I grew up in the Philippines where the only seasons we’ve had are summer and spring; but ever since I lived here in the United States, fall has quickly become my favorite season. I love how beautiful this season is, especially when the trees started changing colors; I love the crisp air; I enjoy being able to transition my Summer clothes to Fall, and having to dress up in layers (something I didn’t get to do back in the Philippines) but still not feel as restricted as you do in winter. And the fact that there’s a bunch of budget-friendly fall activities that you can do with your kids makes me love this season even more. That said, I’m sharing a list of fun fall activities which families with toddlers can do every single year.
Must-Do Fall Activities For Families With Toddlers
Here are all my favorite fall activities that I love to do with my kids every year. I started doing these during their first year of life and have continued to do so since then. These fall activities are so fun that we actually made a tradition out of them.
Go To A Fall Festival
Going to a fall festival is so much fun that you will surely want to do it every single year.
The first time we went to a fall festival, it was just me and my daughter. We rode the giant slides, went on a hay ride, had some popcorn, and saw some animals. The second time was with the entire family, including my parents. We did the exact same thing and more! We went home with cute little pumpkins and had so much fun that I wanted it to be one of our family traditions.
Last year, we went to Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest 2017 where they had a carnival along with other fun fall activities like pumpkin painting and scarecrow making. The kids had so much fun. We will absolutely do it again this year.
Go Apple Picking
There’s nothing more fun than picking your own apples and then making applesauce, candy apples, or apple pies later.
Our first apple picking trip was so much fun and having my parents with us then made it extra special. We went to an orchard near where we lived and spent the entire morning walking around and picking apples. The kids had so much fun picking apples. And we went home with quite a lot! We’ve been doing this every fall since then!
Enjoy The Foliage
This year, why don’t you try to go somewhere where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. And while you’re enjoying the gorgeous scenery, let your toddler run around and explore. Maybe you can also do a fall scavenger hunt to make this fall activity more fun.
Personally, I think that you are missing out on the beauty of fall if you won’t do this at least once. Sure, you get to see the leaves change colors on your way to work or on when you’re running errands; but there’s nothing like doing nothing and just admiring the beauty of fall foliage especially when you’re with the people you love. Since I got here in the United States and saw the fall foliage for the first time, I told myself that I have to set aside a time every year to just enjoy it.
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Paint A Pumpkin
Painting a pumpkin is such a messy but very fun fall activity to do with toddlers. Give them a paint brush, a few paints, and just let them do their thing. You can even let them hand paint the pumpkin to make it more fun. Just make sure they’re using washable paint to make clean up easier.
The kids enjoyed painting their own pumpkins when we did it the first time; and we’ve done this every single year since then. It has always been a mess letting the kids paint their own pumpkin but there’s nothing compared to the joy you see in their faces while doing it. So yes, I let them make a mess and then I just give them a bath after.
Go Trick Or Treating
Dressing up and going trick or treating is probably the best fall activity that you can do with your kids. My kids look forward to it all year round.
When I was a kid, dressing up for Halloween and going trick or treating wasn’t a thing in the Philippines. Which is not surprising why before having kids, I am not really big on dressing up for Halloween and going out with friends (although I used to love going out with friends and staying up all night – just not on Halloween). But of course, everything has changed now. Ever since my daughter was born, I am always looking forward to Halloween. I’m always drawn towards practical Halloween costumes that could still be used even after Halloween.
For the past 3 years, we’ve dressed up as Sully & Boo (from Monsters, Inc.), Despicable Me, and Snow White for Halloween. I am not sure yet what we’re going to dress up as this year. The kids are still trying to decide what they want to be for Halloween so this will be interesting.
Take More Walks
Because it won’t be before long when it gets colder and putting on bulky sweaters & chunky winter coat, and going out of the house becomes a chore. If your kids love the outdoors, you have to take advantage of the fall weather as much as you could before winter arrives. You can also do a scavenger hunt while doing this fall activity with your toddler to make it more interesting.
Take Fall Pictures
During my kids’ first year, I had a project where I took their solo picture during each season with proper props (if needed) so I can see how much they’ve grown as the seasons change, had those printed, and hung in our wall. And I love how it turned out.
You can also do the same; believe me, it’s so amazing to see how much they’ve grown every 3 months. It is also a great idea to take family pictures during this beautiful season; you can hire a photographer or do it yourself! Either way, it’s going to be fun and I’m sure the pictures will turn out amazing!
Teach Your Kids About Thanksgiving
Photo from here
During your kid’s first few years of life, take some time to teach them about thanksgiving and how to appreciate every little thing in their life.
Even though we still observe Filipino traditions at home, because I want them to know everything about where my husband and I grew up; since they were born here and will probably spend most of their life here, it’s just right that we make sure they know about Thanksgiving.
Every night before my kids go to bed, we pray and say thank you for each of the blessings that they have received for the day which I think is a good way to teach them how to be appreciative of the little things in life and how to have a grateful heart.
Take A Picture With Santa
If you’re into it, dress up your child, take them to the mall and have their picture taken with Santa.
For the past 3 years, we’ve been successful in doing this with very little to no crying. We’ll see how this year’s picture goes.
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What did you think of this post? What fall activities do you enjoy doing as a family? Do you have any fall traditions? Let me know in the comments. You know I always love to hear from you.
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We just went to the apple orchard yesterday…it’s the perfect fall activity!
I love that you have taking walks and teaching them about thanksgiving on this list. It’s great to enjoy the fresh air and get exercise before it’s winter. And it’s great to prioritize and teach thankfulness!
Thank you! I am definitely looking forward to apple picking with my kids. I absolutely agree about getting some exercise before winter hits and teaching thankfulness. The shorter days and longer nights make me so lazy to get up early in the morning while everyone is still sleeping to squeeze in some exercise.
These are some great ideas! Love fall activities!
Thank you! Glad you liked this list.
Great ideas for the fall! Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are such great ideas,, space for them to run around and enjoy fresh air!
Thank you! I can’t wait to take them this weekend. Hopefully, it won’t rain. Fingers crossed!
Great ideas! I need to see if we have any local apple orchards here. And we can’t wait to paint pumpkins!
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Great list, mama! I definitely want to try the whole “paint a pumpkin” thing! My daughter (15 months) may be a little young – but I think it’ll be so cute to let her go crazy! 🙂
Thank you! Glad you liked it. My daughter and I started doing hand and finger painting when she was 14 or 15 months. She still doesn’t get how it works so I still have to guide her and stuff but it’s a fun sensory activity for them. I’m sure you’ll both love it. My son is currently almost 13 months and I’m going to let him “help out” with the painting as well. 🙂
We are planning a pumpkin patch trip this week! Your pictures are adorable!
Thank you, Jasmine! Glad you liked them. We are scheduled for a pumpkin patch trip this weekend as well so I am hoping it doesn’t rain on us. Enjoy your trip this week!
Adorable pics, and great ideas! Love this time of year!
http://www.liliesandlambs.com
Thank you, Morgan! Glad you liked it. 🙂
I can’t wait to see my niece! i want to take her on a walk and take some pictures!
Have fun taking her on a walk and take lots of pictures! 🙂
Precious family pictures and great memories being made here. Well done, Mom. Well done. 😉
The How-to Guru
Thank you for your sweet comment. 🙂
I’ve never taken my kids to that apple orchard – that’s one we should definitely try this year! Thanks for all of the suggestions!
You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes for you.
These all look like so much fun! I wish there was an apple orchard near by so we could pick apples!
Awww! That’s too bad.
This is such a great list. I try to do all these things with my kids during the holidays. As a school counselor, I get all the holidays off, so it makes time with my kids more fun!!
Thank you! Nice, I’m sure you’ll have a great time with them!
Love fall colours! Sweet apple cake…..yummy!
Definitely! 🙂
Fall is definitely my favorite season. We attend kid-friendly Octoberfest celebrations and go to the county fair. Going apple picking and special foliage trips sounds like a fabulous idea, too. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Fall is my favorite season as well. Kid-friendly Octoberfest celebrations and county fair sounds so much fun too. Thank you for stopping by.
Like this post. You have cute babies 🙂 x
Thank you!
Fall is my favorite time of the year and love all your ideas for getting out and enjoying the fall weather. On those yucky days we have some activities to keep us busy inside as well.
Fall is my favorite season too! That is such a great idea!
These are awesome ideas. I’d love to take my daughter apple picking this year!
Thank you! I hope you and your daughter enjoy it!
What fun ideas! I need to remember to do apple picking this season!
Thank you! It’s so fun!
These are such great ideas! I think I would do them even without a toddler! 🙂
xo, Katie
Willow and White
Thank you! I guess I would too!
Fall is my favorite season! Talking walks in the leaves is so calming for me.
Thank you! Me too! It’s just so breathtaking!
This post is totally making me want Fall to be here NOW! Love these cute ideas to do with your little one.
Thank you! I’m so excited for it too!
Love all the ideas. I’ve done some with my boys. You have such a cutie pies.
http://www.cecilfashion.com
Thank you!
Not too far around the corner! Love this post… such a good representation of the season and looks like your children definitely enjoy it 🙂
Thank you! We really do enjoy all the fall activities!
Love the idea of painting rather than carving a pumpkin. Great list!
I haven’t tried carving; I’m not sure if I’ll be trying that this year. LOL! Thank you!
Belle I loved the graphic you made here! It’s so so cute!
Thank you! I’m glad you did!
We are definitely going to paint pumpkins this year! So fun!
Such a fun activity!
Painting pumpkins is one of our favorite traditions! I can’t wait for fall! My favorite season!
It’s my favorite season too!
I love autumn. Like you I love the layers, and the changing colors, and the crisp air. I live in the midwest, and have several friends who live in rural areas. When autumn rolls around we get to go on hayrides with our friends!
That is so much fun!
Don’t forget to paint a teal pumpkin to support kids with allergies! ?
I would be doing that! My son has egg & peanut allergy!
All of these are such fun ideas!
Emily
withstyleandgrace.net
Thank you!
I love going for walks with my kids in the Fall. The weather is just perfect. I also want to do some apple picking with them this year… looking forward to the season, thanks for the list!
You’re welcome! Taking walks outside in fall is just so relaxing!
So many great ideas! I always love apple picking.
Thank you!
I love these ideas! Fall is my favorite time of year and I can’t wait to do all of these things with my daughter!
Thank you! Mine too!
All of these sound so fun!
Linda
https://lindatenchitran.com/home/2017/8/15/saving-marine-life-with-sand-cloud
Thank you!
Great tips!! I can’t wait until fall!!
Thank you! Me too!
I just love this post! It makes me SO excited for the fall!!!
I’m so excited for fall! Thank you!
Apple picking looks so fun!!! They don’t grow around here but you’re motivating me to plan a fall trip!!
A fall trip sounds amazing! You should absolutely try that!
I’m so excited for fall! I don’t have kids of my own but I do plan on spending a lot of time with my niece and nephew this season and we will be trying a few of these things!
That’s so much fun!
Love this! I’d do a lot of these on the list and I don’t even have a toddler! Also, really really want to go apple picking this year!
I think I would do these too if I didn’t have kids. Thank you!
You gave me an awesome idea! I’m going to paint a pumpkin this fall with my daughter!
Sounds so much fun!
So many absolutely adorable and fun ideas. I wouldn’t know where to start!
Thank you!
These are some great activities. I love talking fall pictures its a great idea !!
Thank you! Fall pictures always turn out gorgeous!
These are perfect activities for kids. I am sure they will cherish these childhood memories forever. Thanks for sharing these ideas with us.
Thank you!
I love all of these ideas! Pinning this for later reference 🙂 thanks!
Thank you! I’m glad you loved these!
Fall is the best! There’s just so much to do… and the break from Arizona summer is very welcomed!!
That is so true! I love Arizona! We visited once but I’m hoping to go back again.
Apple picking is on my to do list this fall! Great ideas!
Yay! I hope you get to enjoy it!
I don’t have a toddler but would love to go apple picking!
It’s so much fun! You should absolutely try it!
This is such a great bucket lists. Would love to go apple picking.
Thank you!
I love all of these ideas and your fall photos are great! I cannot wait for Fall to be here!
Thank you! Me too!
Thank you!
There is nothing I love more than Fall and Fall family activities! We live next to a pumpkin farm so we do the Fall festival stuff often! I really want to do family photos in Fall this year – I’ve never done that yet!
We haven’t done a family photo in fall yet. It’s usually just about the kids. But that is such a great idea!
Your fall photos are so cute! I can’t wait until it’s pumpkin carving time.
xx Tatyanna
http://www.apopoflife.com
Thanks Tatyanna!