Fall is the perfect time to get outside with the kids, take in the crisp air, and explore your yard in creative ways. Whether you’re looking for fun activities to keep little ones entertained or teachable moments that spark curiosity about nature, there’s plenty to do. Here are eight ideas to make the most of your outdoor time with kids this fall.
1. Create a Leaf Art Masterpiece
The vibrant leaves falling from the trees aren’t just for raking. Have your kids collect different shapes, sizes, and colors of leaves, and then bring out some paper and glue to make leaf art! Encourage them to arrange the leaves into animals, landscapes, or abstract patterns. You can even teach them about different tree species while you’re at it. It’s a simple way to blend creativity with a little botany lesson.
2. Build a Bug Hotel
Fall is when a lot of insects are getting ready to hunker down for winter. Help your kids create a “bug hotel” using natural materials like sticks, pinecones, and leaves. By stacking them up in a corner of your yard, you can create a cozy shelter for beneficial insects like ladybugs and beetles. Not only is this fun to build, but it also teaches kids the importance of insects in our ecosystem.
3. Plant Fall Bulbs Together
Gardening with kids is always a rewarding experience, and fall is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs. Choose easy varieties like tulips, daffodils, or crocuses. Kids love getting their hands in the dirt, and it’s a great opportunity to explain how bulbs “sleep” underground during the winter, only to wake up in spring. Plus, they’ll love watching the results of their hard work come to life in a few months!
4. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a simple checklist of items to find in your yard or nearby park. Include things like “find a red leaf,” “spot a squirrel,” or “locate an acorn.” This is a fantastic way to get kids exploring their surroundings, and you can make it as easy or challenging as you like. Bonus points if you have younger kids learning colors or shapes—this activity becomes a fun teaching tool, too!
5. Create a Pinecone Bird Feeder
This classic craft is not only fun, but it also helps feed birds as they prepare for winter. All you need is a pinecone, peanut butter (or a peanut-free alternative), and birdseed. Have your kids spread the peanut butter on the pinecone and roll it in birdseed, then hang it from a tree branch. This is a great way to introduce children to birdwatching, and you can observe together as the birds come to snack.
6. Make a Leaf Pile and Jump In
Sometimes, the simplest activities are the most fun. Raking up a huge pile of leaves and letting the kids dive in is a fall tradition. If you have a lot of leaves, turn it into a mini science lesson by discussing how leaves break down over time, helping to create compost and nourish the soil. Plus, the energy burned off jumping into leaves is an added bonus!
7. Create a Fall-Themed Sensory Bin
Gather items from your yard like pinecones, acorns, leaves, and even a few rocks. Fill a large bin or container with these items for an interactive sensory experience. Kids can touch, smell, and explore the different textures and shapes. You can make it more educational by asking them to sort the objects by type, size, or color. It’s a low-mess, hands-on way to learn about the natural world.
8. Track the Weather with a Homemade Rain Gauge
Fall weather can be unpredictable, and that makes it the perfect time to introduce your kids to tracking the weather. Grab an empty jar or a clear plastic bottle and turn it into a rain gauge. Place it in your yard and check it after a rainy day. You can even chart the rainfall over time, teaching kids about weather patterns, measuring, and recording data in a fun, hands-on way.
9. Build a DIY Scarecrow
Turn your fall yard into a mini autumn festival by making a scarecrow together! Gather old clothes, a hat, and stuff it with straw, leaves, or anything soft you have on hand. Let the kids get creative with the face—paint or use craft supplies to give it a unique personality. It’s a great chance to talk about why farmers use scarecrows and how they help protect crops.
10. Create a Mini Compost Bin
Turn fall yard clean-up into a learning experience by starting a mini compost bin. Show the kids how to gather fallen leaves, food scraps, and other organic matter. Over time, they can watch how these materials break down and turn into nutrient-rich soil. It’s a fantastic way to teach them about recycling, reducing waste, and the natural decomposition process—all while giving your garden a boost!
Fall is full of opportunities to get kids outside, active, and learning—all while having a great time. Whether you’re making art, helping wildlife, or planting the seeds of a future garden, these activities bring the season to life in a fun and meaningful way. Plus, you get to enjoy quality time with your family and watch as they discover the magic that’s waiting right in your yard.
What are your favorite fall activities with kids? Drop a comment below and be sure to share this post if you enjoyed it! Happy fall, everyone!
If you enjoyed discovering fun and teachable activities to do with your kids in the yard this fall, you won’t want to miss our next post: Make the Most of Your Fall Gardening! Learn how to prepare your garden for the cooler months, explore essential fall planting tips, and discover ways to add vibrant colors to your landscape. Get ready to turn your gardening into a family affair while nurturing your outdoor space!
