Five-Star Program for Pre-Kindergarten, Preschool, Toddler and Infant Education located in Greenville, NC.

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Autumn Activities for Toddlers

Autumn is a magical time for young children, filled with vibrant colors, crisp air, and endless opportunities for exploration. For toddlers, the changing season brings sensory delights—crunchy leaves, cozy scents, and fun activities that capture their curiosity and help them connect with the world around them. From nature walks to pumpkin patch adventures, there are so many ways to celebrate fall together. 

At our 5 star preschool in Greenville, NC, we love incorporating seasonal activities into our curriculum to inspire learning and development. Here are some fun, simple autumn activities for toddlers you can enjoy this season. 

outdoor autumn toddler activities

Nature Walks and Leaf Collecting

Nature walks are a wonderful way for toddlers to explore and engage with the world around them. Take a stroll through a park or your backyard, encouraging your child to pick up leaves in different colors and sizes. Once home, these leaves can become part of simple activities like sorting by color, making leaf rubbings, or creating a leaf collage. 

This activity helps toddlers build observation skills, learn new words, and experience different textures—all while enjoying the beauty of the season. It’s a simple, enriching way to add learning to everyday outings.

Pumpkin Patch Visits and Hayrides

autumn activities for one year olds

A trip to the pumpkin patch is a fall adventure that 2 year olds and 3 year olds love, filled with vibrant colors and fun activities. Let your child pick their very own pumpkin and take a scenic hayride to enjoy the sights of the season. 

Visiting a farm introduces toddlers to new experiences and offers a chance to explore nature up close. Choosing their pumpkin also gives them a sense of independence and accomplishment. It’s a wonderful way to build seasonal traditions, create family memories, and make learning feel like an adventure.

fall activities for toddlers

Autumn-Themed Sensory Play

Autumn-themed sensory play brings the textures and colors of fall right to your toddler’s hands. Create a sensory bin filled with items like dried corn kernels, small pumpkins, pinecones, and acorns for safe, supervised exploration. Toddlers can scoop, pour, and touch the different materials, which helps develop their fine motor skills and boosts sensory awareness. 

This type of autumn activity for your toddler encourages curiosity and creativity, offering a hands-on way to learn about fall. Sensory bins are easy to set up and can provide hours of entertainment, making them a great activity for at home or on the go.

Fun with Fall-Themed Crafts

pre-k autumn activities

Fall crafts are a fantastic way to let pre-k aged children explore their creativity while celebrating the season. Simple activities like leaf painting, where they can stamp leaves onto paper with paint, or making handprint trees with fall colors, are perfect for little hands. 

These crafts help toddlers practice fine motor skills, recognize colors, and express themselves through art. Plus, they’re easy to set up and can be done with basic supplies you already have at home. Craft time not only keeps them engaged but also gives you seasonal artwork to display and cherish.

autumn activities for kids

Simple Baking and Cooking Together

Baking and cooking together are fun, hands-on ways for toddlers to engage their senses and learn new skills. Try simple recipes like pumpkin muffins or homemade applesauce, where they can help with safe tasks like stirring, mashing, or sprinkling cinnamon. 

Cooking with toddlers offers them a chance to practice fine motor skills and follow simple instructions, all while discovering new textures and flavors. The experience also introduces basic math and science concepts as they see ingredients transform. Best of all, they’ll take pride in tasting something they helped make, making it a delightful and rewarding activity to share.

Reading Fall-Themed Books

autumn activities for two year olds

Reading fall-themed books together is a cozy way to spark curiosity and build language skills in toddlers. Choose books like Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert or Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington, which use simple words and vibrant images to introduce autumn concepts. 

Reading aloud helps toddlers expand their vocabulary, develop listening skills, and immerse themselves in seasonal stories. Snuggling up with a book also creates a special bonding time, turning a quiet moment into a cherished fall ritual. It’s an easy, relaxing way to bring the season to life while fostering a love for reading.

autumn activities for children

Outdoor Fall Games 

Outdoor autumn activities for toddlers let children enjoy the crisp air while staying active. Simple activities like jumping in a leaf pile or rolling small pumpkins on the ground are both fun and great for developing coordination and balance. These games encourage toddlers to use their energy and explore movement in a playful setting. Plus, they’re easy to set up and can be done in your backyard or at the park. 

Outdoor play in the fall connects toddlers to nature and provides a perfect way to enjoy the season’s beauty while building motor skills.

Scarecrow Building

autumn activities for toddlers

Building a scarecrow is a creative fall activity that toddlers can help with, making it a fun family project. Gather old clothes, a hat, and a few hay bales or leaves to stuff the scarecrow, allowing your toddler to help fill and dress it. This activity helps develop motor skills as they stuff and pat down the materials, and it encourages creativity as they help “design” the scarecrow. 

Once finished, the scarecrow can be displayed in the yard as a fun seasonal decoration. It’s a unique way to celebrate fall and bring out your toddler’s artistic side.

Experience Fall Fun and Learning at Children’s Campus of Greenville

At Children’s Campus of Greenville, we’re passionate about incorporating seasonal activities that spark curiosity and foster growth. Our fall curriculum is filled with engaging hands-on experiences, from nature exploration to creative crafts, designed to support your child’s development in a nurturing environment. 

Learn more about our early childhood programs by contacting us today to schedule a tour and see how we inspire learning through every season.

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