17 Autumn Activities for Kids
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Quick answer: 17 Autumn Activities for Kids. This guide gives 17 ideas in 4 sections: Leaves, conkers and crunch; Autumn crafts; Cosy indoors; Out and about. Budget: Mostly free. Best for: Ages 3 to 11, in wellies or by the oven.
- Time: 20 minutes to a whole afternoon
- Budget: Mostly free
- Best for: Ages 3 to 11, in wellies or by the oven
The first crunch of leaves under wellies is one of childhood’s great sounds. Autumn hands families free craft supplies, a new colour palette and a good reason to wrap up warm and go outside.
These autumn activities cover outdoor adventures, crafts and cosy time indoors. Wrap up, check the forecast and pack a flask of hot chocolate.
Top tip: Take a bag for collections but set a rule: only things on the ground. Picking leaves and acorns that have already fallen protects trees and teaches children respect for nature.
Leaves, conkers and crunch
Free materials are everywhere on an autumn walk.
- Leaf rubbings: Place a leaf under paper and rub with the side of a crayon to show the veins. Compare oak, maple and beech leaves at home. You will need: chunky crayons, tracing paper.
- Leaf crown: Staple a strip of card to fit the head and tuck in leaves. Adults should do the stapling. Children can wear the crown for the rest of the walk. You will need: card strips, stapler.
- Leaf pile jump: Rake a big pile in the garden and jump in. Check for hedgehogs, sticks or dog mess first. You will need: kids rake.
- Conker challenge: Collect conkers and measure, weigh and sort them. They are not edible, so wash hands after handling. You will need: kitchen scales.
- Leaf colour chart: Glue leaves onto a chart from green to red and name each shade. A fantastic way to see how colours change. You will need: colour swatch cards, PVA glue.
Autumn crafts
When it rains, bring the colours indoors.
- Acorn people: Draw faces on acorns with a pen, add pipe cleaner arms and make a tiny family. Dry acorns on a radiator first to check for grubs. You will need: pipe cleaners.
- Pine cone owls: Glue felt eyes, a beak and wings onto a pine cone. Make a whole family for the windowsill. You will need: craft felt, craft glue.
- Handprint hedgehogs: Print a brown hand upside down and add spines with a fork. A lovely keepsake to compare year on year. You will need: washable paint.
- Leaf window hangings: Press leaves between wax paper and iron them under adult supervision, then hang them in a window. The colours glow in sunlight. You will need: wax paper, string.
- Autumn wreath: Glue leaves, mini pumpkins and berries onto a card ring. Keep it as a doorway decoration until winter. You will need: wreath ring.
Cosy indoors
When the evenings draw in, slow down.
- Pumpkin soup and bread: Children can stir the soup and tear the bread. Always check labels for allergies and let an adult handle the hot pan. You will need: soup mugs.
- Apple stamping: Cut an apple in half (adult job), dip into paint and stamp prints. The core makes a star pattern. You will need: poster paint.
- Blanket fort reading: Build a den with fairy lights and cushions. Battery lights are safe, and the glow makes stories more magical. You will need: battery fairy lights.
- Autumn baking: Apple crumble, flapjacks or cinnamon biscuits all suit small helpers. Supervise any oven use. You will need: baking tray, kids apron.
Out and about
Make the most of crisp days.
- Woodland scavenger hunt: Look for something red, something spiky and something smooth. Tick items off a list and compare finds. You will need: clipboard.
- Puddle jumping: Wellies and waterproofs make puddles a delight. Check for hidden holes and stay away from deep water. You will need: rain suit.
- Sunset walk: Walk after school to see the golden light. Take torches for the journey home, because dusk comes early. You will need: kids torch.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Woodland Trust: guide to British trees: Identify trees, leaves and woodland wildlife on your walks.
- The Wildlife Trusts: Find local nature reserves and ways to help wildlife near you.
- National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
Frequently asked questions
What do we need for autumn walks?
Waterproof coats, wellies and layers that can be removed. A small flask, a bag for treasures and spare socks for the car are very helpful.
Are conkers safe?
Conkers are not edible, so keep them away from mouths. Wash hands afterwards and keep them away from pets.
What if it rains all week?
Use the craft and baking ideas indoors, and go out for short bursts in waterproofs. Rain makes a woodland smell wonderful.
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