When the natural curiosity of preschoolers meets the changing season, it creates the perfect combination for fun, exploration, and learning through play. These simple and low-cost autumn-inspired activities can be done at home or school and are built to engage young children and boost their developmental skills. Scroll the list below and pick one or two to try today.
1. Leaf Rubbing Art – Make this adventure as big as you want! You can head into the backyard, local park, or nearest hiking trail to get this one done.
Supplies needed:
- Hard, smooth surface
- Paper
- Crayons or chalk
- Fresh leaves
- Tape or weight -optional
With a little setup and a couple of instructions, your little one will soon be a leaf-coloring expert. First, place the leaf on the firm, smooth surface and secure it with tape or small weighted objects to hold it in place. Next, stack the paper on top and have your child feel the edges of the leaf. If you don’t have tape or a weight, that is no problem. You can demonstrate how to hold the paper to keep the leaf in place on their own, so they don’t color the leaf away. Finally, use the side of the crayon or chalk to color over the leaf, and voila, they’re making leaf rubbing art. You can offer multiple colors to make rainbow leaves, cut out the shapes for a garland, or even laminate the work at home to save for year after year.
Bonus activity: Get out the paints for leaf sponge art! Take the leaves you’ve collected, have your child paint them, and dab them onto a new piece of paper. This sensory experience will let them squish, slide, and stamp their way to a colorful masterpiece.
2. We can’t resist a nature walk/treasure hunt! This one is the perfect fit for anywhere and any time of day. Simply hit the sidewalk, park, or trail and see what discoveries your little one can make. You can name an item for them to find, or you can let them explore on their own. Items could be different-colored leaves, pinecones, acorns, or small sticks. Ask them about their found objects. How does it smell or feel? What can it be used for? Feel free to get silly and make up names and stories together too. If you’re open to it, bring a bag or box to store their newly discovered treasures.
Bonus activity: Learn and practice the Nature Song for Children that asks, “What can you see?” The activity of narrating what they see will help them identify and explain what they’re noticing, which is excellent for their language skills!
Build a quiet moment into your day with an animated reading of Pete the Cat: Falling for Autumn. Your child can listen and watch it here.
Looking for more inspiration! We’ve got you covered:
Click here to see all the mindful activities meant for connection and play:
- Try homemade apple butter in the crockpot, a perfect recipe when cooking with little ones.
- Listen to more fall stories, including We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt and Mamá Goose: Bilingual Lullabies- Nanas.
When the weather is chilly and it’s time for indoor play check out one of these options:
- Halloween is around the corner, so it is a perfect time to set up a homemade costume-making workshop with items from around the house.
- Make simple homemade play dough using a few ingredients and shape it into autumn-themed shapes like pumpkins.
Lastly, don’t forget the Halloween tricks and treats:
- To help your little ones work out their excited, holiday wiggles and jiggles, use the trick of yoga poses and music.
- Try a delicious scary monster mouth treat made of apples, nut butter, and marshmallow.