Fall is the perfect season to get outside, explore nature, and enjoy some cozy, hands-on activities with your little ones. The crisp air and colorful leaves (if you’re lucky enough to have them—I’m jealous!) offer endless opportunities for toddlers and babies to engage their senses and develop their motor skills—all while having fun! And if you live somewhere a little warmer, like we do in Vegas, no worries! These activities can be adapted to fit wherever you call home.
These activities are also ideal for filling your baby’s wake windows. Keeping them active during this time can lead to smoother transitions to nap time. If you’re looking for screen-free ways to keep your kids entertained this season, I’ve rounded up 10 fall-themed activities that are perfect for toddlers and babies. Let’s jump into some autumn magic!
1. Leaf Pile Play
Is there anything more fun than a big pile of crunchy leaves? Toddlers will love jumping, rolling, and throwing leaves, while babies can explore the sound, feel, and sight of them. It’s a simple yet joyful way to engage their senses and enjoy the season.Â
If you’re living in a leafless wonderland like Las Vegas, no worries—you can always get creative with fabric leaves or shredded paper to bring the fall fun indoors! And of course, don’t forget to snap some photos of your little one in action—it’s a memory you’ll want to keep forever!
2. Pumpkin Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are an excellent way for little ones to explore different textures, and what better way to embrace fall than with a pumpkin-themed bin? Fill a container with mini pumpkins, dried corn, fall leaves (or fabric substitutes!), and even some soft hay or fabric scraps.
Toddlers can touch and explore the various textures, while babies can safely enjoy the feel of the items under supervision. You can even talk about the colors and sizes as they play, making it both fun and educational—plus, a perfect activity for winding down during that wake window before naptime.
3. Nature Walk Treasure Hunt
A nature walk is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the beauty of fall, and it’s even more fun with a little treasure hunt involved! Head out with a bag or basket, and let your toddler collect fall treasures like acorns, leaves, pinecones, and sticks. Babies can enjoy the fresh air and explore the colors and sounds of nature as you point out different items along the way. It’s also a great way to burn off some energy before naptime!
Click here to watch “Why You Need to Get Outside” on Instagram.
4. Pumpkin Painting
Carving pumpkins is fun, but for toddlers and babies, pumpkin painting is a safer and more creative alternative. Grab some washable, non-toxic paints and let your little one(s) decorate their pumpkins however they like. For babies, finger painting can be a sensory delight—just make sure they’re wearing a smock or some old clothes for this messy (but adorable) activity!
5. Apple Stamping
Apple stamping is an easy and fun craft that toddlers will love. Simply cut an apple in half, dip it in fall-colored paint, and let your toddler stamp away on a piece of paper to create apple-shaped prints. You can experiment with different colors or add details like stems and leaves. It’s a great way to encourage creativity while working on fine motor skills.
6. Fall Scent Exploration
One of the best parts of fall is the cozy, comforting smells. Gather a few fall-scented items like cinnamon sticks, pinecones, dried oranges, and even cloves. Let your baby or toddler smell and touch each item, engaging their senses in a safe and calming way.
7. Fall Leaf Art
Turn your nature walk treasures (or, um…craft store finds) into art with some fall leaf crafts! Toddlers can create leaf rubbings by placing a leaf under a piece of paper and coloring over it with crayons, revealing the shape and texture of the leaf.Â
You can also make a leaf collage by gluing the collected leaves onto the paper and arranging them into fun patterns or shapes.
8. DIY Sensory Bottles
Sensory bottles are great for both toddlers and babies to explore movement, sound, and color. Fill clear plastic bottles with small fall items like mini pinecones, acorns, glitter, and even a bit of water or oil to slow the movement. Babies will love watching the items swirl around as they shake the bottles, while toddlers can talk about the items inside and the sounds they make.Â
9. DIY Fall Wind Chimes
Turn your nature finds into a fun DIY craft with fall wind chimes! Gather acorns, pinecones, and small sticks and help your toddler strong them together with twine or yarn. Once complete, hang it outside where your little one can hear the gentle sounds of fall breezes blowing through their creation. It’s a simple but meaningful way to encourage those fine motor skills and creativity.
10. Easy Fall Baking
Who doesn’t love the smell of fall baking?! Get your toddler involved in the kitchen with simple fall recipes like pumpkin muffins or apple crisps. You can let them help with mixing ingredients, scooping batter, or adding toppings like cinnamon or oats. While you may need to do most of the work, toddlers LOVE feeling involved and tasting the delicious results. Just be prepared for a few flour explosions—you know how toddlers love to get their hands in there!
Bonus: The house will smell amazing, and you’ll have some tasty treats to enjoy during nap time!
These fun fall activities not only keep your little ones engaged and entertained, but they’re also great for filling wake windows with enriching experiences that tire them out just enough for a smoother transition to nap time.Â
Whether you’re exploring nature, creating call crafts, or indulging in some fall baking, these moments of active play will help balance your baby’s wake time and set the stage for restful sleep.
If wake windows aren’t what you need help with, but you’re struggling more with other sleep issues, we would love to work with you. Hop on a call with one of our AMAZING Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultants!
Whether your little one is a newborn (0-4 Months Content Library), 4-24 months (4-24 Months Content Library), or a toddler (2-5 Years Content Library), we have the resources you need to get your family the sleep you all deserve!
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