Fall is one of the best times of year to get outside with little kids. The weather’s nicer, there’s lots to look at, and most of the best fall activities are free. Here’s a fall bucket list to try.
Outside
- Jump in a leaf pile
- Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, acorns and pinecones
- Visit a pumpkin patch
- Go apple picking
- Have a picnic in a park
- Find the most colorful leaf on your street
- Look for animals getting ready for winter, like squirrels hiding nuts
- Take a hayride
- Have a backyard campfire and make s’mores
- Go stargazing on a clear night
Inside
- Make leaf rubbings with crayons and paper
- Bake apple muffins or pumpkin bread together
- Make a leaf collage
- Paint pinecones
- Build a cozy reading fort with fall books
- Make a thankful tree out of paper leaves
- Have a pajama movie night with popcorn
- Make homemade applesauce
- Do a fall-themed puzzle
- Write or draw a letter to a grandparent
Make it a printable bucket list
Write the ideas on a piece of paper and let your kids check them off as you go. Kids love seeing how many they’ve done. Hang it on the fridge so everyone sees it.
Keep it simple
You don’t have to do all 20. Even one or two a week makes the season feel special. The best ones are usually the free ones, like a leaf pile and a warm drink after.
Planning ahead for the holidays? Our Holiday Printable Pack has coloring pages, a bedtime countdown and more for December.
Questions parents ask
What are fun fall activities for toddlers?
Jumping in leaves, a nature walk to collect acorns and pinecones, visiting a pumpkin patch and making leaf rubbings.
What are free fall activities for families?
Leaf piles, nature walks, picnics in the park, stargazing and backyard leaf collages don’t cost a thing.
How do I make a fall bucket list with kids?
Write a list of ideas together, hang it on the fridge and let your kids check off each one. Even one or two a week makes the season feel special.
Doodlebark