Once temperature starts to drop after a long, hot summer, it's time to get outside with your baby and toddler — you don't need to stay in the air-conditioning any more, and why would you want to when the crisp air, crunchy leaves and cozy vibes start to hit?
Of course you can go on a hayride and pick pumpkins, but there are plenty of fall crafts and activities you can do at home that involve leaves, apples and everything fall-tacular — and don't require a drive to a farm and an entrance fee.
So go on a scavenger hunt, dip some caramel apples, paint with pumpkins or try out any of the other fun-filled fall ideas below.
Complete a fall-tastic scavenger hunt
This fun printable visual scavenger hunt list gets kids outside and keeps them busy for a whole afternoon. Help your babe track down some of the season's most iconic symbols like a red leaf, a pinecone and acorns (plus, some harder ones like animal footprints and spider webs). If these items don't really fit your surroundings, you can also customize your own scavenger hunt on Get the Kids Outside.
Paint with pumpkins
What's cuter than mini pumpkins? Nothing — except your tot, of course! To make this craft, all you'll need is a roll of art paper, washable paint and some small pumpkins. Add a dollop of paint to a paper plate, and then have kids dip the gourds before rolling them around on the paper.
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Sort colorful candies
Sorting games are always a good time, but sorting candy? Way better! This printable template from Up and Away in Pre K encourages preschool-aged kids to take orange, yellow and purple Skittles or M&Ms and place them on the same-color pumpkin. (If you'd rather skip the candy, you could use inedible objects like dried beans, pom-poms or stickers.) If it's a hit with your little one, check out these other color-sorting templates for fall trees and apples.
Make a huge leaf pile (and jump in!)
Remember how much fun this was when you were little? Well, some things never get old. Have kids push leaves into a big ol' pile. (You can even order kid-sized rakes on Amazon so they can help with this fall chore!) Then run and jump into them. Simple as that!
Rescue some bugs
Playing with creepy crawlers might not be the cute fall activity you had in mind, but these ones don't bite. Best of all, there's pretty much no mess. Take a muffin tin and place plastic bugs inside each cup. Use colorful washi tape to cover each one, then invite your baby or toddler to activate their senses and problem-solving skills to free the bugs. This game, courtesy of Play Inspired Mum, helps kids understand object permanence and practice fine motor skills. If your toddler is a bit more advanced, offer them kitchen tongs or play tweezers to use to rescue the bugs.
Collage a caterpillar
Speaking of bugs, this caterpillar is mighty cute! Task your kids with finding the most colorful leaves they can outside. Then take a pair of scissors and cut each one into a circle, leaving the stems on to serve as "legs." Help kids glue the leaves to construction paper in a line of their choosing to form the body of the caterpillar. Add googly eyes and a little mouth (also cut from a leaf), and you've got yourself a cute little buddy to hang on the fridge
Dip caramel apples
These tasty treats aren't as tricky to make as they look, especially if you buy pre-made caramel. Place a bamboo skewer close to the stem of the apple. Then let kids dip the fruit in caramel sauce and an assortment of fun toppings such as sprinkles, mini M&M's, graham cracker crumbs and coconut flakes. Making these sweets turns a basic snack time into a truly memorable one.
Find colorful foliage
This nature scavenger hunt helps kids learn colors — and it uses recycled materials! Take an empty egg carton and paint the bottom of each cup a different color. Then head outside for some fun! Have kids gather flowers, leaves, rocks and anything else that might match the colors inside the carton.
Play fall bingo
Download a free autumn bingo card, and get playing! This version features smiley-faced fall symbols like apples, leaves, rain clouds and a friendly fox instead of traditional numbers. Just print out the blank template, then cut and glue the symbols on in a random order. (Kids can have fun doing this part too!) Then call out the fall vocab words, and see which kid makes it to five across first. You can then mix up the cards and play again!
Craft some cool leaves
Playdough is always a good time. Whip up a homemade batch or buy some pre-mixed (like this set with biodegradable glitter from Little Larch). Then make it fall-themed by having kids roll out the dough and cut it into leaf and pumpkin shapes using cookie cutters.
Enjoy some fall-themed sensory play
Sensory play is great no matter the season! This DIY bin combines grains, faux leaves, mini plastic pumpkins, tiny acorns and little pinecones. Little ones can dig around until they find all the fall treasures. Give them a set of measuring cups and spoons to prolong the fun.
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