Fall goes by so quickly, especially for parents who are trying to pack in maximum fun. As the leaves turn and days get cooler and shorter, kids go back to school, and then the holiday gears start turning!
But there is time to fit in plenty of fall celebration — without blowing up your budget. Make the most of the fall season with these entertaining, low-cost fall activities. From apple picking to the pumpkin patch, meteor showers to rainy day fun, we’ve got everything you need to make this fall one to remember. Ready for 10 fall activities for kids? Read on!
1. Go on a Halloween Scavenger Hunt
When the Halloween decorations start coming out, but it's not quite time for trunk or treats, take them for a stroll that's still full of fun. Those curious young minds will be learning while you get the wiggles out with this free — and frighteningly fun — Halloween scavenger hunt printable.
2. Hit the Library and Track Your Reads
Download free monthly book trackers that will keep your kids motivated to read from the first day of school through Thanksgiving and beyond! Need to fill up your book list? Shop our list of 100 incredible reads under $5 for kids of all ages, or plan a trip to your local library and put some miles on that library card.
3. Welcome Fall With This Word Search Printable
Got a kiddo who loves puzzles? Print out this fall-themed word search and get ready for some fun. From apples and acorns to scarecrows and Thanksgiving, this word search has it covered.
4. Go Leaf Peeping
Walk around your neighborhood, hit the park, or go for a drive — and keep an eye out for those leaves! Ask kids to note leaves of different colors and shapes. Got extra time? Make leaf prints!
5. Read a Halloween Book
There’s a reason Halloween is many kids’ favorite holiday, and it’s not (just) the treats. Halloween offers a chance for kids — and their adults — to play pretend, whether it’s by donning costumes of beloved characters or diving into new fall-themed books that are sure to become faves. Best of all, our new Halloween book list comes with a chance to win free books and a Halloween tote!
6. Look Up!
There are several meteor showers in the fall. Take your budding astronomers out to peek at the night sky — no telescope required. Got a reader who needs to know everything about their interests? Get ready for the celestial show with these books about space.
7. Build a Book Nook
There’s nothing like snuggling up with a good book, and you don’t need a big budget to turn a corner into a cozy new book nook for your favorite reader. Dedicated reading space can help get kids into a regular reading routine that can make a big impact this school year. Here’s how to ensure comfort, storage, adequate lighting, and personal touches without spending a lot. (Many items are probably already in your home!)
8. Read a Fall Picture Book
Picture books let readers experience more than they could ever fit into any one season. Best of all, these fall books allow kids to spend that time with their favorite characters, including Clifford, Princess Truly, and the Littlest Witch.
9. Have Fun in the Garden
There’s lots to do in the garden in the fall, from planting late-blooming flowers to gathering seeds for the spring. Kids love getting their hands dirty, and you might be surprised at how eager they are to lend a helping hand. Or take your mini gardeners to the local community or botanical garden to see how autumn changes a familiar landscape.
10. Try Some Kid-Friendly Science Experiments
Got some baking soda, vinegar, and gummy worms? You have everything you need for this dancing frankenworms experiment. Your little scientists will love seeing the gummy worms wiggle around in your kitchen/lab.
Ready to build out your fall-themed book list? Search The Scholastic Store by subject and format, grade and age, series and character, and more.
