Fall Outdoor Activities to Keep Kids Active
Inside: Keep your kids active with these fun fall outdoor activities! Explore nature, enjoy seasonal traditions, and make the most of the crisp autumn air.
As the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change, fall is the perfect time to get your kids outdoors and keep them active! There are so many fun and engaging activities that take advantage of the season’s beauty while keeping everyone moving. Whether it’s enjoying nature or partaking in seasonal traditions, these ideas will have your kids happily exploring, exercising, and having fun!
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Fall Outdoor Activities to Keep Kids Active
Fall is my favorite time to be active and moving outside. It’s not too hot like in summer, no flies are trying to suck all my blood like in the spring, and it’s not super cold and windy like during winter.
We go for a walk every day to the lake, we go to the playground with friends. We get to enjoy being outside every day in beautiful weather.
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Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Fall is a magical time when nature is full of colors and textures to explore. Take your kids on a nature walk and give them a list of fall-themed items to find. Think brightly colored leaves, acorns, pinecones, and squirrels preparing for winter. Not only will this get them moving, but it’s a great way to sharpen their observation skills and learn more about the changing season.
Tip: Bring along bags or baskets so your kids can collect their finds for a craft project later, like leaf rubbings or pinecone decorations.
Rake (and Jump in) Leaves
Raking leaves can be a chore, but it’s also a fantastic way for kids to stay active and have fun. Once you’ve gathered a big pile, let your kids jump in! They’ll burn off energy running and leaping, and you’ll also get some help tidying up the yard.
Bonus idea: After the fun is over, use the leaves to mulch garden beds or create compost – a great way to teach your kids about eco-friendly gardening practices!
Apple Picking
Visiting a local orchard for apple picking is a quintessential fall activity that also gets everyone on their feet. Kids can walk between rows of trees, reach up to pick apples and enjoy the fresh air while learning where their food comes from. Plus, you’ll have a bounty of fresh apples to snack on and cook with later!
Pro tip: Turn it into a game – who can find the biggest or most perfect apple? Reward them with some homemade apple pie!
Go for a Bike Ride
Fall offers ideal weather for outdoor exercise, and biking is a great way to enjoy it. Head to a local park or trail for a leisurely family ride. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable to spend longer periods outdoors, and the changing scenery of golden leaves and cool breezes will make it even more enjoyable.
Safety first: Make sure your kids wear helmets and bright clothing, especially with the shorter daylight hours.
Visit a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a classic fall activity that offers plenty of exercise for the whole family. Kids will love the challenge of finding their way through while running and weaving around turns keeps them active. It’s also a great way to encourage problem-solving skills and teamwork as you navigate the maze together.
Insider tip: Look for mazes that have extra activities, like hayrides or pumpkin patches, for even more outdoor fun!
Go Geocaching
If your kids love adventure and treasure hunts, geocaching is a fun way to get them moving. Using a GPS or smartphone app, you can explore local parks and trails in search of hidden caches. It’s a great way to combine technology with outdoor activity, and your kids will feel a sense of accomplishment each time they find a cache.
Don’t forget: Bring small trinkets to exchange at each cache and encourage your kids to leave something behind as part of the geocaching community.
Play Outdoor Sports
Take advantage of the beautiful weather by playing a game of soccer, flag football, or ultimate frisbee. Setting up a mini obstacle course in the yard or park can also add an extra challenge and keep everyone moving. Fall’s cooler weather makes it ideal for these high-energy games without the summer heat to slow you down.
Explore Hiking Trails
Fall is the perfect time to explore local hiking trails. Not only will the cooler temperatures make hiking more enjoyable, but the fall foliage will turn even the simplest walk into a scenic adventure. Look for trails that are kid-friendly and point out different plants, animals, and landscapes along the way.
Pack snacks: Bring along some healthy fall-themed treats like apple slices, trail mix, or pumpkin-flavored energy bars to fuel your adventure.
Pumpkin Patch Fun
Visiting a pumpkin patch is another classic fall activity, and many farms offer more than just picking pumpkins. You might find hayrides, petting zoos, and even fall festivals to enjoy. Kids can run around the pumpkin fields, searching for the perfect pumpkin, and take part in any additional activities offered on the farm.
Afterward: Have a pumpkin carving or decorating session at home to continue the fun and roast your pumpkin seeds too! They make a great snack on hikes, during breaks between lessons, or while you’re watching TV or playing board games.
Outdoor Yoga or Stretching Sessions
If you want a calming activity after a high-energy day, why not try outdoor yoga or stretching with your kids? Set up a blanket in the backyard, at the park, or under a tree, and enjoy some light stretching or simple yoga poses. The fresh air and the peaceful fall atmosphere will help your kids relax while still staying active.
Fall is the perfect season to embrace the outdoors with your kids and keep them active with fun, family-friendly activities. From exploring nature to visiting pumpkin patches, there are so many ways to make the most of the season while encouraging healthy habits. Try these activities and create lasting memories while enjoying the fresh, crisp air of autumn!
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