paint. Here are a few tips for painting rocks with kids:
1. Choose the right type of paint. Acrylic or tempera paint works well on rocks. Avoid using watercolors, as they won’t adhere well to the surface of the rock.
2. Prepare the rocks before painting. Make sure they’re clean and dry before getting started. You can also sand down any rough edges if desired.
3. Get creative! Encourage your kids to use their imaginations and have fun with it. They can create all sorts of designs, patterns, or pictures on their rocks.
Watch Hocus Pocus and make themed snacks
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by watching Hocus Pocus?
This 1993 classic tells the story of three witches who are resurrected on Halloween night and wreak havoc on the small town of Salem. But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending.
Not only is Hocus Pocus a great movie for kids, but it’s also a lot of fun for adults. So gather up the family, make some popcorn, and enjoy these Hocus Pocus themed party ideas!
Read fall-themed books together
Fall is the perfect time of year to cozy up with a good book. Here are some fun fall-themed books to read together with your kids.
“The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear” by Audrey Wood and Don Wood is a fun story about a little mouse outwitting a big bear. “The Scarecrow’s Hat” by Ken Brown is a cute story about a scarecrow who tries to find his lost hat. Don’t forget the stories of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano and Susan Banta.
Reading these books together is a great way to enjoy the autumn season with your kids.
Make bird feeders or a bird house
Another fun thing to do with kids this fall is to make a bird feeder or bird house. Here are some easy instructions for making a bird feeder:
Find a recycled plastic bottle and cut off the top. Decorate the bottom in whatever fall colors you like. Make small holes around the edge of the bottle top. Thread a string through the holes and tie it off. Fill the bottle with birdseed and replace the top. Hang your bird feeder from a tree branch and enjoy!
Making a bird house is also a fun activity for kids. This is a great activity for kids of all ages and can be done with items you likely already have around the house. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about taking care of our feathered friends. Here’s what you’ll need:
-A milk carton or empty tissue box
-Scissors
-Paint or markers
-Construction paper
-Tape or glue
-String
First, cut a hole in the milk carton or tissue box large enough for birds to enter. Then let the kids decorate the outside of the bird house with paint or markers. Once they’re finished, help them cut out a roof from construction paper and attach it to the top of the bird house.
Make caramel apples
Here’s how you can making caramel apples at home with your kids:
You’ll need:
– Apples
– Caramel sauce
– Toppings of choice (such as sprinkles or chocolate chips)
Here’s how to make caramel apples:
Start by washing the apples. Be sure to dry them completely so the caramel will stick. Next, melt your caramel in a saucepan over low heat. Once the caramel is melted, hold each apple by the stem and dip it into the caramel. Be sure to coat the apple completely. Set the coated apples on a sheet of wax paper and let them cool. Once they’re cooled, you can add any toppings you like – we recommend nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles!
Go to a drive-in movie
Drive in movies are a great way to spend an evening, especially if you have kids. You can read where I shared some tips for making the most of your drive in movie experience.
When the leaves start to change color and fall from the trees, you know that autumn has arrived. This is a time when the air becomes crisp and cool, and the days become shorter. For many people, autumn is a time to enjoy the outdoors before winter arrives. If you have kids, there are plenty of fun fall activities that they will enjoy. These are just a few ideas for making this season special for your family. What are some of your favorite fall activities with kids?
Practice Fall Gratitude – Get this Fall Gratitude Journal Printable
This adorable fox and pumpkin themed fall gratitude journal printable is perfect for the start of fall rolling into the beautiful month of November and Thanksgiving. This journal has 18 pages, and 15 gratitude journal prompts to help you think about your life and your mood during fall.
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