Easy, Fun Fall Activities

The first day of Fall is on September 22, and I don’t know about y’all but I am ready for it! Pumpkin spice (already at Starbucks) and everything nice, comfy clothes, changing leaves, fall holidays. It’s my favorite time of year with my kiddos because there are so many fun, easy ways to incorporate the season at home. Here are some easy, fun things you can do with your child this time of year! 

Gratitude Tree

Every year before Thanksgiving we build a gratitude tree similar to this! It’s so nice to be able to have conversations about what it means to be thankful, even with our youngest children. The littlest ones are usually “thankful” for their toys, bottles, etc. but it’s fun to watch their answers change as they grow older. And they look forward to the tradition nonetheless.

-Branches or sticks
-Cardstock
-Scissors
-Markers
-Vase
-Hole Punch
-Twine 

Steps: 

1. Gather branches or sticks from the yard or park

2. Stick them into the vase like a bouquet

3. Begin discussing “Gratitude” or better yet, read a book this one: The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

4. Begin asking the children what they are thankful for and writing down their words on the leaves (if you have older children, encourage them to write or draw on their own). 

5. Punch a hole in the leaves, string the twine through and hang it on the branches. 

6. Display for the Fall season! 

Watercolor Leaves Banner

Use some more of your cardstock leaves from your gratitude tree activity and have your children watercolor paint on them. Then, punch holes and make a banner to display. 

Spiced Playdough

Whip up some Fall Spiced Playdough! Try Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, or Apple. 

Recipe (x 3 if you want to make all three kinds):

• 1 cup of flour 
• 1/2 Cup of salt
• 2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 Tablespoons of desired spice 
• Food coloring (red, brown, orange)

Instructions: 

Mix the dry ingredients while you are boiling the water. Once the water is boiled, color the water and add the oil to it. Combine with dry ingredients and knead until a soft dough is formed. It will be warm, but shouldn’t be too hot to touch. You can use a wooden spoon if you prefer. 

Apple Painting

 

Fall is all about apples! Cut some apples in half and use them to stamp paint. Apple prints are a beautiful addition to your fall decor and a great sensory activity for your little one.

Leaf Prints

Head outside on a nature walk and collect some leaves (I like to bring a small basket with me). Then, paint on them and make prints on paper. This is a beautiful way to see all the details of the leaves and discuss the different shapes and textures.

Nature Sensory Bin

Use any leftover sticks and leaves for a nature-themed sensory bin. For fall, I also like to add cinnamon sticks, pinecones, and small pumpkins and gourds. A plastic storage bin with low sides works great as a bin! Just dump it all in and let your child explore their senses of touch, sight, smell, hearing...and let’s be honest, probably taste too. 

Lantern Walk

Celebrate the end of daylight saving by making lanterns and doing a neighborhood lantern walk. This idea comes from the traditional Waldorf Lantern Festival/Walk which happens every year in November. The essence of this festival is to acknowledge the light that shines forth from each of us. Magical, right?!

Ways to make Lanterns 

Take a Trip to the Library

And stock up on those fall books. Books are the easiest way to talk about the seasons while having that special time to connect with your child. 

Stay tuned for a whole post on Fun Things to do with Pumpkins. Happy Fall Y’all!