Crunchy leaves, muddy boots, and shorter days can only mean one thing…fall is officially here. And with it comes a golden opportunity to lean into the season with playful, simple, and seriously fun activities for kids.
If you’re looking to head outside, stay in with a fun craft, or squeeze in a little hands-on learning? These ideas have you covered. They’re simple, playful, and perfect for soaking up everything that makes fall feel extra special.
1. Apple Printing Pumpkin Craft
Who knew apples could moonlight as pumpkins? Cut them in half, dip them in orange paint, and suddenly your child is an artist and a fruit repurposing expert with this apple printing pumpkin craft.
This is one of those easy crafts that come to life. Plus, it’s a great way to use up bruised apples that no one wants to eat.
2. Leaf Chromatography Science Experiment
Science in fall colors? Yes, please. This leaf chromatography science experiment lets kids discover the hidden pigments inside leaves and watch colors separate like magic.
All you need are some leaves, rubbing alcohol, and a coffee filter. It’s one of those wow activities that makes learning feel like a discovery channel episode—minus the screen time.
3. Pumpkin Pie Playdough
Pumpkin spice everything, including the playdough. This pumpkin pie playdough recipe smells incredible and gives kids a squishy, warm-scented sensory experience without any sugar involved. It’s easy to make, lasts for weeks, and actually makes your house smell like you know how to bake. Bonus: it’s super calming for wound-up fall afternoons.
4. Pumpkin Patch Matching Game
Grab your mini pumpkins—yes, the decorative ones you impulse-bought—and put them to good use. Set them up in pairs and have kids match them by size, shape, or color. It’s like memory, but with tiny gourds. I love that this pumpkin patch matching game has a Simple setup, zero cleanup, and is weirdly addictive (even for adults).
5. Fall Game for Kids (Free Printable)
Print it, cut it, play it. This fall-themed board game is perfect for cozy afternoons indoors and gives kids an easy way to practice turn-taking and matching skills. You’ll roll a die, move across the board, and race through a world of fall leaves, acorns, and more. It’s one of those games they’ll ask to play again—and again.
6. Learning Colors Through Nature
Take your learning outdoors with a fall color hunt. Hand your child a set of color cards and let them find matching items in nature—yellow leaves, brown bark, red berries, and so on. It’s simple, screen-free, and turns any walk into an interactive adventure. Bonus points if you bring a basket and turn it into a fall collection mission.
7. Fall Color by Number Mystery Pictures
These color-by-number printables are like puzzles in disguise. Kids use number clues to color in sections and slowly reveal a hidden fall-themed picture. It’s relaxing, great for focus, and a sneaky way to reinforce number recognition. Perfect for quiet time or winding down after school.
8. Pumpkin Patch Dramatic Play
If your child loves pretend play, this pumpkin patch dramatic play is sure to be a hit. Print out some signs, price tags, and play money, then set up a mini pumpkin stand at home. They can sell pumpkins, take orders, or weigh their produce like a real farmer’s market. It’s creative, cute, and keeps them happily playing for ages.
9. Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt
Turn your trip to the pumpkin patch into a full-on adventure. Print a fall pumpkin patch scavenger hunt sheet before you go, and let your kids search for things like striped pumpkins, hay bales, or even a scarecrow. Suddenly, what could’ve been a chaotic outing turns into an organized and exciting challenge. It makes for great photos and even better memories.
10. Mouse Mail Nature Activity
This mouse mail nature activity for preschoolers turns a simple walk into a tiny fantasy world. Kids collect leaves and natural treasures, then write little mouse mail messages on them with pens or markers. It’s imaginative, quiet, and charming—and perfect for sparking storytelling. Don’t be surprised if they start writing mail to squirrels too.
11. Fall Sink or Float Experiment
Fall science meets sensory play with this fall sink or float experiment. Fill a bin with water and let your child test which fall items—acorns, leaves, mini pumpkins—sink or float. You can even turn it into a guessing game before they drop each one in. It’s easy, educational, and great for curious little minds.
12. Fall Activities for Kindergarten
Need something themed and ready to go? This fall activities for kindergarten printable pack includes cute games like dressing a fox, fall mazes, and woodland animal activities. It’s perfect for at-home learning or to keep little ones entertained while you sip your pumpkin coffee. Low-prep and high on charm.
13. Contact Paper Sticky Wall Fall Tree
Tape up a piece of contact paper on the wall—sticky side out—and let kids build their own sticky wall fall tree masterpiece. Use felt, construction paper, or even real leaves and twigs. It’s like a giant vertical collage, but way more fun because everything magically sticks. Great for toddlers and preschoolers who love building without the mess of glue.
14. Fall Scattergories Printable Game
Give your family game night a seasonal twist. With fall-themed prompts, this printable fall scattergories game challenges players to come up with the most creative answers before the timer runs out. It’s ideal for older kids, but younger ones can team up with a grown-up. Expect lots of laughs and some surprisingly weird answers.
15. Pumpkin Marshmallow Building
Grab some pumpkin marshmallow building blocks and a box of toothpicks—then let the engineering begin. Kids can build towers, bridges, or whatever wobbly creation their heart desires. The fun twist? Those chunky marshmallows make the whole thing a little more challenging (and more fun). Just try not to eat all the materials before the building starts.
16. DIY Fall Tic Tac Toe Board
Use air-dry clay to create your own fall-theme tic tac toe board with pumpkins, acorns, or leaf-shaped pieces. Kids get to design, paint, and play with something they made themselves. It’s a mix of crafting and classic games that you can reuse all season. A fun little project that doubles as a screen-free boredom buster.
17. Fall Diorama Craft
Let kids create their own mini fall diorama scene using cardboard, paint, paper scraps, and a whole lot of imagination. I imagine that they’ll feel so proud bringing their little world to life with a forest, pumpkin patch, or fairy house. It’s creative, cozy, and gives you a cute shelf-worthy craft at the end. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover craft supplies.
18. Under the Fall Tree Small World
This one’s for the kids who love tiny things and big imagination. Set up a small world under a pretend fall tree using animal figures, felt leaves, and natural elements. It’s a calming, immersive activity that invites storytelling and hours of solo or shared play. Think of it as fall in miniature form.
19. Shaving Cream Painted Fall Leaves
Get ready for messy, marbled fun. Using a bit of shaving cream and food coloring, kids create beautiful, shaving cream swirling patterns on fall paper leaves. It’s one of those crafts that looks way more impressive than the effort it takes. Just be prepared for colored fingers—and lots of oohs and aahs.
20. Pumpkin Drilling Activity
Yes, kids can safely drill into pumpkins—and yes, they love it. With a hand drill and supervision, they can poke holes into pumpkins to create designs or patterns. It’s a great way to work on fine motor skills and makes them feel like they’re using real tools. Forget carving—this is way more fun (and honestly, easier to clean up).
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