20 Awesome Autumn Activities for Kids

Physical activities are essential for the development of kids. According to the Family Doctor, keeping your kids active comes with many benefits. Some of these include; improved mental health, increased social interaction, and better sleep patterns. Unfortunately, when the weather outside is frightful, it can be tough to keep kids active. Regardless, Autumn is the perfect time to engage in fun physical activities with your kids. Here are 20 awesome autumn activities for kids that will help keep them physically active during the cooler months.

20. Go on a Hayride

A hayride is a classic autumn activity that is perfect for kids. Not only is it a fun way to see the autumn foliage, but it is also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Usually, this kind of activity is offered at pumpkin patches or farms. And it allows kids to learn, interact and have fun simultaneously. Besides being safe, it is also affordable, making it an excellent option for families on a budget. If you can’t find a hayride nearby, try building your own with a wagon and bales of straw from your local feed store. This might seem like a lot of work, but involving your kids should make it go by much faster. They’ll love helping out and they will feel proud when the hayride is complete.

19. Go Apple Picking

Children not only love fruits, but they are also curious about where they come from. So, what better way to teach them than to take them on an adventure to an apple orchard? The best part is that such a trip is ideal for kids of all ages. And apart from the fun, it can be educative. After all, kids will get to learn about the different types of apples while engaging in some moderate physical activity. Picking the apples is undoubtedly the icing on the cake for kids. There are many other activities at an apple orchard as well. These include making your apple cider and pressing juice from fresh apples, visiting the farm animals, and jumping into haystacks. If you want to make this outing extra special, pack snacks and lunch along with any games you might want to play with your little ones.

18. Visit a Corn Maze

For most kids, corn mazes are intriguing. They are also the perfect opportunity for kids to burn energy while having fun. In fact, corn mazes have become quite popular in recent years as they offer an excellent way for families to bond and create lasting memories. When visiting a corn maze with your kids, dress them appropriately for the weather. Also, keep an eye on them at all times to ensure they don’t wander off. According to Seattle Medium, a corn maze will teach your kids to embrace failure and not let it discourage them.

17. Play in the Leaves

This simple yet fun activity is perfect for kids of all ages. All you need is a backyard (or any open space) and some leaves. Once you have gathered plenty of leaves, let your kids loose to play in them. They can jump in leaf piles, rake them up, or even use them to create works of art. And the best part is that this activity is free and easy to do. Catching leaves that fall from the trees will also get your kids moving. It is a challenging and fun affair that will teach them persistence and coordination.

16. Go On a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are not only fun but also educational. When you go on a nature scavenger hunt with your kids, they will not only get to explore the great outdoors but also learn about the different plants and animals that live there. You can even turn things into a competition by dividing the kids into teams to make things more interesting. Be sure to give each group a list of needed items and see who can find them all first.

15. Have a Picnic in the Park

There are many ways to bond with your little ones. But most of the time, participating in an activity together is the best way to do it. And what better activity to do than have a picnic in the park? This is an excellent opportunity for you and your kids to talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to get fresh air and exercise. To make things more fun, you can even pack a frisbee or ball to play with. According to Rock Sport, a picnic is ideal for you to bond with your kids and spend quality time.

14. Go On a Hike

Your family can enjoy the crisp autumn air by going on a hike. Hiking is a fun way to get exercise, explore nature, and even have an opportunity to observe wild animals. Before you set out on this thrilling adventure, ensure that you are wearing comfortable clothes and that your children have enough energy and water to last the whole hike. Go slowly so they can climb up hills without tiring too quickly, and keep snacks in their backpack just in case they get hungry along the way. Allowing them to pick out their food for each snack will also be a good idea.

13. Go Camping

Camping is one of the most popular fall activities for kids and adults alike. Be it pitching a tent, renting a cabin, or just spending the night in your backyard with some sleeping bags, there are so many benefits to camping out on chilly fall nights. Camping provides physical activity, and an opportunity to learn new skills like setting up camp and cooking over a fire. The time spent outdoors and in nature’s beauty, provides peace of mind. Your kids don’t have to worry about a big city emergency. And most importantly, they can keep their gadgets such as phones and tablets away. This fosters bonding and helps children be more comfortable exploring the world around them. It also teaches children to develop independence. Part of this is because they have to do things themselves rather than having someone do it for them. These may include packing for the trip, preparing meals, and cleaning after meals.

12. Make Homemade Pizzas

While most of the activities on this list favor the outdoors, some indoor activities are just as fun. Making homemade pizzas is one of them. It is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the kitchen and get them involved in cooking. The ingredients you will need for this activity include a sauce (store-bought or make your own), pizza dough, cheese, pepperoni, or ham. Start by dividing the dough into 8 portions and pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out each portion into a 10-inch circle and top with sauce and desired toppings like cheese or pepperoni before. Then proceed to bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. You can also cut squares from the rolled-out dough to make pizza bites that are ideal for little hands. Such activity will undoubtedly require a great deal of supervision especially if your kids are too young. However, it will be a fun and enlightening experience.

11. Paint with Edible Paint

Kids discover their interests and talents by trying out different activities. Besides that, colors excite them and get their creative juices flowing. And one activity that is ideal for exploring their creative side is painting. But instead of using regular paint, you can make things more interesting using edible paint. This way, they can paint to their heart’s content and not have to worry about making a mess. They can even taste their paint if they want to without any qualms. Natural organic edible finger paint is available in outlets such as Walmart, grocery stores, craft stores, and Amazon. However, homemade finger paints are just as good with the ingredients being very simple – flour or cornstarch mixed with water.

10. Build a Fort

Forts are every kid’s dream. And the good news is that you can quickly turn this dream into a reality. All you need are some sheets, blankets, chairs, and pillows. Once you have gathered all the materials, let your kids take over and see what they can come up with. You may guide them on various aspects. However, do not spoil the fun by micromanaging the entire process. Give them some freedom to exercise their creative muscles.

9. Play with Paper Airplanes

Paper airplanes are both fun and educative. That’s because they allow your kids to explore the principles of aerodynamics. But, of course, the primary goal is still to have fun. So, let your kids make as many paper airplanes as they want. Sooner or later, healthy competition may ensue. Whoever’s airplane flies the farthest wins. You can also keep track of their progress and see how much they have improved over time. Don’t besides if this becomes a regular activity for you and your kids.

8. Have a Pillow Fight

Pillow fights are fun and a great way to let off some steam. If your kids have been acting up lately, consider having a pillow fight with them. It will be a fun experience for all of you. And it will also help them positively release all that energy. You only need to ensure that the pillows are soft and not too big. You wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt in the process.

7. Go to a Harvest Festival

Autumn marks the end of the growing season in most parts of the country. In celebration, harvest festivals are held across the country to give thanks for a successful harvest and to say goodbye to summer. These festivals usually include food, live music, family-friendly activities, and more. And they provide a great opportunity for your kids to learn how food is grown. On top of that, these events are fun. Your kids can participate in other farm activities such as hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin painting. Some even offer apple picking.

6. Make homemade ice cream

Making ice cream is a fun and easy project for families to do with their kids. First, gather a container with a lid. Find the ingredients you need: 1-quart milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons corn syrup (or substitute honey or another thick liquid like molasses). Start by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. It will take about 15 minutes to get it close to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Slowly add in the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Next, add the corn syrup and whisk together with everything else in the pot for about 30 seconds on medium-high heat. Lastly, whisk in the vanilla extract before pouring everything into your chosen ice cream container.

5. Go on a Nature Walk

According to Child Mind, kids need to interact with nature more. It is an activity that will boost their confidence, teach them responsibility and foster creativity. Unfortunately, the modern way of life sometimes overlooks the simple pleasures in life. One of which is spending time outdoors and appreciating nature. If you want your kids to experience this, take them on a nature walk. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy. Just go for a stroll in the park or the woods. Let them take their time and explore everything around them. And if they find something interesting, don’t hesitate to stop and take a closer look. You can carry some snacks with you to have a picnic when you get tired.

4. Go Stargazing

Stargazing is arguably one of the best activities that fascinate kids. One of the best things about fall is how it darkens earlier, giving you and your kids more opportunities to go stargazing. Nightfall comes and goes quickly, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the darkening sky before settling in for the night. It is the ideal opportunity to sit around a fire (or the heater) outside with your children on a cool evening. You can roast some marshmallows or apple slices, or just chat until bedtime while gazing at the stars overhead. And even if you don’t know much about astronomy (this activity will teach you), all that matters is being able to appreciate your world a little bit better.

3. Have a Leaf-raking Race

During Autumn, leaves falling from the trees are inevitable. So, why not use it as an opportunity to have some fun? A leaf-raking race is a great way to spend a Fall afternoon with your kids. It will also teach them the importance of keeping the environment clean. The best part is that it doesn’t cost anything to do. Physically, this activity is not too demanding either. So, it is perfect for kids of all ages. However, you will need the right tools for the job. Ensure to get a rake that is the right size for your kids.

2. Make Autumn-themed Crafts

Autumn is the perfect time to get your kids into crafting. There are so many different Autumn-themed crafts that they can make. Moreover, most of them can be made using items you already have at home. For instance, you can use fallen leaves to make Autumn wreaths or garlands. You can also use acorns and pinecones to make Thanksgiving decorations. There are endless possibilities when it comes to Autumn crafts. And the best part is that your kids will have a lot of fun making them. If you don’t know how to start this, watch a few videos online or look for some Autumn craft books.

1. Have a Halloween Party

Halloween is one of the most fun holidays of the year. Kids look forward to the spooky games and costumes. If you want to make it extra special for your little ones, have a Halloween party at home. According to Spruce, creating and sending party invitations, planning activities, and decorating the house are some of the things that you need to do. You can also prepare some fun Halloween-themed snacks for the kids. Take plenty of pictures during the event because this is an event that your kids will surely remember for years.