Fall nature activities for toddlers
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Fall is a great time to get outside. The air is cool after a long quite hot summer (for English standards) but still fairly warm. This is the perfect time of year for getting your toddler outside for some fresh air. These outdoor play activities for children will make your toddler’s day and most importantly make your day a pleasant one too.
Here’s our list of great October activities!
Waxed leaves
Go for a walk and pick up leaves to collect. Toddlers love to collect treasures and bring them home. Leaf activities for preschoolers teach them so much. If you’re looking for creative activities for children this is perfect. My two love making these.
Look for pretty leaves which your child can take home and keep. Preserve them by dipping them in melted beeswax.
You can even string these waxed leaves into a banner to hang up as part of your fall decor! Take a look at this tutorial on making waxed leaves to create your own.
Credit: Mud & Bloom.
Nature maths
Look for an oak tree for your little one to collect acorns. These are perfect for sitting and practising counting with your toddler while giving them a treasure to keep all of their own. Fall nature activities for toddlers are easy to find as this idea can be replicated with counting leaves, pinecones or pine needles. These can also be painted for a fun decoration.
Credit: Unsplash.
Halloween motor skills
Grab a carving pumpkin to work on with your toddler. Cut open the top and have them help you clean it out. The mushy stringy insides make for great sensory stimulation. You can also roast the seeds with some herbs as a healthy snack. We find parmesan and parsley a great combination!
Fresh air and farm fun
Visit a local farm. These are packed with great toddler-friendly activities in the fall. From visiting with petting zoo animals to taking a hayride and picking their very own pumpkin from a pumpkin patch. Corn mazes can be great day out for toddlers that do not have a habit of running very far yet.
Gathering skills
We are always on the lookout for things to collect on our walks. Have your toddler help you gather sticks, feathers, nuts and rocks to make into your very own nature box you can use all winter long to build fun things.
One of the best home activities for toddlers is collecting lots of beautiful leaves and sticking them on a paper plate. You cut out the middle of the plate so you are left with a wreath shape. Then stick all your leaves on the paper wreath around in a circle. Take a look at our creations below!
Look after your visitors
Teach your child about the importance of feeding the birds over winter. Buy or create bird feeders or fat balls to help feed the birds that are migrating or the ones who will be sticking around through the long cold winter.
Create a little sanctuary
Build a simple fall garden with your toddler. Even a small potted plant that can come inside when the weather turns cold is a great opportunity for your toddler to learn while observing the plant growing. You could start with a fairy garden like the one below. My daughter loved seeing the grass begin to grow amongst the sparkly glitter!
I hope these ideas have inspired you to take your child out this season and enjoy the Fall or Autumn activities!