Fall is such a magical season, especially when you have a toddler to share it with. You get to see the magic through their eyes for the first time. The crisp air, colorful leaves, and fun activities make it the perfect time to create lasting memories. Here’s your ultimate fall bucket list to enjoy with your little one.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
One of the quintessential fall activities is visiting a pumpkin patch. We have so many in our area we go to a new one every weekend and check multiple items off our bucket list. Some have a petting zoo, a corn maze, or even apple picking. This is always at the top of our list. We let our kid's each pick out one pumpkin each time to display on our patio for our fall decor.
Go on a Leaf Scavenger Hunt
Every night, weather dependent, we go on a family walk around the neighborhood after dinner and before bed. I could talk for days about these walks and how much they have helped our kids sleep better, but that's for another day. During the fall, we talk about the leaves changing colors and bring a bag to collect for our scavenger hunt.
Craft Time with Fall Leaves
I keep the leaves during our walks to do fun crafts indoors. We make leaf crowns, leaf rubbings, sun catchers, there's so many fun options to get creative with this.
Visit a Farm
We live in a place that not only has tons of pumpkin patches, but tons of farms. We visit petting zoos and local farms all the time. One of our favorite is the Morning Fresh Dairy Farm in Northern Colorado. They have a tour to pet the animals and see how the milk is made, and a coffee shop to grab lunch at the end of the tour.
Have a Cozy Movie Night
We don't do this every night, but at least once a week during the fall. Friday nights around here are all about homemade pizza and movies.
Toddler Friendly Fall Movies | How to Make a Magical Movie Night
Paint and Carve Pumpkins
This is my favorite activity to invite all the cousins and little kids over. We all have a pumpkin, we spread little painting kids around and drink apple cider. Something we all look forward to every year
Go Apple Picking
Visit an apple orchard and let your toddler pick their own apples. It’s a fun way to spend the day outdoors and you’ll go home with a bounty of fresh apples. Plan to go early in the season for the best selection of apples.
Hayride or Tractor Ride
There's nothing quite like the charm of a Grandpa farmer giving a hayride or tractor ride to toddlers during fall. This is likely the highlight of every toddler's fall season
Jump in a Pile of Leaves
One of the quintessential fall experiences is jumping into a big pile of leaves. Gather up some leaves in your yard or at a local park, and let your toddler enjoy the simple joy of playing in the fall foliage. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air while getting some amazing photos for the family photo album.
Fall-Themed Breakfast
Start the day with a fall-themed breakfast that your toddler will love. Think pumpkin pancakes, apple cinnamon oatmeal, or a delicious warm bowl of spiced apple sauce. It’s a great way to introduce seasonal flavors and make breakfast fun.
Outdoor Picnic
Pack a picnic basket with your toddler's favorite snacks and head to a local park for an outdoor picnic. Enjoy the crisp autumn weather while munching on sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a warm thermos of cider.
Fall-Themed Manicure
Treat yourself to a fall-themed manicure with colors that reflect the season. Then, get some deep reds and burnt oranges at Target and give your toddler a seasonal manicure.
Elk Migration
If you live near an area where elk migration occurs, it’s a fascinating event to witness. Take a drive or hike to a viewing spot and enjoy the majestic sight of elk in their natural habitat. The closest one for us is Estes Park in Colorado
Harvest Festival
Many communities host harvest festivals in the fall, featuring activities like pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and craft booths. It’s a great outing for families and provides plenty of opportunities for your toddler to explore and have fun. Check your community Facebook pages to find one!
Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Am I a fan on a PSL? No. But do I have to drink one, once a year? Yes. It's like a right of passage and makes for a fun toddler coffee dates. If you ask, they can add the Pumpkin Spice flavoring to steamed milk for your kids
Go to a Football Game
Even if there's no NFL or college games, a highschool game is so exciting for your kids. Enjoy the energy of the crowd and the excitement of the game while bonding over America’s favorite pastime. And get a hotdog & some hot coco.
Make Caramel Apples
Making caramel apples is a fun and tasty fall activity. Set up a caramel apple bar with various toppings like nuts, sprinkles, and chocolate chips, and let your toddler create their own delicious treat.
Apple Cider Tasting
This is something we love to do at home. We pick up a handful of apple ciders from the store and do a full taste test of each kind, ranking them and adding notes, wine tasting style. It's a whole event and so fun.
Fall Foliage Drive
Take a scenic drive through areas known for their beautiful fall foliage. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves can be a captivating experience for your toddler, and it’s a relaxing way to enjoy the season.
With this fall bucket list, you and your toddler are sure to have an amazing and memorable season. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and enjoy every moment of this special time together. Happy fall!
What’s on your fall bucket list? Share in the comments below!