Roots & Routines

Fall is such a cozy season and a great time of year to make memories with your little one. Between the leaves changing colors, the smell of pumpkin spice, and the excitement of Halloween, toddlers are full of wonder this time of year.

The best part? You don’t need anything fancy. These fun, easy fall activities will spark creativity, encourage exploration, and fill your home with laughter (and maybe a little glitter).

1) Make a Leaf Crown

Go on a nature walk to collect all sorts of fall leaves. Help your toddler glue or tape the leaves onto a strip of colorful construction paper, then wrap it around their head for a fall “leaf king/queen” crown. It’s adorable for photos and perfect for imaginative play.

2) Paint or Sticker Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving can be difficult for little ones. Try getting them a small pumpkin they can paint. Add some glue and let them stick on different shapes, feathers, pompoms, eyes or even bandaids. Kids love it, and they make great decorations for Halloween.

3) Apple Stamping

Cut an apple in half, dip it in washable paint, and stamp it on paper. Try different colored paints and construction paper for a fall art masterpiece. Cut up some fresh apples when they are done painting for an apple treat.

4) DIY Fall Lanterns

Use empty jars mason jars, glue, and tissue paper or pressed leaves to make glowing fall lanterns. Add a flameless candle inside for a cozy glow. Toddlers love “painting” with glue and seeing their lantern light up later. Add it to a fall fort later and watch them glow.

5) Make “Boo Baskets”

Create mini Halloween surprise baskets for your toddler. Add stickers, books, bubbles and maybe their favorite snack. You can also create them your neighbors, add candy and drop them off with a kind note. It’s such a fun Halloween activity.

6) Spider Web Art

Stretch white yarn or cotton balls over a black paper plate to make “spider webs.” Add some glue so that their webs stick. Add a little plastic spider or draw your own. Toddlers love the sticky, stretchy fun!

7) Glow-in-the-Dark Bath Time

If your kiddo is anything like mine, they love bath time. Surprise your child with a “spooky glow bath”. Add glow sticks (tightly sealed), Halloween themed toys, soft Halloween music, and dim lights. It’s safe, magical, and toddler approved. You can even add in some plastic bowls spoons, and different bath soaps so they can make their own “potions”.

8) Fall Sensory Play Dough

Make a quick homemade play dough with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange food coloring. Add cookie cutters, pinecones, and leaves for creative play. (If interested in play dough recipe blog, comment below).

9) Halloween Sensory Bin

Fill a bin with black beans or orange rice, and add mini plastic spiders, small pumpkins, toy ghosts, and scoopers. It’s spooky, not scary, and keeps little hands busy!

10) Bake Pumpkin Bread Together

Toddlers love to help in the kitchen. Let them pour, scoop, and stir. Pumpkin treats scream fall and the smells of the bread baking is pure magic. (Let me know in the comments if you would like me to share my recipe).

Fall doesn’t have to be complicated. Toddlers find magic in the smallest things. Whether it be the crunch of a leaf, the stickiness of glue, or the twinkle of a lantern they helped make. So this season, let go of perfect plans and lean into the messy, cozy, beautiful moments of toddlerhood.

Comment below some of the fall activities you like to do with your kiddos.