Looking for fall activities for kids that go beyond coloring another pumpkin? Think leaf caterpillars, apple art and a pumpkin ring toss out on the grass.
These ideas include little craft projects, counting games and outdoor activities to choose from.
You can keep things simple or get a little messy with paint. Start with something your kids already enjoy, then bring in those lovely fall colors.
Keep small craft pieces supervised and leave cutting pumpkins to an adult.
Fall activities worth trying
leaf caterpillar
We’re starting off strong with this super cute leaf caterpillar. The overlapping red, yellow and green leaves curve around into a little body.
Those big eyes and red antennae are adorable.
Try arranging your leaves before sticking them down so your kids can choose which color goes next.
painted plate pumpkin
If you are looking for something simple to paint, this one is for you. This orange plate pumpkin has brushstrokes going in every direction, with little white patches still showing.
I love the curled green vine at the top. Add a brown stem and a green paper curl to try the same look.
apple print jars
How cute are these apple-covered jars? The red and green prints overlap on white jar shapes, with tan tops and twine ties.
For your own version, let the kids stamp apple shapes wherever they like. The small black stems are a lovely finishing touch.
wide-eyed pinecone owls
I am obsessed with these little owls. The oversized white eyes and orange triangle beaks look so cute against the pinecones and fluffy white tufts.
Group your finished owls together like this little trio. They don’t need matching eyes or perfectly straight beaks.
count and clip leaves
Want a fall activity without the paint? Try this leaf counting game.
Each colorful leaf has dark dots to count, with numbered clothespins to match.
Start with a few lower numbers if your child is just getting the hang of counting. You can bring out more leaves as you go.
fall walk scavenger hunt
Take a scavenger-hunt list on your next walk. This picture grid mixes fall leaves and pinecones with things you might spot around the neighborhood, like a dog or a wreath.
Make your own short list based on what’s nearby. Looking for a yellow leaf can be just as fun as finding a pumpkin on a doorstep.
scrunched autumn tree
This tree may just be one of my favorite crafts here. I love the little red, orange and yellow bunches scattered across the dark branches.
Try scrunching colored paper for your own leaves. Don’t forget a few at the bottom to make a fallen-leaf pile.
pumpkin washing station
Who says pumpkins are only for decorating? This outdoor tub has muddy orange and white pumpkins sitting in suds, with a brush in hand for scrubbing.
You could set up a supervised pumpkin wash with shallow water and child-safe washing supplies. Keep it outside if you want room for the splashes.
smiling bag scarecrow
How adorable is this scarecrow? The big eyes and stitched-looking smile give this brown bag so much personality.
I especially love the yellow hair sticking out beneath the red hat.
Let your kids choose the expression for theirs. Drawn circles could replace the little buttons for younger crafters.
leaf window circles
I love these leaf-filled circles against the window. The red and yellow leaves look so pretty beside the green fern shapes.
Read also: 20 Family Photo Ideas With Sweet Poses and Pretty Outdoor Settings
For a similar display, arrange collected leaves on clear adhesive sheets and have an adult help trim them into circles. Mix the sizes rather than making every circle match.
vote for your favorite apple
Red, green or yellow? This apple chart turns everyone’s favorite into a colorful display, with named apple shapes stacked in three columns.
You could pair your own chart with an apple tasting using age-appropriate pieces. Then let each child add an apple to their chosen column and count the votes together.
little pumpkin science setup
These hollowed-out pumpkins are ready for a little science! There’s baking soda beside them and a spoonful held over one opening.
Try a supervised baking soda and vinegar pumpkin experiment for your own version. Have an adult prepare the pumpkin openings first and keep the pumpkins on a tray to catch the fizz.
patterned leaf crown
If you are looking for a craft with lots of little details, then this one is for you. There are dark red leaves, tall twigs and white dots all around this crown-shaped piece.
I love the white lines following the leaf veins. Try decorating a few leaves with dots and curves for your own tabletop version.
make a nature face
That little leaf smile is so cute! Empty frames surround a pile of autumn leaves, with chestnuts, stones and short branches nearby for making faces.
Try this with glass-free frames and supervised, age-appropriate pieces. Your kids can move the eyes and mouths around without needing to glue everything down.
wrapped apples and pumpkins
Don’t want to bring out the paint? No problem! These apple, pumpkin and leaf shapes have colorful strands wrapped across them instead.
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The red apple with its little green leaf is my favorite. Let your kids choose whether to cover their shapes closely or leave lots of spaces showing.
pumpkin ring toss
Take the fall fun out onto the grass with a pumpkin ring toss. The long stems here give the pale hoops something to loop around.
Set your own starting spot close to the pumpkins, then move it back if your kids want more of a challenge. There’s no need to make every turn a tricky one.
pressing autumn leaves
This is a lovely way to take a closer look at leaves. Green and orange-red leaves sit on flattened orange bases, with their branching veins clearly visible.
For a similar activity, try pressing leaves into child-safe play dough. Lift one gently to see whether it leaves a pattern behind.
handprint turkey
How cute is this little turkey? The brown handprint has red, orange, yellow and green finger feathers, plus a big eye on the thumb-shaped head.
Use paint intended for children’s handprinting if you try your own. The little drawn legs are worth keeping too.
decorated apple rings
These apple rings look like little decorated donuts! The white and tan spreads are topped with colorful sprinkles, dark raisin-like pieces and brown curls.
For your own snack activity, choose allergy-safe spreads and age-appropriate toppings. Have an adult prepare the apples, then let the kids decorate before cutting them into suitable serving pieces.
colorful wrapped leaves
Last but definitely not least, we have these pretty wrapped leaves. I love the orange and green together on the wide leaf, especially where the colors wrap around the stem.
This is another way to try the wrapping idea with just leaf shapes. Keep one color per leaf or let your kids mix a few favorites.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily