Fall has arrived, and the world outside is pure magic. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and your kids are probably bouncing off the walls indoors. Time to change that.
Let’s get your kids outside, whatever their age! Your child’s delighted shriek as they cannonball into a mountain of crunchy leaves. Or their focused concentration as they hunt for the perfect acorn on a nature walk. To find these moments just step outside and embrace what fall has to offer.
When it comes to fall outside activities for kids, the options are endless.
Here are my 10 fun fall outdoor activities for kids that will make this season unforgettable for your family.
1. Leaf Pile Jumping Extravaganza
Forget fancy playgrounds. The best entertainment is literally falling from your trees right now. Rake up every single leaf in your yard into one massive pile. Then watch your kids go absolutely wild jumping, diving, and disappearing into the crunchy goodness.
Pro tip: Do a quick sweep for sticks and rocks first. Nobody wants a surprise branch to the ribs mid-jump.
2. Apple Stamping Art Station
Cut apples in half or into other shapes and patterns, and use them as natural stamps with washable paint.
Set up an outdoor art station where kids can stamp fall patterns on large sheets of paper, creating apple-print trees, borders, or abstract designs.
3. Fall-Themed Crafting
Those nature walks just became treasure hunts. Collect leaves, twigs, pinecones, and anything else that catches your eye. Back home, spread everything out with some glue, paper, and crayons.
Fall outdoor crafts for kids can combine creativity with exciting and relaxing nature exploration. Let your kids create leaf creatures, woodland animals, or abstract masterpieces.
4. Pumpkin Patch Adventures
Local pumpkin patches offer so much more than pumpkins. There are often hayrides that bump and jostle in the best way. Or corn mazes that challenge your little navigators. And warm apple cider that tastes like liquid Autumn.
Spend an entire afternoon there. Let your kids explore every corner, get lost in the maze, and pick out pumpkins with serious consideration. This is fall at its finest.
5. Apple Picking Fun
There’s something deeply satisfying about plucking fresh apples straight from the tree.
Don’t have your own apple tree? That’s no problem. Head to a local orchard and let your kids fill baskets with the juiciest, ripest apples they can reach.
They’ll learn about where food comes from. You’ll go home with ingredients for the most incredible apple pie. Everyone wins.
6. DIY Leaf Collages
This is art class, but better. On your next nature walk, collect leaves in every shape, size, and color you can find. The more variety, the better.
At home, give your kids glue, paper, and complete creative freedom. Watch them build vibrant collages that capture fall in ways you never imagined.
7. Outdoor Obstacle Course
Use fallen branches or leaf piles as hurdles. Turn small hills into climbing challenges. Create tunnels with whatever you have on hand.
Make it competitive. Make it fun. Most importantly, make it exhausting so they sleep well tonight. These fall outdoor kids activities are perfect for burning energy while enjoying the crisp weather.
8. Evening Bonfire Gatherings
As the sun sets earlier, I highly recommend embracing the cozy vibes of a backfire gathering. There’s a rule thought: You must roast marshmallows! Attempt s’mores that will definitely be messy. Grab some blankets and some friends for great company and the best memories.
Keep a bucket of water nearby for safety. Keep the stories coming for entertainment.
9. Outdoor Painting Sessions
Set up easels or a table outside and let your kids paint what they see. The reds, oranges, and yellows of fall make the perfect inspiration.
This gives them a chance to slow down, observe the world around them, and express what they feel. It’s fantastic for their wellbeing to stop and notice the incredible details around them. Plus, you’ll have beautiful fall artwork to put on the fridge.
10. Forest Exploration Day
Pack a picnic and head to the nearest forest or natural park for a half-day expedition. Don’t plan too much, just see what unfolds. You’ll remember why spending time in nature feels so good. These outdoor fall activities benefit kids’ and adults’ wellbeing and help drive awareness of the environment.
Ready to Make Memories With these Fall Outdoor Activities?
Fall won’t last forever. Go out and make the most of it! Whether you’re looking for autumn outdoor activities that are highly active, more reflective, or both, I think you’ll agree this list has something for you. The key is choosing outdoor activities that match your children’s interests and energy levels.
So pick one activity. Grab your kids. Step outside.
Stephanie Simmons is an Anglo-American mum of two who is passionate about all things outdoors. She loves camping, outdoor crafting, and all outdoor activities.
Steph believes in getting the kids outdoors no matter the weather!
She created Wild Bloom Families to share her passion for the outdoors with other families.
Getting in nature can transform your physical health, mental health and happiness!
