As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools down, fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery. For parents looking for fun outdoor activities to do with their children, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are 10 fun outdoor kids activities to try this fall that are sure to create lasting memories
Leaf Pile Jumping
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your kids, and one of the most classic activities is jumping in a pile of leaves. Raking up a big pile of leaves in the yard and letting the kids jump in is a simple yet fun activity that can keep them entertained for hours.
To get started, gather up all the leaves in your yard and pile them up in a big mound. The bigger the pile, the better the jumping experience. Make sure the pile is free of sticks, rocks, or other debris that could cause injury.
Once the pile is ready, let the kids take turns jumping into it. Encourage them to jump high and make big splashes. You can also make it a game by seeing who can make the biggest jump or who can create the most impressive leaf shower.
Nature Scavenger Hunts
Nature scavenger hunts are a great way to get kids outside and explore their natural surroundings. Here are some tips for creating a fun and safe scavenger hunt for kids this fall.
Creating a Scavenger List
When creating a scavenger list, make sure to include items that are age-appropriate and relevant to the season. For example, in the fall, you could include items such as colourful leaves, acorns, pine cones, and different types of seeds. You can also include items that are specific to your local environment, such as specific types of trees or animals.
To make the scavenger hunt more challenging, you can also include clues or riddles that lead kids to the next item on the list. This can help build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Safety Tips for Nature Exploration
While nature scavenger hunts can be a lot of fun, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Always supervise children during the scavenger hunt and make sure they stay within a designated area.
- Teach children about the importance of respecting nature and not disturbing plants or animals.
- Make sure children wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and terrain.
- Bring along plenty of water and snacks to keep kids hydrated and energized.
- Check for any potential hazards in the area, such as poison ivy or sharp objects, and avoid them.
Backyard Camping
Looking for a fun outdoor activity to do with your kids this fall? Why not try backyard camping? It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to travel far from home. Here are some tips to make your backyard camping experience a success.
Setting Up a Tent
The first step to backyard camping is setting up a tent. Make sure to choose a level spot in your yard and clear away any sharp objects or debris. If you’re new to camping, you may want to practice setting up your tent before the big day. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast and make sure you have appropriate gear for the conditions.
Campfire Stories and S’mores
No camping trip is complete without campfire stories and s’mores. Gather around the fire pit and take turns telling spooky tales or funny anecdotes. Don’t forget to bring plenty of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate for making s’mores. If you don’t have a fire pit, you can use a portable camping stove or grill to cook your food.
Pumpkin Picking and Decorating
Fall is the perfect time to go pumpkin picking with kids. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend time outdoors while enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Pumpkin patches are usually filled with various sizes and shapes of pumpkins, allowing kids to choose their favourite ones.
Once you have picked your pumpkins, it’s time to decorate them. Kids can use their creativity to paint, carve, or add stickers to their pumpkins. Parents can also use this opportunity to teach their kids about the different parts of a pumpkin and how it grows.
Here are a few ideas to make pumpkin decorating even more fun:
- Use glow-in-the-dark paint to make your pumpkin stand out at night
- Carve your pumpkin into different shapes such as a cat, ghost, or spider
- Use stickers to create a fun face on your pumpkin
- Paint your pumpkin with your favourite sports team’s colours
Hiking and Trail Games
Trail Bingo
Trail Bingo is a fun game that can keep kids entertained while hiking. Before heading out, create a bingo card with pictures of things they might see on the trail, such as rocks, birds, or different types of plants. As they hike, have the kids mark off the items they spot on their bingo cards. The first one to get a bingo wins!
I Spy: Nature Edition
Another great game to play while hiking is I Spy: Nature Edition. This game is perfect for younger kids who might not be able to hike as far. As you hike, take turns spotting something in nature and saying “I spy with my little eye something that is…” and then describe the object. The other players then try to guess what it is. This game can be played for as long or as short as you like, and it’s a great way to teach kids about the different things they can find in nature.
Bike Rides and Obstacle Courses
Planning Your Route
One of the most enjoyable outdoor activities for kids is bike riding. Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of the cooler weather and beautiful scenery. Before heading out, it’s important to plan your route. Look for bike trails or paths in your area that are safe and appropriate for your child’s skill level. Make sure to choose a route that is not too long or difficult for your child.
Building an Obstacle Course
Another fun outdoor activity for kids is building an obstacle course. This can be done in your backyard or a nearby park. Use items such as cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes to create a challenging course for your child to navigate. Encourage them to use their imagination and come up with their obstacles. This activity not only promotes physical activity but also helps with problem-solving and creativity skills.
Outdoor Painting With Fall Colors
Fall is a beautiful season, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by taking kids outside for some outdoor painting. This activity is perfect for kids of all ages and can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Leaf Painting
One of the easiest and most fun ways to paint with fall colours is by using leaves. Simply collect a variety of leaves in different shapes and sizes, and use them as stamps to create beautiful patterns and designs. You can use acrylic or tempera paint, and experiment with different colours to create a unique masterpiece.
Nature Painting
Another way to incorporate fall colours into your painting is by using natural materials like twigs, pine cones, and acorns. These can be used as brushes or stamps to create interesting textures and patterns. You can also use natural materials to create a collage by glueing them onto a piece of paper.
Scavenger Hunt Painting
For a fun twist on outdoor painting, try organizing a scavenger hunt for kids to find different fall items like leaves, acorns, and pine cones. Once they have collected everything on the list, they can use them to create a painting or collage. This activity is a great way to get kids moving and exploring the outdoors while also using their creativity.
Kite Flying on Windy Days
Kite flying is a classic outdoor activity that is perfect for kids of all ages. On windy fall days, flying a kite can be especially fun. It’s an activity that requires some patience and skill, but the rewards are worth it.
To get started, kids will need a kite that is appropriate for the wind conditions. A kite that is too small won’t catch enough wind to fly, while a kite that is too big may be difficult to control. It’s important to find a kite that is just the right size for the wind speed.
Once the kite is assembled and ready to go, kids can head to an open field or beach where there is plenty of space to fly. They should stand with their back to the wind and hold the kite up by the string. When the wind catches the kite, they can release the string and let it soar.
DIY Bird Feeders
Materials and Instructions
One fun outdoor activity for kids during the fall season is making DIY bird feeders. This activity is not only enjoyable, but it also teaches kids about the importance of feeding and caring for local birds.
To make a simple bird feeder, you will need the following materials:
- A pinecone
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
- String or twine
Instructions:
- Tie a piece of string or twine around the top of the pinecone, leaving enough length to hang the feeder from a tree branch.
- Spread peanut butter all over the surface of the pinecone, making sure to cover it completely.
- Roll the pinecone in birdseed, pressing the seeds into the peanut butter to ensure they stick.
- Hang the bird feeder from a tree branch and watch as the birds come to feast!
Learning About Local Birds
In addition to making bird feeders, kids can also learn about the different types of birds that live in their local area. Encourage them to observe the birds that visit their feeders and identify them using a bird identification guide or app.
Kids can also learn about the different types of food that different birds eat. For example, some birds prefer seeds while others prefer insects or fruit. By providing a variety of food sources, kids can attract a diverse range of birds to their backyard.
Harvest Festivals and Corn Mazes
Fall is the perfect time to visit a local Harvest Festival or Corn Maze with kids. These events are often held on farms and offer a variety of fun activities for children of all ages.
At a Harvest Festival, kids can enjoy hayrides, pumpkin picking, and even apple cider pressing. Some festivals also offer live music, face painting, and other entertainment.
Corn mazes are another popular fall activity for kids. These mazes are often designed in fun shapes or themes, making them a great adventure for kids to explore. Some farms even offer night-time flashlight mazes for a spooky twist.
Here are some tips to make the most of your Harvest Festival or Corn Maze experience:
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
- Bring snacks and water to stay hydrated.
- Check the event schedule beforehand to plan your activities.
- Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture memories of your day.
