Hey there, fellow mama! If you’re anything like me, fall is the season. The crisp air, the colors, the cozy vibes—it’s all just magical, especially when you’ve got two little explorers running around.
I’ve got a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old who are always ready for an adventure, and I’m here to share some of our favorite fall activities that are both fun and budget-friendly. We love a win-win around here!
AT-HOME FALL FUN FOR KIDS
1. LEAF PAINTING – We collect a bunch of leaves from our backyard (or on a neighborhood walk), then break out the washable paints. The kids love turning them into colorful masterpieces. Pro tip: Use an old bedsheet as a drop cloth, because toddlers + paint = mess. 😂
2. FALL-THEMED SENSORY BINS – A plastic bin filled with dried corn kernels, mini pumpkins, acorns, and toy tractors keeps my little ones entertained for hours. Bonus: It’s super easy to set up, and most items can be reused year after year.
3. PUMPKIN SPICE PLAYDOUGH – I whip up a batch of homemade playdough (super cheap and easy) and add a dash of pumpkin spice for that cozy fall scent. My kids love molding pumpkins, apples, and anything else their imaginations cook up.
4. APPLE STAMPING – Slice an apple in half, dip it in paint, and stamp it onto paper! The kids think it’s magic and it’s a fun way to practice shapes and patterns.
5. INDOOR “LEAF PILE” JUMPING – If it’s too chilly or rainy, I grab a bunch of pillows and blankets, pile them up, and let the kids “jump into the leaves” indoors. It burns off that toddler energy without me constantly saying, “Don’t jump on the couch!”
6. DIY APPLE CIDER BAR – Set up a little apple cider station with cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle. My 4-year-old loves playing “barista,” and we keep it simple with store-bought cider.
7. CUDDLE & STORY TIME – Nothing beats snuggling under a cozy blanket with a stack of fall-themed books. Some of our favorites include Acorn Was a Little Wild and Fletcher and the Falling Leaves.
8. MAKE FALL GARLAND – I cut out paper leaves, and my kiddos decorate them with crayons, stickers, or markers. Then we string them together and hang our masterpiece across the living room.
9 PUMPKIN BOWLING – Use toilet paper rolls as “pins” and a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. It’s a hit with both the 2-year-old and the 4-year-old, and it can be played over and over (for free!).
10. HOMEMADE CARAMEL APPLES – This one’s a bit of a messy affair, but SO worth it. We melt store-bought caramel, dip in apple slices, and let the kids sprinkle their favorite toppings. (Psst, you can do this with marshmallows too!)
OUTDOOR FALL ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
11. PUMPKIN PATCH VISITS – We make a big event out of this every year. Most pumpkin patches have free or low-cost admission and often include hayrides, corn mazes, and playgrounds. And of course, you can snap those adorable fall photos!
12. NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT – My kids love the thrill of a treasure hunt. We make a list of things like red leaves, acorns, pinecones, and squirrels, and off we go! It’s a great way to explore nature and burn off some of that boundless toddler energy.
13. VISIT A FARMER’S MARKET – Many local markets have fall festivals with free activities like face painting or mini petting zoos. We also pick up apples, pumpkins, and fresh-baked bread for our weekend meals.
14. ATTEND A LOCAL FALL FESTIVAL – Check out your town’s calendar for free or low-cost fall events like harvest festivals, parades, or craft fairs. There’s usually something for everyone, and kids under a certain age often get in for free!
15. VISIT A CORN MAZE – Many corn mazes have kid-friendly versions, and they’re usually reasonably priced. My kids love running through the paths, and it’s an adventure that doesn’t break the bank.
16. FALL FOLIAGE HIKE – Take the kiddos on a scenic hike through the woods to enjoy the fall foliage. Look for family-friendly trails with easy terrain for younger kids. Along the way, you can collect colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones to use for crafts when you get home.
17. FALL PICNIC IN THE PARK – Pack up your kiddos’ favorite lunch and head to a nearby park. Don’t forget your picnic blanket and some jackets! The fresh air will do wonders for your kids while enjoying lunch in the beauty of fall.
18. CHALK LEAF ART – Gather leaves of different shapes and sizes, place them on the sidewalk, and let your kids trace around them with sidewalk chalk. They can color them in or decorate the outlines however they like—it’s a fun, creative way to explore nature!
19. ROCK PAINTING – Collect smooth rocks during a walk or in your backyard, then sit outside and paint fall-themed designs like pumpkins, leaves, or friendly monsters. Once they dry, hide them in the yard or a local park for others to find!
20. BIRD WATCHING – Grab a pair of kid-friendly binoculars and a little notebook to “document” any birds you spot. Fall is a great time to catch migrating birds, and kids love pretending to be mini explorers or scientists while watching the trees and skies.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS FOR FALL FUN
- DIY Everything: Whether it’s crafts or snacks, making things at home saves tons of money.
- Free Community Events: Keep an eye on local listings for free fall festivals or activities.
- Reuse Supplies: A lot of our fall decor comes from nature (hello, pinecones and leaves!) and from crafts we’ve done in previous years.
- Repurpose Old Clothes: When the weather turns chilly, I layer my kids’ summer clothes with long sleeves underneath—cute, practical, and budget-friendly!
I hope this list inspires you to get out there and soak up all the fall goodness with your little ones! And if you’ve got any favorite fall activities, I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Happy fall, mamas! 🍂👩👧👦🎃
