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Freeflow- Autumn Outdoor Activities for Toddlers: Embracing Nature and Play

Abbie Tomson

Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth
@enevlorel @All4Birth

Summary

Autumn is a magical time of year, especially for toddlers. The crisp air, vibrant colours, and abundant natural treasures make it the perfect season to get outside and explore. Whether it’s collecting leaves, picking pumpkins, or going on nature walks, the outdoors offers endless opportunities for toddlers to learn, play, and connect with nature. Here are some fun and educational outdoor activities to enjoy with your little one this autumn.

Leaf Collecting and Art

Autumn is synonymous with falling leaves; toddlers love the bright colours and crunchy textures. Turn leaf collecting into a mini adventure:

Leaf Hunt: Go on a walk with your toddler to collect leaves in various shapes, sizes, and colours. This activity encourages exploration and helps identify different types of trees and practise counting.

Leaf Art: Once you’ve collected enough leaves, use them for creative crafts at home. Toddlers can make leaf rubbings, create collages, or even paint the leaves for a colourful display.


Pumpkin Picking and Decorating

Pumpkin patches are a quintessential part of autumn, and they offer more than just a photo opportunity:

Pumpkin Picking: Visit a local farm or pumpkin patch where your toddler can choose their pumpkin. This activity is great for sensory exploration—feeling the texture of the pumpkin’s skin and experiencing the excitement of finding the perfect one.

Pumpkin Decorating: Instead of carving, which might be too advanced for toddlers, let them paint or use stickers to decorate their pumpkins. This activity nurtures creativity while keeping things safe and simple.


Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts

Autumn is the perfect time for nature walks, with cooler temperatures and plenty of interesting sights:

Nature Walks: Explore local parks, forests, or nature trails. Point out different aspects of the season, like the changing colours of the trees, squirrels gathering nuts, or birds migrating. Bring along a small bag to collect acorns, pinecones, or interesting rocks.

Scavenger Hunts: Create a simple scavenger hunt tailored to your toddler’s age. Include items like a red leaf, a smooth rock, or a feather. This adds an element of excitement to your walk and sharpens your observational skills.


Outdoor Storytime

Bring your toddler’s favourite books outdoors for a cosy Storytime experience:

Picnic Storytime: Pack a blanket, some snacks, and a few autumn-themed books. Read together under a tree, surrounded by nature. Some great autumnal books include “We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt” by Steve Metzger and “Leaf Man* by Lois Ehlert.

Interactive Storytelling: Engage your toddler by incorporating the surroundings into your storytelling. If the story mentions a tree or a leaf, point to the real thing around you, making the experience more immersive and educational.


Exploring Local Farms and Markets

Autumn is harvest season, making it the perfect time to explore local farms:

Farm Visits: Many farms offer toddler-friendly activities like hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes and pumpkin picking! These outings are educational and help toddlers understand where food comes from.

Farmers’ Markets: Take your toddler to a local market to explore seasonal produce. Let them help pick out apples, gourds, or root vegetables, and discuss the different foods and their colours.


Links to other resources


websitesWebsites

National Trust – Family Outdoor Activities

Woodland Trust – Nature Detectives

Forest School Association

film-audioPodcasts

“Simple Families” by Denaye Barahona

“The Outdoor Toddler” by Parent.com

booksBooks

Autumn Adventures: Fun Fall Activities for Kids by Mary Lindeen

The Big Book of Nature Activities by Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg

I Love the Seasons: Fall by Highlights

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