Now that the leaves are changing colours and Autumn is truly in the air, it's time to start planning fun activities to enjoy with your kids! Autumn is the best season. It's the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy all the fun activities with cooler weather. Walking in the falling leaves, finding conkers and chestnuts - there's so much to do! And it's also the perfect time of year for kids to get outside and run around.
They can burn off all that extra energy before being cooped indoors for the winter. So if you're looking for something to do this Autumn, take advantage of all the great seasonal activities!
Leaf Art
As the leaves change colour and fall from the trees, it's time to start thinking about all the fun autumn activities you can do with your kids. One of the best ways to enjoy autumn foliage is to go for a walk and take some photographs. You can then help your kids make a scrapbook by glueing the leaves into it and trying to identify each type of leaf. This is also an excellent activity for painting patterns, as the leaves will be perfect for printing. So get out there and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage with your kids!
Bird Watching
Bird watching is a great activity for kids and adults alike. It's a great way to get outside and learn about the natural world. Plus, it's a lot of fun! At most, you need a pair of binoculars ( but these are not essential, many birds can be easily spotted as they hop around the garden and in parks. ) and a bird book, and you're good to go. You can spot birds in your backyard, at the park, or even on a nature hike. So keep your eyes peeled and see how many different types of birds you can find. Who knows, you might discover a new favourite hobby!
Make an Autumn Nature Mask
Why not embrace the season by making your very own autumnal mask? This activity is perfect for kids, but adults can enjoy the fun too. Collect various leaves, arrange them, and glue them onto a cardboard backing. Then attach string, elastic, or a twig to the side of the mask. And voila! You've got a one-of-a-kind autumnal mask that will get you into the spirit of the season.
Hiking
This is one of my personal favourites. It gets them outdoors, away from screens and teaches them about nature. But, before you lace up your hiking boots, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose an easy trail with low mileage. You don't want to overwhelm the little ones (or yourself).
Familiarize yourself with the hiking area. Nothing can ruin a hike quite like getting lost.
Don't forget to bring a box or backpack to collect little treasures along the way.
Pine cones, acorns and leaves are all great finds that will help you remember your hike long after you've returned home. So go forth and hike! Just be sure to follow these simple tips first.
All natural pine cone bird feeder
This activity is perfect for kids: it's easy, fun, and will keep the little ones occupied for at least a few minutes. Pine cone bird feeders are also a great way to teach children the importance of caring for our feathered friends. To make one, tie a bit of string around a pine cone, then cover it in peanut butter and bird seed. Hang it outside; soon enough, you'll have a flock of feathered visitors. Who knows, you might even be able to entice a few squirrels as well.
Prep the garden for spring
This task is often overlooked is planting bulbs, which can provide a welcome splash of colour in the spring when everything else is still looking rather drab. Bulbs are easy to plant and care for and make an excellent activity for kids. So before you hunker down for the winter, take some time to plant a few bulbs in your garden. You'll be glad you did when spring rolls around.
Head to the local Library
Autumn is a great time to curl up with a good book. But why not take it one step further and visit your local Library? Not only can you find some great reads about Autumn, but libraries often have many other free activities. The Library is a great place to keep them entertained while they learn.
Jump in a pile of leaves
There's something about a pile of leaves that screams "fun." Maybe it's the fact that they've been raked up into a neat mound, just begging to be messed up. Or perhaps it's the way they're so light and airy, making them ideal for jumping into. Whatever the reason, there's no denying that a pile of leaves is the perfect playground for kids of all ages. If you're competitive, see who can kick the most leaves into the air. No autumn would be complete without this one.
Get baking
Baking is a great activity with kids, and it's even more fun when you can use seasonal produce. Apples, pears, and pumpkin are all great ingredients to bake with, and cinnamon is the perfect spice to add some warmth and flavour. So why not take advantage of the seasonal produce available and bake up some delicious treats? Your family will love them and get a healthy dose of fruit too!
Pumpkin Carving
October is here, which can only mean one thing- it's time to get carving those pumpkins! Whether you're looking to create a work of art or want to have fun with the kids, pumpkin carving is an excellent activity for the whole family. But where do you start? Well, first, you'll need to choose your pumpkin. Will it be big or small? Scary or funny? Once you've made your decision, it's time to get carving! If you're not feeling too creative, there are plenty of online templates you can use for inspiration. Just remember to take your time and enjoy the process. After all, there's nothing like the satisfaction of seeing your finished product light up the night!
Sticky toffee Apples.
If you're looking for a fun activity to keep the little ones entertained at your Halloween party, look no further than toffee apples! They're easy to make and always a hit with kids of all ages. Skewer some apples on sticks, and prepare bowls of sprinkles and small jellies/sweets. You will need melted toffee (shop bought/make your own using butter, sugar and salt), and ensure it is not too hot when kids make their toffee apples. Let each kid dip their apple into the melted toffee, then roll in the sprinkles/jellies. Voila - one delicious (and adorable) treat!
Have a sound scavenger hunt!
Is it a bird twittering? A dog or snuffling or a twig snapping. A sound scavenger hunt is a fun twist on the traditional scavenger hunt. However, this fun game does not have to be confined to forest walks. Whether you live in the city, in town or on a farm, this game can be played anywhere, and the crisp autumn air will carry the sounds crisply and clearly.
Chalk leaf murals
Why not try decorating the driveway with chalk leaves? First, place a leaf on the ground and trace around it using chalk. Then remove the leaf and colour in your outline. You could even make a pattern of leaves along the footpath to resemble footprints. Not only will the kids have a blast, but you'll also have a beautiful display of autumn leaves. So get out there and start decorating!
Conkers at the ready
Do you remember your first conker match? Who was the reigning champion in your group, a badge of honour worn with pride? To get started, pierce a hole in the middle of the chestnut and thread an old shoelace through it. Then, take turns banging your conker against the other raised one - the first conker to break is the loser. Kids of all ages love this annual game.
Leaf wreaths
For younger kids, cut out the centre of a paper plate and have them paint it brown. Once the paint is dry, they can glue their leaves, twigs and acorns to the plate to make their autumn wreath. So get creative and have some fun with the kids this Autumn!
For older ones, if you have an old piece of oasis, they can let their creative play and build out a beautiful wreath for the front door using what nature has to offer.
Have a Scary Movie Night
A Scary Movie night is an excellent activity for kids of all ages, particularly with Halloween around the corner. It can be a fun way to learn about different movie genres and a great way to bond with your family and friends. There are many types of scary movies you can choose one suitable for your family. You can also make it even more fun by making homemade snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie.
Acorn necklace
It's easy to do and requires few materials - just some acorns, string, and a bit of patience. To start, thread the acorns onto the string, spacing them out evenly. Then, once you've got all your acorns on, tie the ends of the string together, forming a loop. And that's it! Your very own acorn necklace is now ready to wear.
Pine Cone Creatures
All you need is a pine cone, some playdoh, buttons or whatever you have in your craft box and a bit of imagination. Let the kids use their creativity to add legs, arms, and a face to the pine cone. They'll have a blast coming up with different designs. And when they're done, you can display their creations around the house as a fun decoration.
Homemade fort
Building a fort is a great way to keep kids busy on rainy days. Layer blankets and duvet covers over a table, or build them up from the floor, leaving room for a doorway. The kids can add their finishing touches with cushions, fairy lights and bunting. Use it for playing games, making jigsaws and puzzles. Be warned, though – they'll probably even want to sleep in it!
Beach Day!
The beach is great for getting some fresh air, even in the winter. So wrap up warm and take the kids along the shore. They'll love looking for shells and building sandcastles. And you'll appreciate the peace. Just be sure to pack a thermos of hot chocolate to keep everyone warm.
If this idea takes your fancy, why not check out some of the summer ideas and see if they might work as a fun-free activity this autumn? If your kids are more craft-inclined checkout Fun Free Crafty Ideas for Kids when on a Budget
Star gazing
Star gazing is an excellent activity for kids of all ages. It's a perfect way to get them outside on a clear night, away from screens and phone lights. And what could be more magical than lying on a blanket, looking up at the stars? See if you can recognize any of the well-known constellations. Or make up your own! Then, the sky's the limit. Just be sure to wrap up warm, as it can get cold lying on the ground.
Sycamore Helicopters
Kids will love turning sycamore seeds into helicopters! All you need to do is twist the seed around the centre to form a propeller. The faster you twist, the faster the propeller will spin. Once you've got a good twist, let go and watch the helicopter take off!
Autumn Picnic
What could be more fun than a picnic in the Autumn? The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and the colours are beautiful. The kids can run around and explore while you relax and enjoy the scenery. Just be sure to pack some soup and hot chocolate to keep everyone warm. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can try an outdoor activity like hiking or camping.
Family game night
Looking for a fun activity with the kids that doesn't involve staring at a screen? Family game night is the perfect solution! Not only will everyone have a blast, but it's also a great opportunity to bond as a family. Also, don't forget to make some delicious fall treats to fuel the fun!
Credit: Leon Contreras
Toast marshmallows,
There's something about toasting marshmallows over a fire that feels nostalgic. Maybe it's the gooey texture, the sticky sweet flavour, or the fact that it's just a fun activity to do with friends or family. Whatever the reason, toasted marshmallows always equal a good time. All you need is a fire (a kitchen stove or back garden for the more adventurous), some marshmallows, and some skewers. Enjoy!
Kite flying
One activity the whole family can enjoy is flying a kite. You can buy a kite online or make one at home and then head to your local park for quality kite-flying time. Of course, ensure the park is big enough, so your kite has plenty of room to fly around. And who knows, you might have so much fun you'll want to fly a kite year-round!
So there you go, no excuses. Get out there and enjoy all the wonderfulness that Autumn has to offer. From pumpkin carving to outdoor picnicking, there's something for everyone to love about this season. And don't forget to take advantage of all the free activities – you can save your hard-earned cash for Christmas shopping (or a fun family experience). So what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun!