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Fall is a magical season, bursting with vibrant colors, crisp air, and the promise of cozy meals and snuggles on the couch. For toddlers, it’s a time filled with endless discoveries and new experiences. As the leaves change and the days grow shorter, there’s no better opportunity to engage in fun and educational activities with your little one. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors or getting creative at home, the magic of fall provides the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories. Here, we’ll walk through a variety of fall activities that are sure to dazzle and inspire your toddler, helping you make the most of the fall season together.
1. Leaf Collecting and Crafts
Take a walk in a nearby park or even in your backyard and have your toddler collect colorful fall leaves. This simple activity can be as simple as this or can be turned into a fun craft session at home! Help your toddler create leaf rubbings using crayons and paper, make leaf collages, or press leaves into books as a keepsake.
If the leaves are more crunchy where you are right now, encourage your toddler to experience the different textures which enhances their motor skills and development. They can do this by squishing it between their fingers, stomping on the leaves, or jumping into a pile of them! Encouraging them to touch, feel, and describe the leaves is very beneficial for them at this age!
2. Pumpkin Picking and Decorating
We love this classic activity. Visit a local pumpkin patch and let your toddler pick out their own pumpkin. Once you’re home, decorate the pumpkins together. If carving is too advanced, try painting pumpkins using washable paint and brushes or using stickers and markers.
3. Apple Picking
A trip to an apple orchard is a super fun fall activity for both you and your tot. Toddlers love picking apples right from the trees (and they serve as a yummy treat!). You can also enjoy apple-themed activities at home, like making applesauce (we love this recipe here), apple stamping crafts, or simply tasting different apple varieties. Again, talking about how the apple looks, feels, and smells is super beneficial for their growing little minds.
4. Fall Sensory Bin
Create a sensory bin filled with fall-themed items like acorns, pine cones, dried corn, small pumpkins, and leaves. Sensory bins are excellent for tactile exploration and can keep toddlers entertained for hours.
If you prefer a fall sensory bin to be shipped to your door filled with everything you need, try this convenient and cute fall sensory bin!
5. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Organize a fall-themed scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your toddler to find, such as a red leaf, an acorn, a pine cone, or a feather. This can be done at a local park or right in your own backyard. It’s also fun to play this multiple times in different locations because, in each new place, you’ll likely find something new!
If you have a younger toddler, it’s beneficial to make this list using pictures and/or actively helping them find the items. This activity encourages observation skills and provides a great opportunity for outdoor exploration. Don’t forget to talk about and have your toddler describe how each of these items feels, smells, and looks!
6. Baking Fall Treats
Spend some time in the kitchen baking fall treats like pumpkin muffins, apple pie, or cinnamon cookies. Toddlers love to help in this stage, especially with fun activities like baking! Toddlers can help with simple tasks like stirring, pouring, and sprinkling ingredients. Invest in a toddler learning tower (we love our foldable one) to make it easier for your tot to safely reach the kitchen counter. If they are savvy enough, try a toddler-safe cutting set to really immerse them in the fun of baking!
7. Fall Storytime
Visit your local library or take a look below to find some great fall-themed books. Reading together is a wonderful way to bond and introduce your toddler to new concepts and vocabulary. Some great fall books include “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert, “Apples and Pumpkins” by Anne Rockwell, and this lift the flap book, “Autumn In The Forest” by Rusty Finch.
8. Hayrides and Corn Mazes
Many farms offer hayrides and corn mazes during the fall season. These activities are awesome for toddlers and adults alike, providing a fun and unique way to explore the great outdoors. Be sure to check the age-appropriateness of the maze before entering!
9. Outdoor Picnics
Pack a fall-themed picnic and enjoy it in a local park or in your backyard. Include seasonal snacks like apple slices, pumpkin bread, and apple cider (watered down of course! Or if you’re more comfortable, use apple juice!). Don’t forget a cozy blanket and your tot’s favorite fall-themed book.
10. Nature Walks and Hikes
Take a nature walk or a hike to enjoy the fall foliage. Point out different colors, shapes, and textures to your toddler. Bring a small bag for any treasures they might find along the way. Check beforehand to see what type of trail you’ll be hiking. Some may be stroller accessible, or for some, it may be best to use a hiking backpack. Our tried and true favorite is the Luvdbaby hiking backpack which comes with a sun/rain hood and a changing pad as well! If you’re doing an easy, shorter hike, your toddler may also be able to hike on their own.
Fall is a season of awe and discovery, especially for curious toddlers eager to explore the world around them. From collecting colorful leaves to baking delicious treats, the activities of fall offer endless opportunities for fun, learning, and bonding. By engaging in these seasonal activities, you’re not only creating lasting memories but also encouraging growth in your child’s development and curiosity. So, bundle up, embrace the crisp autumn air, and enjoy all the delightful experiences that fall has to offer with your tot.
Happy fall, y’all!
XOXO,
Katie
