The fall season is all about family time, a delicious harvest, tasty food, and giving thanks. And you can do it all without the heat of summer…or the stress of the holidays! Are you racking your brain for new things to do with your child this fall? Or, are you hoping to create a new seasonal family tradition? Either way, we’ve got you covered — with our 10 fun fall activities, including baking ideas, outdoor adventures, games, and everything in between.

Fall activities for kids

1. Visit an apple orchard: Apple picking on a day off from school (or on the weekend!) can make the kids’ downtime exciting — and it’s a great outdoor activity that keeps everyone entertained and bodies moving for a good portion of the day. Some orchards even have a playground, petting zoo, wagon rides, warm apple cider donuts, and plenty of space for running around, so there’s no shortage of activities.
2. Cook with fall flavors: After your apple picking adventure, turn those apples into pies, sauces, or cider! Have your child help you in the kitchen, which will help them gain independence and confidence. Before you get started, pick out a recipe together and gather the necessary measuring tools and ingredients. Help your child read the amount of each ingredient you’ll need, scoop them into a bowl, and mix them all together. And, of course, set aside time to enjoy the final product together.
3. Go on a leaf-collecting adventure: If you live somewhere that the leaves change color, head outside. You can stroll around a nearby park…or drive somewhere a bit further to go for a nature walk or hike. Bring a camera, paper, and drawing utensils, and as you walk, have your child take or draw pictures of leaves they see along the way. Bring a Ziploc bag, too, and collect fallen leaves to use in art projects in the coming weeks. 
4. Make a game with pumpkins: Visit a pumpkin patch, and, in addition to your pumpkin for carving, pick out a variety of mini pumpkins and gourds with your child. Once you get home, create a sorting game and have your child sort by color, shape, and size. You can also introduce the concept of comparison here — have your child arrange the pumpkins and gourds from smallest to largest, and vice versa.
5. Create a nature art collage: Have your child use the same items he or she picked up on the leaf scavenger hunt as art supplies. Put them out on the table, along with paper, paint, and glue, and see what your child creates! Leaves are especially versatile — show your child the different things you can do with them, like using crayons to create leaf rubbings, tracing them onto paper, and creating a nature collage.
6. Carve and decorate pumpkins: Carving and decorating pumpkins as a family can create positive memories and an ongoing fall tradition for years to come. Head out to the pumpkin patch and enjoy a seasonal treat while the kids search for the perfect pumpkin. Once you’re home, lay some newspaper on the floor and work together to choose how to carve them. Let your child help you make the cuts (if he or she is old enough) and do the messy work of scraping out the pumpkin guts. Be sure to save the seeds for roasting later! If you’d rather not carve (especially if you have a younger child), you can get creative with paint, markers, or even Mr. Potato Head pieces.
7. Set up a backyard tailgate: Fire up the grill and have a family cookout in the backyard before the big game. You can also set up age-appropriate activities, such as face painting, corn hole (or bags), an obstacle course, or a good old-fashioned game of catch.
8. Volunteer or give back: Fall is a great season to practice gratitude. Create traditions by helping those in need, whether it’s donating coats, baking for a neighbor, or volunteering at your local food pantry. Model kindness while your child learns the value of giving during the season of abundance. 
9. Decorate your home for fall: Invite your child to join in on the decorating with pumpkins, wreaths, and fall crafts. This activity will help spark creativity and encourage their artistic abilities. Each year, bring out those homemade decorations that hold memories, while adding new ones to mark the season.
10. Give thanks: Thanksgiving might feel like the unofficial end to fall…and the start of the long winter, but it’s the perfect time to celebrate the season by talking with your child about the holiday and what it means to be thankful. Take turns sharing what you’re both thankful for this year. Flip through magazines together to find pictures of each thing. Cut them out, glue them onto a piece of paper, and make a collage (if you don’t have magazines, draw pictures instead). If your child knows how to write each letter, help sound out the words and write what each item is under its picture. You can hang the collage in your child’s room, on the fridge, or anywhere else in the house!

Whether you’re looking for fall activities for toddlers or preschoolers, this list will help you kick off the season with a fun (and cozy) start. Outside of fun fall activities, the season is also a great time for learning. Discover why fall is the perfect time for learning and even more fall activities to add to your roster!