As much as I love Summer (and Christmas!) I think that Autumn is probably my favourite season. It’s not too hot, and there is something about those crisp days where we can wrap up warm and still enjoy getting out in the sunshine. Coming into autumn also indicates the start of the run up to Christmas, which always sparks excitement in out house.
You might not be pumpkin spiced obsessed, but there is something for everyone to enjoy this autumn. Here I’ve got the ultimate autumn bucket list, full of things you can do in the fall months as a family.
Outdoor Autumn Activities
Some of our most popular fall activities are ones we can do outside. These things to do in autumn are great for getting some fresh air and spending time together as a family. A lot of these are free activities that you can enjoy over and over again.
Kick Leaves – The simplest of activities but so much fun! Head to your nearest woods or park and throw the leaves around and kick them into the air. It’s strangely satisfying and children always love the excuse to make a mess.
Pumpkin Hunt – Go for a walk and see how many pumpkins you can find, either carved ones or pictures on the window.
Scarecrow Hunt – Around the time of harvest festivals many areas will hold scarecrow competitions. Check out of there is one in an area near you
Pumpkin Picking – While it may be quick and easy to grab a pumpkin from your local supermarket, it is way more fun to go out and pick a pumpkin for yourself. It is a great family day out and you will probably find that many pumpkin picking sites near you have other activities you can do at the same time.
Watch Fireworks – Find a local public display, take a flask of hot chocolate and wrap up warm to watch.
Apple Picking – Pick your own isn’t limited to berries and pumpkins, there are often places you can pick almost all year round. Early autumn is a great time to go apple picking and then you can do some baking with them afterwards.
Collect And Play Conkers – At this time of year our pockets are always full of conkers that the children have collected. Get some string and start playing!
Take Nature Photos – Use your imagination a bit and get creative. Let the kids use an old camera of phone to take pictures using leaves, pinecones and other nature items as props. Can they create a work of art, or maybe stage a cute photo where the leaves act as clothing?
Autumn Picnic – Picnics aren’t just for summer. On a dry day we pack up our lunch, take a flask of hot chocolate and head out for a picnic. Make sure to wrap up warm, and it’s even better if you can take a few warm bits in your lunch on really cold days.
Check out my tips for outdoor learning activities for kids too!
Fun Autumn Crafts For Kids
My kids love crafts and we try to do some for every season. They make perfects gifts for Grandparents and we often stick them on the window for people to see as they pass by. Kids love to have their work appreciated, some of of these easy autumn crafts are great to do at home.
Carve A Pumpkin – This goes without saying really, but Autumn is perfect for carving a pumpkin as they are in season. This year we are going to use a Gruffalo pumpkin template for a cute pumpkin on our doorstep.
Monster Leaf Puppets – Collecting some different leaves from the garden or park and use them to create easy monster leaf puppets. Perfect for preschool children.
Simple Autumn Leaf Faces – A really quick after school craft. Grab some fallen leaves, some googly eyes and a sharpie to my autumn leaf faces.
Autumn Hand Print Tree – A simple preschool craft using hand and foot prints in autumnal colours to make a autumn hand print tree.
Air Dried Clay Leaves – Make beautiful clay leaves at home using air drying clay.
Leaf Ballerinas – Nature ballerinas can be made using a free printable and some leaves or other dropped items from nature.
Autumn Tree Pictures – Use these free autumn printables and some paint to make cute autumn tree pictures at home.
Simple Autumn Wreath – Wreathes aren’t just for Christmas, use some autumn decorations to create a simple autumn wreath. Great for all ages.
Autumn Peg Dolls – Another easy kids craft is making autumn leaf peg dolls. You can use artificial leaves if you want them to last longer.
Autumnal Woodland Animals – Make a cure room decoration with this cute woodland animal craft using a simple paper come method.
Leaf Lanterns – A great autumn craft for preschoolers, make leaf lanterns using autumn leaves you have picked up outside.
Pumpkin Apple Stamps – An easy preschool activity, make cute autumn pictures with apple pumpkin stamps.
Fall Recipe Ideas
Hedgehog Bread – Teach your kids how to made bread with this cute recipe for hedgehog bread rolls.
Treacle Toffee Pan Pops – A sweet and sticky treat for bonfires night, treacle toffee pan pops are delicious and easy to eat off of a lolly stick.
Apple Sauce – A perfect addition to a pork roast in the colder weather, making your own apple sauce is so easy.
Mini Pumpkin Spice Eclairs – Mini choux pastry eclairs combined with a seasonal pumpkin spice seasoning, topped with chocolate ganache and whipped cream. Anyone who likes pumpkin spice will love mini pumpkin spice eclairs.
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies – An autumnal twist on a classic cookie, these pumpkin spice cookies with chocolate chips will be a new family favourite.
Toffee Apple Loaf Cake – With apples in season autumn is the perfect time to make a toffee apple loaf cake. Top it with a toffee buttercream for the ultimate treat.
Pumpkin Soup – A delicious vegetarian recipe, you have to try this one pot pumpkin soup with apple, lentil and chickpeas.
Apple Cinnamon Waffles – The perfect autumn dessert or an indulgent weekend breakfast, we all love apple cinnamon waffles on a cold day.
Check out my favourite homemade freezer meals for easy autumn dinners!
Autumn Activities At Home
Family Movie Night – Take some of the tasty treats above and settle in for a cosy movie night (or afternoon!). Pick a family friendly movie, snuggle in with blankets and enjoy some time together.
Family Game Night – Clear the table and get out the board games. It gets you away from screens and adds and element of healthy competition to a normal night.
Make A Family Bucket List – Get together and think about your goals as a family. What do you all want to achieve or do together before the end of the year?
Looking for more activities for kids?
- Educational Activities For Preschoolers
- Little Brain Paint Sticks And Face Paints
- Nadiya’s Bake Me A Story Deluxe Baking Set For Kids
I wrote a very similar post last year. Mine included most of the same things as you but one of mine was to visit a pumpkin field and pick our own which we did and it was great! Sarah #PicknMix
Oh they sounds ace fun! I don’t think we have anything fun like that up here
There’s so much to love about autumn isn’t there? I’m determined to carve a pumpkin this year, and mulled cider is delicious! Fireworks are my favourite, but I think my little boy is still a bit young to not be a bit scared, so that’ll have to wait until next year I think. #picknmix
Fireworks for us will be an indoor affair, as Piglet is too little too. But there’s always plenty going off around us for us to at least look out the window!
Ohh lots of great ideas, cannot beat kicking leaves though always my favourite #picknmix
Its a great way to get outdoors – simple but effective!
Sounds like the perfect list for Autumn, I’ve been a bit gutted to let go of Summer tbh but I’m beginning to get ready for Autumn now! 🙂
I haven’t let go of summer fully yet – we’re off on holiday next friday for a final bit of sun
we’re planning to hit a corn maze this year. Never made it to one last fall #binkylinky
There is nothing like that around here – sounds like a great activity though!
These are lovely ideas for how to enjoy the autumn. I particularly like carving pumpkins and I’m looking forward to taking my kids trick or treating (I’m American originally so these are big traditions for me). I also love fireworks and butternut squash soup! #fortheloveofBLOG
I’m rubbish at carving pumpkins but I always like to give it a go!!
I will be doing a few of those things. Nothing that includes coffee or pumpkin flavoring as I dislike them both lol. I will dress up a bit for Halloween.
#fortheloveofBLOG
I don’t like coffee – but they do plenty seasonal hot drinks that aren’t coffee too 🙂
Great list I will be around for the Apple pie lolThanks for linking to the #binkylinky come back next week please
Oh I love Autumn so much! I’ll be doing several things from your list this year, including hopefully taking my 2 to the big fireworks display for the first time, fingers crossed it’s dry! I’ve also never actually had a pumpkin spice latte so I think I’ll have to treat myself this year to see what all the fuss is about. x #TheList
Go for it – you don’t know what you’re missing till you try it!
Autumn is definitely my favourite too. I never do these lists because I have enough lists that I’m failing to get through as it is 🙂 Heck, I might just join you on this one, I’ve already bought a new bobble hat and had a spiced pumpkin latte! 🙂 🙂 #MarvMonmday
I’ve got my bobble hat and bought a butternut squash – haven’t gone so far as to make the soup yet!
Such a lovely list, it has reminded me why I love autumn so much! #TheList
Glad you liked it!
Great list – I would add photographing beautiful cobwebs first thing in the morning and early PJ evenings 😉
Early PJ evenings are a staple all year round for us 😉 photography is definitely great in the Autumn though!
I love fireworks, we go to see loads every year 🙂 I now also really want a bobble hat as I don;t own a single one! Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie x
I got a fab one from Primark the other day. Piglet and I have been wearing them a lot this week 🙂
I love all of these ideas, I’m struggling with the change of seasons so think I will make one to remind me of the things I do like about Autumn. Thanks for linking to #PickNMix
Eilidh x
I loved reading this list of wintery delights, and makes me think that the end of the year is approaching fast. You must be a fan of pumpkin, I’ve not heard of a pumpkin spice candle, but it’s made me want to start burning my Christmas candle. Thanks so much for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x