Fun Fall Activities for Kids of All Ages

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Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. It’s a time to slow down, embrace the outdoors, and create lasting memories with my family. With cooler weather, falling leaves, and the aroma of pumpkins and cinnamon in the air (yes, please!), it’s the perfect time for families to get outside, explore, and learn together.

The beauty of homeschooling is that learning happens everywhere—and fall provides many opportunities to connect with God’s creation, family, and community. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Autumn brings a season of change and wonder, making it the perfect backdrop for hands-on activities!

Read for some fun, educational autumn activities for kids of all ages? Try these out!

Activities for Young Kids (Ages 3-7)

1. Leaf Scavenger Hunt
   Walk in your neighborhood or a local park and go on a leaf scavenger hunt. Collect different kinds of leaves and compare their colors, shapes, and sizes.

• Learning Connection: This activity introduces basic science concepts, such as why leaves change color. Create a leaf identification chart at home. Children can sort and classify by leaf type or color.

2. Pumpkin Patch Adventure
   Visit a local pumpkin patch and let kids pick out their own pumpkins. Make it a sensory experience by letting them feel the textures of the pumpkin’s skin and smell the autumn air.

• Learning Connection: At home, use the pumpkins to practice counting, and sorting by size. Or work on basic math by adding and subtracting pumpkins. You can even use the seeds for a sensory bin or to practice early number skills.

3. Nature-Inspired Art
   Collect pinecones, acorns, and leaves to create fall-themed crafts. Make leaf rubbings or use nature items to stamp patterns with paint.

• Learning Connection: Incorporate art lessons by teaching about texture, patterns, and colors. This is also a perfect opportunity to discuss God’s creativity and how He made the seasons (Genesis 8:22).

Activities for Middle-Grade Kids (Ages 8-12)

1. Tree Study and Nature Journaling
   Spend time observing trees, noting how they change throughout the season. Give each child a nature journal and encourage them to sketch, write, and reflect on what they see and experience.

• Learning Connection: Turn this into a science lesson on photosynthesis and the life cycle of trees. Incorporate scripture by having your child copy Psalm 1:3: “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in season.”

2. Fall Baking and Fraction Practice
   Bake fall treats together—pumpkin muffins, apple pie, or cinnamon rolls. (This is my kids’ favorite fall activity!) Let your kids measure the ingredients and practice fractions while following the recipe. Or maybe your kids want to help with dinner. Here’s a great recipe to try: https://triciagoyer.com/real-life-food/ 

• Learning Connection: Baking and cooking are great ways to teach fractions and measurements. Talk about hospitality and how sharing food reflects God’s love for others (Hebrews 13:16). Consider taking a special treat to a neighbor or a friend.

3. DIY Weather Station
   Create a simple weather station at home and track temperature, rainfall, and wind over several weeks.

• Learning Connection: This project can lead to lessons in weather patterns, seasons, and graphing results. Tie it into Bible lessons by reflecting on how God controls the weather (Job 37:6).

Activities for Teens (Ages 13+)

1. Fall Photography Challenge
   Challenge your teens to capture the beauty of autumn with a camera or smartphone. Encourage them to find unique angles and experiment with light.

• Learning Connection: Teach principles of photography, including composition and exposure. Use this project to reflect on how we can capture God’s beauty in creation (Psalm 19:1).

2. Host a Family Campfire Night
   Organize a backyard campfire and invite friends or neighbors over for s’mores and storytelling. Teens can help prepare by gathering firewood, setting up the campfire, or leading a devotional.

• Learning Connection: Use this as a leadership opportunity, encouraging your teen to plan the event or lead a Bible discussion. Reflect on the importance of community and fellowship (Acts 2:42).

3. Volunteer at a Local Farm or Food Bank
   Many farms need extra hands in the fall for harvesting, and local food banks often need volunteers to sort donations.

• Learning Connection: This is a wonderful way to teach responsibility, community service, and stewardship. Use this opportunity to talk with your teens about serving others as Christ calls us to (Mark 10:45).

Autumn Scripture to Memorize Together

As you engage in these activities, consider memorizing this verse together as a family:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

This simple verse reminds us to embrace the changing seasons and trust God’s perfect timing in all things.

Fun Autumn Recipe for Any Age

If you’re looking for a fun recipe to make with your kids, this is it! Cooking is such a great way to learn with your kids and teach lessons in a hands-on environment. It also incorporates science and creativity while developing culinary skills and independence. These delicious apple chips have no added sugar, are super easy to make, and are so versatile! Try them dipped in some vanilla Greek yogurt for a special treat! 

Autumn Apple Chips

Ingredients

3 large apples, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (could also use apple pie spice)

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
• Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Wash and thinly slice the apples using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Let your older kids help, but watch fingers! You want the slices to be about ⅛ inch thick. Remove the seeds and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Let your kiddos spread the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheets and sprinkle with spice on both sides.
• Bake the apples for 1 hour, then flip and bake another hour.
• Turn the oven off and let the apples cool in the oven for about 30 minutes. If the apples are not crispy yet, continue baking them in 15 minute increments.
• Remove the apples from the baking sheet and enjoy, or store them immediately in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Autumn is a season to slow down, savor family time, and embrace the beauty of God’s creation. Whether you’re baking together, exploring nature, or serving others, every activity offers a chance to grow closer to God and each other.

I encourage you to take time this fall to do something new with your children—whether it’s a nature walk, a campfire night, or a visit to a pumpkin patch. Enjoy the moments, embrace the lessons, and remember that in everything, God is with you!