As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it's the perfect time to explore engaging and educational activities that keep kids excited about learning. As a teacher, I know this season is filled with potential for hands-on learning, whether through exploring the outdoors, diving into seasonal crafts, making productive use of screen time on chilly days, or conducting fun experiments. Here are some safe and educational fall activities for kids that will keep your children engaged and eager to learn.
Explore Fun Fall Activities and Projects for Kids
From the sweet crunch of apples and the bright orange of pumpkins to the cozy warmth of sweaters and the excitement of harvest festivals, autumn is a magical time for learning and exploration. Whether it's exploring weather patterns, racing through a virtual corn maze, enjoying a pumpkin cooking contest, or crafting with nature's treasures, this season is perfect for engaging kids in activities that stimulate their minds and keep their curiosity alive. Join me in exploring these enriching fall activities that blend education with the joys of the season.
1. Leaf Classification
Collect different types of leaves and teach kids to classify them based on their shapes, colors, and types of trees they come from. Check out this helpful worksheet from the National Park Service.
2. Pumpkin Math
Use pumpkins to teach kids math concepts such as counting seeds, measuring circumference, and comparing weights.
3. Free Tech Expert Events
Explore the beauty of technology, and learn about the ways technology is used in making movies, robots, and websites. During these live online sessions, tech experts from top companies teach kids how they use computer science in daily life.
4. Free Coding Classes
Join free coding classes led by expert teachers for the chilly fall days when your family just needs some time inside. The best starting point for children is to take the free intro to Scratch Ninja. This course teaches kids the basics of coding through creation and design. Your child will create a project in each class that is totally their own!
5. Pumpkin Cooking Contest
You don't have to tell me to make (and eat) pumpkin pie twice! And if you're like me, you'll love this activity: host a pumpkin contest where each family member selects a pumpkin recipe to create. Then, have a taste-testing contest to determine the best baked good or drink. Here are some pumpkin recipe ideas to get you started.
6. Apple Stamping
Apple stamping is one of the easiest, most fun fall art activities. Just get a few apples, a knife, some paint, a black marker and some paper. Preschoolers and kids in kindergarten will have so much fun making this apple-stamping jack-o-lantern art.
7. Study Johnny Appleseed
Studying the folk story of Johnny Appleseed is a super fun activity as a family. You can drink apple cider while reading the story. There are so many wonderful treats you can make with apples, too. This may require a visit to the apple orchard, of course. But, what a fun activity for fall.
8. Sticker Pumpkin Crafts
Looking for a less messy way to have fun with pumpkins this Fall? Shelterness has a really amazing idea. They created pumpkin magic using stickers! No more mess of carving or risking your child getting cut with a knife. Check out the photos in the link to see if this fits your child’s interests. This is an especially fun activity for toddlers.
9. Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of fall-themed items for kids to find on a nature walk, such as acorns, pine cones, and specific leaf types.
10. Virtual Corn Maze
Not able to get to the corn maze this year? No problem! Check out the virtual corn maze. Your family can navigate through the maze as a team as you sip on fall tea.
11. Autumn-Themed Science Experiments
Conduct simple science experiments like creating leaf chromatography or exploring the decomposition process of fall leaves.
12. Build a Family Scarecrow
Looking for a budget friendly project that is fall related and fun? Consider making a scarecrow. This fun activity allows creativity, family bonding, and fun! Scarecrows are a great fall decoration for your garden or front steps. The exciting part is you get to decide how your scarecrow looks.
13. Harvest Cooking Class
Teach kids to cook simple, healthy fall recipes using seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins, and squash.
14. Virtual Wreath Workshop
Want to take your creation skills up a notch? Sign your family up for a wreath class led by an instructor. You can design your own fall wreath for your front door or rooms within your home! This can be a really fun activity for artistic families looking for a challenge. Make your home gorgeous with a new wreath!
15. Storytelling with Fall Themes
Encourage kids to write and share their own stories or poems about autumn, using seasonal prompts for inspiration.
16. Preserve Fall Leaves
Integrate science and art together as you explore the beauty of autumn leaves. The site linked below teaches you how to press and preserve fall leaves. This is a family-oriented activity where you can explore nature together. These leaves can decorate your mantel or serve as a centerpiece for your table. You can eventually paint the leaves if you like!
17. DIY Bird Feeders
Make bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed to help local birds prepare for winter.
18. Fall-Themed Art Projects
Create art using fall leaves, such as leaf rubbings, leaf collages, or leaf printing.
19. Weather Tracking
Set up a simple weather station and track fall weather changes, teaching kids about meteorology and seasonal patterns.
20. Egg Carton Turkeys
What is cuter than a turkey during Fall? Design egg carton turkeys with your children using these directions. You will need egg cartons, googly eyes, glue, feathers, scissors, paint, and card-stock paper. These can serve as Thanksgiving decorations or fun gifts!
Enjoy Fall Activities and Projects for Kids
Make this autumn one to remember with these projects and challenges. Activities like Pumpkin Math and Harvest Cooking Classes not only teach math and culinary skills but also offer hands-on learning that kids love. Encouraging creative writing through storytelling with fall themes enhances literacy and imagination. Each of these activities helps children develop critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning while keeping them actively engaged. So, gather those leaves, pumpkins, and supplies, and dive into the enriching world of fall activities with your kiddos.
Next, get started with award-winning free coding classes for kids designed by Google and Stanford experts, or explore afterschool enrichment activities.
Written by Lauren Mauel, a Create & Learn instructor with 8 years of teaching experience. She also has a BS in Mathematics, an MS in Analytics, and is a PhD candidate. She loves seeing kids' creativity come alive.
