24 Fall Family Activities to Enjoy This Season
For many families with young kids, fall is a favorite time of year—a time when you can take your kiddos to romp in the pick-your-own apple orchards, go on hay rides, get ready for trick-or-treating and maybe even enjoy an Oktoberfest beer while baby sleeps in the stroller (one can hope). In fact, autumn brings plenty of opportunities for family fun—and here we’ve rounded up the top fall activities to enjoy as autumn settles in.
Many local apple orchards are opening up for pick-your-own adventures, so you can enjoy crunching on apples, adorable baby photos and plenty of homemade applesauce.
You may not be keen on bringing your little one to the supermarket with you, but an outdoor farmer’s market is a fun way to stock up on seasonal produce and teach your tot about shapes, colors and foods along the way!
While the weather still holds, a picnic in a nearby park is a perfect way to spend an autumn afternoon with your kiddo. Pick a secluded spot and let your little one revel in the fresh air. (Maybe even nosh on your farmer’s market finds!)
When the temps start to cool off, grab your gear and head for the hills. Whether you carry baby in a carrier and manage to summit or end up plodding down the path with your curious toddler in tow, it’s fun for the whole family. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, consider picking a less traveled hike.
Sailing, kayaking, motor boating—it’s all good outdoor fun, especially if you have an older toddler. Just make sure your child has a properly fitting, safety-approved life jacket on.
Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy leaf-peeping—those changing colors can be quite a sight for babies too. If you have a toddler, head out to a park or forest and spend some time collecting different colored leaves and pinecones for fall-inspired art projects.
What’s fall without a corn maze? Sure, they can take a while (especially if you get lost!), but the sense of accomplishment on your kiddo’s face when you find the way out will be well worth it.
Make the most of your local outdoor dining options and enjoy the crisp autumn air before the weather turns too cold. Grab a family dinner or use this opportunity for a date night!
Whether you put baby in a bike seat or head out with your bike-riding preschooler, taking a ride around town or through a park is a perfect fall activity. Don’t forget your kiddo’s helmet!
Babies and toddlers love bubbles—they’re fascinating to watch and even more fun to chase and pop. Bring a bottle to your neighborhood park or on your next picnic and fill the air with bubbles.
Take advantage of the still-pleasant temps and take your arts and crafts outdoors. Whether you let your little one decorate the backyard patio or front stoop sidewalk, it’s great fun (and little to no clean-up!).
If you’re a runner, consider investing in a good jogging stroller and bringing your little one along for the ride.
Depending on what’s scheduled in your area, you can set up a blanket and sway to some tunes. Great for kids of all ages.
One of the best fall activities leading up to trick-or-treating? Visiting a pumpkin patch and picking out a pumpkin. Carve or paint a jack-o-lantern to display by your front door or window.
Fun fall activities can be as simple as heading outside and playing around with a ball. Small, textured balls are great for engaging babies’ senses, while bigger rubber balls are great for toddlers to kick and throw.
A cozy family activity! If you have access to a fire pit (and patience for insanely sticky hands), roasting s’mores is a guaranteed hit among the toddler crowd.
Look up what’s happening in your area. If you’re itching to be outside and get your sweat on, you and baby can enjoy a workout class outdoors.
Here’s another way to appreciate Mother Nature in the fall. Take a stroll with your toddler to find a few promising rocks, and then sit down with some craft paint and a brush and have at it!
There’s something endlessly fascinating about excavators, cranes and dump trucks for toddlers. If there’s a construction site nearby, it’s an easy and entertaining way to spend an hour outdoors.
If your child is old enough to sit through (or young enough to sleep through) a movie, see if there’s a drive-in or outdoor movie theater near you. You’ll get to see a film on the big screen from the comfort of your own car or blanket while soaking in the fresh autumn air.
Up for a little adventure? Pitch a tent! Even if it’s just in the backyard, the change of scenery might be just what your family needs this autumn.
Parents are usually on heightened germ alert, but that doesn’t mean your little one can’t get a little dirty. Babies and toddlers can happily spend a surprising amount of time just digging in fresh soil.
Depending on your child’s bedtime, make the most of the earlier sunsets and point out the sparkly stars in the sky. A family rendition of Twinkle Twinkle might be in order.
Whether it’s through your neighborhood streets, around your local park or through some nearby woods, getting outside for any kind of family stroll is a wonderful way to spend a fall day.
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