Adventures in Fall: Fun Autumn Activities for Kids

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I know summer is the most popular season, and it makes sense. The snow and cold are gone, the trees are full, flowers are in bloom, and there are warmer temperatures.

But if you ask me, fall is the best season. Adventures in fall are my favorite!

Especially the first half of fall, where you have many of the same things as summer but without some drawbacks.

I live on the East Coast, and there is a lot of humidity in the summer here. In the fall, the humidity goes away, there aren’t as many bugs, and the overnight temperatures are much more bearable.

And then there are the fall colors. Oh, boy, those fall colors are spectacular!

There are many fun activities in the fall (not just leaf peeping!) and many learning opportunities. And I personally think this is the best time for adventure!

Why Fall is the Best Time for Outdoor Adventures

Fall is unparalleled when it comes to outdoor adventures, especially when enjoyed with kids.

The weather is just right–not too hot or cold—making it perfect for many activities without the discomfort of summer’s heat or winter’s chill.

The bugs have subsided, and the UV index isn’t as strong, meaning fewer fights about bug spray and sunscreen.

And that translates to less complaining from the kids.

But it’s the fall foliage that truly sets this season apart. The world transforms into a sea of breathtaking colors, with every leaf telling a story of change and beauty.

This natural spectacle provides a brilliant backdrop for outdoor fun, from leisurely nature walks amidst the changing leaves to thrilling days spent exploring corn mazes or picking apples.

There are some unique adventures and learning experiences in autumn.

Visiting a Pumpkin Patch

Stepping into the local pumpkin patch with my kids each fall feels like entering a storybook.

The air is crisp, filled with the scent of autumn, and the ground is a patchwork of pumpkins waiting to be picked.

We don’t worry about finding the perfect pumpkins. My son loves to pick them out, and I’m always interested to see which ones he finds most appealing.

We don’t bake with our pumpkins (though I’d like to try sometime!), but we do carve some of them. We enjoy the remaining pumpkins through fall as decorations.

I want to try baking with a pumpkin at some point, and I think this is the recipe I will start with because my son loves cookies.

Apple Picking

Apple picking is the quintessential fall activity. My older son absolutely loves going to the orchard.

We eat a lot of apples in our house (especially this time of year), so we typically go apple picking once every 1-2 weeks.

We do a lot of baking with apples as well. I especially love making apple pie.

So when we go, we get apples for eating and baking. Luckily, the orchard we go to offers a good variety of apples, so there’s no issue getting what we need.

They also have other things for kids there as well. They have a variety of pumpkins to buy, horses you can feed apples to, and wagons you can use to pull your kids and apples in.

But my son’s favorite part of this orchard is the area they have set up for kids to play. There are lots of outdoor toys and play equipment.

We typically spend the better part of the afternoon here, and my son asks to go back repeatedly.

Corn Mazes

When we first ventured into a corn maze with my oldest son, the excitement was evident in his wide eyes as they faced the twisting paths.

Navigating through a corn maze offers more than just an afternoon of outdoor fun—it’s a brilliant way to sharpen their problem-solving skills.

I try to turn the maze into a playful challenge to make the most of the visit. As with most adventures, I get my son to lead the way.

There’s something incredibly rewarding in watching them apply logic and teamwork in such a joyful, pressure-free environment.

Now, if you have a runner, I’d strongly suggest using a backpack leash or having them up on your shoulders.

Kids can get lost quickly in a corn maze, which can be pretty scary for them (and you!).

Leaf Peeping and Nature Walks

We go on nature walks all year round, but they’re my favorite in the fall.

There’s something magical about walking through a canopy of fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and golden yellows. It’s not just a walk—it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of fall.

Like all of our adventures in fall, we also turn this into an educational experience.

Some of the things we talk about are:

• The lifecycle of plants
• Why do leaves change color and fall off?
• What do different animals do to prepare for winter?

There’s so much to see while out on an autumn nature walk. And kids will have the best questions.

Most of which I don’t know the answer. But Google has been my friend. I’ve learned so much since my son started to ask many questions.

Stargazing and Sunsets

Stargazing isn’t something you can only do in the fall, but if you have small children, this is the best time to do it.

You can do this in summer if you have an older child, but if you have young children, they’re often in bed before the sun sets.

And you can do this in winter and early spring, too, but you’ll have to get all bundled up.

But fall is the ideal time. Sunset is getting much earlier, often before bedtimes. And it’s warm enough that you don’t have to wear more than a fall jacket or get cozy under a blanket.

You can see the amazement on kids’ faces when watching a sunset or looking up at the stars. It’s a joy to see.

Other Adventures in Fall

There are many other adventures that you can fill your days with:

• Attend a fall festival
• Hayrides
• Fall Scavenger Hunt
• Build a scarecrow
• Apple bobbing
• Making a Halloween costume
• Make a nature rubbing
• Fall picnic
• Jumping in a leaf pile
• Haunted houses
• Have an apple cider ‘tea party’
• Do some learning and crafts with this fall activity printable

We also enjoy camping in the early fall. In my opinion, fall is the ideal time. Sunset is getting earlier, much closer to bedtimes. And it’s warm enough that you don’t have to bundle up too much at night.

Staying Safe and Warm

Fall brings with it a lot of temperature fluctuations. It’s hard to know how to dress when the mornings and evenings have cool, crisp temperatures, but it can be pretty warm throughout the day.

Layers will be necessary these days—especially if you’re leaving early or coming home late.

Being too warm or too cold can dampen the day.

There is also typically more rain in the fall, often more mud. It’s a good idea to ensure that the treads on everyone’s footwear haven’t worn down too much.

I love wearing my Merrell hiking shoes for that reason. They keep their grip, even with slick mud or wet leaves, and I don’t slide around.

Indoor Options for Rainy Days

Fall’s drizzly days don’t mean the adventure has to pause. Indoors can be just as enchanting with a sprinkle of creativity and the embrace of autumn’s coziness.

Seasonal recipes beckon with their promise of warm, spice-scented kitchens. Baking with children can be difficult, especially if they’re young. But it can transform a simple afternoon into a treasure trove of memories and tasty treats.

I know that my almost 4-year-old LOVES to help us cook and bake. His help is not yet actually helpful, but if he’s helping us in the kitchen, he’s learning so much and isn’t bothered about not going outside.

There are also many fantastic craft ideas to infuse a little adventure into your rainy days. While on nature walks, bring a bag to collect different items for crafts later.

If you haven’t prepared anything like that and it’s already raining, try an indoor scavenger hunt. Check out this listing in my Etsy shop for a quick download (and use code ADVENTURE for 25% off!)

Capturing Fall Memories

I always carry my phone with me, not just for safety or to look up answers to my toddler’s many questions but to take photos.

My son absolutely loves looking back on photos of himself and the people he knows—especially if it’s a photo of us doing something fun!

Instead of just leaving the photos on your phone, why not use them as part of your rainy-day activities?

You could create a scrapbook of your adventures in fall. Print out the photos you love, and decorate the pages with the items collected during nature walks.

One thing that I plan to do is have what I call an adventure wall. I plan to print out pictures from our adventures, frame them, and have a whole wall dedicated to them, leaving space for future adventures.

Wrapping Up in a Cozy Blanket of Memories

Like a lot of folks up north, I deal with seasonal depression. I’m more optimistic about the winter ahead if I’ve gotten out as much as possible in the fall.

The recent memories of all the leaves, the apple picking, and the pumpkin patches make me feel ready to hunker down for winter.

Each corn maze conquered, every apple picked straight from the tree, and all the laughter shared during hayrides have knit together a tapestry rich with the hues of family bonding.

If you’re just starting out and need some gear, check out this post for some budget-friendly adventure gear.