Toddler-Friendly Family Fall Bucket List

Fall is coming and I want to make the most of this chilly, spooky season with my family this year. I have two toddlers so I wanted to plan some age-appropriate activities ahead of time, especially if we have to travel. This is my family’s personal fall bucket list – feel free to use some or all of our suggestions to create a fall bucket list for your own family.

Visit a pumpkin patch

My kids LOVED the pumpkin patch last year! Most pumpkin patches also have activities for kids. The one we went to had a hay ride that would take you out into the pumpkin patch and then back after you picked your pumpkins. We had fun walking around and choosing what pumpkins we wanted to take home. My toddler loved picking out a little pumpkin his size that he could carry!

Visit an apple orchard

I haven’t visited an apple orchard since I was a kid but I really want to do this with my toddlers this fall! Usually you can pick your own apples and take them home for a super great deal. Then you can make all kind of yummy, fall treats like apple cider, apple pie, or apple crisp as a family with the apples you picked together.

Bake pumpkin bread

Pumpkin bread is one of our favorite fall treats. I know baking with toddlers can be challenging but if you plan ahead, prepare, and give yourself plenty of time it can be so fun and rewarding! If you’re into sourdough, I love this pumpkin sourdough loaf recipe from Crave the Good. I like to add chocolate chips instead of cranberries!

Pick out a fall candle

I love a good fall scent. Take a little trip to the store as a family and take time smelling candles together. Pick out one you want to take home and become the signature smell of fall for your home.

Make caramel apples

My aunt makes the best caramel apples that are infamous in my hometown. I decided this year I want to follow in her footsteps and try out making caramel apples myself. You can get your toddlers involved with adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts on the outside!

Go on a hike to see fall leaves

Taking your family on a hike or nature walk to look at fall leaves can be such a great way to both get outdoors and get moving. It’s also an opportunity to talk about colors as you point out red, yellow, orange, and green leaves. (Maybe discourage your kids from eating the leaves though!)

Carve pumpkins

I’ll admit that the actual carving of the pumpkins isn’t the most toddler friendly activity. However, you can involve them in picking out a design for their pumpkin or just let them doodle on or paint their pumpkin. After we carved pumpkins, we also roasted pumpkin seeds which was a yummy snack for everyone!

Go to a football game

For some reason, going to a football game just gives me the ultimate fall vibes! You can often find affordable tickets to your local university’s football games. You can also attend and support your local high school’s football games too. Bundle up, get some hot chocolate, and enjoy the game as a family!

Visit a corn maze

Corn mazes are another place that often have a lot of family friendly activities. If you are taking young children, I would suggest a baby carrier because the ground can be a little too rough for a stroller. My husband’s trick is to choose one direction and just stick with it (for example, always choose the right turn or left).

Collect fall leaves

Collecting fall leaves can be so fun for toddlers. Encourage them to look for different colors, sizes, and shapes. You can use the leaves you collected to create an art project or craft.

Make some soup

When the weather starts cooling off, I get so excited to start making soup! Again, it can be hard to involve kids in the kitchen but soup is a great place to start. Encourage them to help add the ingredients to the pot or slow cooker.

Put up fall decorations

Putting up some fall decorations can shift the mood in your home and make the season feel special! I haven’t really done fall decorations before but I am excited to take my toddlers to help me pick out some new decorations for our home.

Watch a Halloween movie

Once October hits, pull out the family-friendly Halloween movies! Snuggle up with a soft blanket, some popcorn, and some fall themed snacks. Our favorites are the animated The Addams Family, Nightmare before Christmas, and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Make a family gratitude list

Start a family gratitude list! You can make a paper chain, write on paper leaves, or just write on a big piece of paper where everyone can see it. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude in your home will pay dividends.

I am so excited to try some of these ideas this fall with my family and make some memories. Hopefully some of these activities become long-standing fall family traditions. If you’d like a darling copy of the ideas I shared here, enter your email address below!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *