21 Fun Fall Activities for Toddlers
Fall is such a magical time of year, especially for toddlers who are discovering the world around them.
The crisp air, colorful leaves, and festive vibes make it the perfect season to engage little ones in fun and educational activities.
Here are 21 fall activities that you and your toddler can enjoy together.
Fun Fall Activities for Toddlers
1. Pumpkin Painting
It is less messy and safer than carving pumpkins. Instead of using knives, which can be dangerous for little ones, let them have fun decorating small pumpkins.
You can use non-toxic paints, stickers, or other decorations. This way, they can enjoy creating their special pumpkin masterpiece.
To get started, set up a painting area outside or in a place inside where messes won’t be a problem.
2. Leaf Collage
During fall, when the leaves change colors, you can take your toddler on a fun walk to gather fallen leaves.
This is a great way to enjoy the season! Once you have collected a variety of leaves, bring them home.
To make a leaf collage, give your toddler a piece of paper and some glue. Help them stick the leaves onto the paper to create their very own autumn artwork.
This activity is simple and allows your child to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall while being creative.
3. Nature Scavenger Hunt
You can make a simple list of items to find, such as acorns, pinecones, and different colored leaves.
Provide your toddler with a small basket or bag to collect these treasures. This activity helps them move around and pay attention to the world around them.
It encourages them to notice different things in nature and builds their curiosity about what they see.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful fall scenery.
4. Apple Picking
Apple picking is a classic fall activity perfect for toddlers. You can plan a trip to a nearby orchard where your toddler can pick apples straight from the trees.
This is a fun way for them to see where food comes from while enjoying the fresh fall air.
Once you’ve collected your apples, you can make a simple snack or dessert together, turning the experience into a delightful family activity.
This adventure not only helps your child connect with nature but also offers a chance for quality time together as a family.
5. Sensory Play with Fall Items
Set up a fun activity for toddlers with a sensory bin full of fall-themed items. Fill a container with dried corn kernels, small pumpkins, acorns, and leaves.
These items offer a variety of textures and shapes that are beneficial for young children’s sensory development.
To make the activity more engaging, include scoops, small bowls, and tongs. This allows them to practice picking up and moving items.
6. Storytime with Fall Books
As the weather gets cooler, it’s a perfect opportunity to snuggle up with your little one and enjoy some seasonal stories.
Many delightful picture books capture the essence of autumn with vibrant illustrations and engaging tales.
These books often feature themes like pumpkins, colorful falling leaves, and animals getting ready for winter.
Toddlers enjoy the rhythms and patterns of words, and the colorful pictures spark their imaginations.
Furthermore, this shared activity can become a cherished routine, creating a sense of warmth and security.
So, gather a collection of fall-themed books, find a cozy spot, and dive into the magical world of stories with your toddler.
7. DIY Fall Wreath
You should gather materials such as a sturdy paper plate, non-toxic glue, and a variety of fall-themed items like leaves, pinecones, and colorful ribbons.
Begin by cutting out the center of the paper plate to form a ring, which will serve as the base of the wreath.
This gives them a wonderful opportunity to practice their fine motor skills and express creativity.
As they carefully place each item, they’ll be proud of the unique masterpiece they create. Once finished, proudly hang the wreath on a door or window, where it can bring a touch of autumn beauty to your home.
8. Fall-Themed Playdough
To make it, you can simply mix some cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice into your homemade or store-bought playdough.
This not only gives the dough a warm, inviting scent but also introduces little ones to the smells of autumn.
Once the dough is ready, provide your toddler with some cookie cutters and rolling pins. They can use these tools to make various shapes, like leaves, pumpkins, or acorns.
It’s a great way for them to learn about different fall items and improve their motor skills as they roll and cut the dough.
The spicy aroma adds an extra sensory experience, making the activity even more engaging.
Plus, it’s a safe and mess-free way to spend an afternoon inside when the weather starts to cool down.
9. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Visiting a pumpkin patch can be both fun and educational, offering a chance to enjoy the crisp autumn air. At the pumpkin patch, your little one can see a variety of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes.
Many pumpkin patches also provide exciting activities like hayrides, where you ride on a wagon through the fields and corn mazes.
Some even have petting zoos, where children can meet friendly farm animals like goats and sheep. These experiences can fill your toddler’s day with joy and wonder.
At the end of the visit, let your child choose a small pumpkin to bring home. Decorating the pumpkin together can be another fun activity.
10. Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder
First, gather some pinecones from your backyard or a nearby park. This is a great way to get outside and enjoy the crisp fall air together.
Once you have your pinecones, bring them inside and cover them with peanut butter. This is a sticky and enjoyable task that toddlers will love.
After spreading the peanut butter, roll the pinecones in birdseed until they are fully covered.
This part of the activity allows your toddler to use their fine motor skills. Once the pinecones are ready, find a nice spot outside to hang them up.
11. Create a Fall Sensory Bottle
You start by taking a clear plastic bottle, which will be the base for this engaging toy. Fill it up with some water, leaving a little space at the top.
Next, add a sprinkle of glitter to give it a sparkly effect that catches the light beautifully. To give it an autumn feel, include small, themed items such as plastic leaves and tiny pumpkins.
These items bring the colors and essence of fall right into the bottle. Once everything is inside, it’s important to seal the bottle securely.
You could use strong glue around the cap to ensure it stays shut tight. Now, hand the bottle over to your toddler and let them shake it.
They will love watching the glitter and items swirl around, creating a miniature fall scene in motion.
12. Bake Pumpkin Muffins
Start by gathering all the needed ingredients, such as flour, pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices. Involve your toddler by letting them help measure and pour the ingredients into the mixing bowl.
They will enjoy the hands-on experience of stirring the mixture, which also helps them improve their motor skills.
As the muffins bake, the warm, spicy aroma will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Plus, they will feel proud to taste their delicious creations. Sharing these homemade treats with family or friends can also teach your toddler about generosity and sharing.
13. Jump in Leaf Piles
This simple yet exciting adventure begins with gathering a large pile of leaves. As you rake them together, involve your toddler by letting them help with a small rake or just using their hands.
The anticipation builds as the pile grows bigger and bigger. Once the leaves are ready, it’s time for the fun to begin!
Encourage your toddler to jump into the pile with all their might. Watch their face light up with joy as they dive in, roll around, and toss leaves into the air.
The sound of the leaves crunching beneath them and the vibrant colors swirling around add an extra layer of fun.
14. Fall-Themed Puzzles
These puzzles often feature images like pumpkins, apples, or friendly woodland animals, capturing the essence of autumn.
These puzzles offer a delightful way to engage toddlers, but they also provide numerous developmental benefits.
As toddlers work on fitting each piece together, they enhance their fine motor skills, which are crucial for tasks such as holding a spoon or drawing with a crayon.
Furthermore, puzzles encourage problem-solving abilities as children figure out which pieces fit where.
Plus, the vibrant fall images can spark conversations about the season, helping toddlers learn new words and concepts.
15. Make a Handprint Tree
First, cut out a tree trunk and branches from brown construction paper. Make sure it’s large enough to be the centerpiece of your artwork.
Next, gather some fall-colored paints, such as red, yellow, orange, and brown. Pour the paints into shallow plates or trays so your toddler can easily access them.
Now, let your child dip their hands into the paint and press them onto the paper above the trunk, creating a lovely pattern of leaves.
Encourage them to use different colors to add variety to the leaves. Once the paint dries, you’ll have a charming piece of autumn art to hang in your home.
16. Go on a Hayride
Many farms and orchards host hayrides, where families can sit on bales of hay and ride through scenic fields and orchards.
The gentle pace of the hayride allows toddlers to soak in the vibrant autumn colors and the crisp, fresh air.
It’s a peaceful and enjoyable experience for both kids and adults, making it ideal for family outings.
Some hayrides also provide a tour of the farm, where young children can see farm animals, learn about different crops, and understand how farms operate.
Toddlers get a chance to be outdoors and gain a firsthand look at the farm lifestyle, sparking their curiosity and appreciation for nature.
17. Play with Fall-Themed Stickers
You should purchase a selection of stickers that feature autumn elements such as leaves, pumpkins, and acorns. These stickers can be used on various surfaces like paper, pumpkins, or even a toy box.
As your toddler peels and sticks these charming shapes, they’ll be refining their fine motor skills.
This activity also encourages creativity as toddlers decide where to place each sticker, designing unique little masterpieces.
The vibrant colors and diverse shapes of the stickers captivate their attention and make the process enjoyable.
Moreover, it’s an easy setup for parents and can be done indoors, making it perfect for those chilly fall days.
18. Make a Fall Garland
Gather some materials: a string, colorful paper leaves, and other lightweight decorations such as small fabric pumpkins or acorns.
You can easily find these at a craft store or make the leaves by cutting out leaf shapes from colored paper.
Encourage your toddler to participate by having them help cut out the leaves if they’re able, and guide them in threading each item onto the string.
You can chat about the colors and shapes as they work, turning it into a mini-learning session.
Once the garland is complete, hang it in their room or a shared space like the living room. It will add a festive touch to your home and give your toddler a sense of accomplishment seeing their creation displayed.
19. Explore a Corn Maze
If your little one is ready for some outdoor fun, visiting a corn maze could be the perfect adventure.
Many corn mazes offer special sections tailored for young children, ensuring they have a great time without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity. These areas are usually smaller and simpler, allowing toddlers to navigate at their own pace.
As you walk through the paths together, it becomes a wonderful opportunity for them to practice basic problem-solving skills, such as deciding whether to turn left or right.
Moreover, this activity provides a healthy dose of physical exercise as you stroll through the maze.
20. Craft a Leaf Crown
You can start by gathering some colorful leaves from outside. Choose leaves of different shapes and colors to make the crown vibrant and exciting.
Next, take a strip of construction paper and measure it to fit around your toddler’s head comfortably. Secure the ends with tape or glue to form a circular band.
Now, let your little one get creative by gluing the collected leaves onto the paper band. You can encourage them to choose their patterns and arrangements.
Once the glue has dried, the leaf crown is ready to wear. Your toddler will enjoy wearing their handmade creation and feel proud of what they’ve made.
21. Have a Fall Picnic
To achieve this, you should pack a simple picnic basket with some autumn favorites, such as apple slices, pumpkin bread, and a thermos of warm cider.
These treats are not only tasty but also capture the essence of fall. Choose a nice spot at a nearby park or even your backyard for a picnic.
Lay out a cozy blanket on the grass where you can sit and relax. As you enjoy the crisp, cool air, watch as your toddler runs around, playing in the leaves.
This simple activity provides a wonderful opportunity to create memories with your little one, all while appreciating the natural beauty that fall has to offer.
