Fall Fun for the Whole Family

Fall Fun for the Whole Family: Outdoor and Indoor Activities for Toddlers and Beyond

Fall is here, whether you're surrounded by the vibrant colors of changing leaves or still soaking up the sunny, warm weather like we are in LA. While the season might look different depending on where you live—some of you are bundling up in cozy sweaters, and others are still in T-shirts and sandals—one thing remains the same: it's the perfect time for family fun. No matter the weather, Autumn brings an energy that makes everyone want to get outside or settle in for indoor coziness. But if you're like me—a busy mom balancing multiple kiddos of different ages—you know the challenge of finding activities that keep everyone entertained, from your wild toddler to your too-cool-for-school tween.

So, whether you're embracing the cool, crisp air or enjoying a sunny, warm autumn, let's explore some fall activities that will create magical memories for the whole family!

Outdoor Fall Adventures

Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza

Is it even fall if you don't visit a pumpkin patch? Make a day of it! The littles can run wild in the hay maze, the older kids can pick out the most giant pumpkin for carving, and you can sneak in a few adorable fall photos of the crew. Many patches also have petting zoos or tractor rides that toddlers and older kids love. And don't worry if you're in LA, where it's still warm—grab some iced apple cider and enjoy the sunny pumpkin vibes!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Fall is all about exploration, and what better way to get the kids outside than with a nature scavenger hunt? Grab some baskets and head to a nearby park, trail, or backyard. For the littlest ones, make a simple list of fall-themed items like "find a yellow leaf" or "spot a pinecone," while older kids can tackle more challenging finds like "bird's nest" or "smooth rock." If you're in LA, this is the perfect time to hunt for succulents or collect colorful rocks and flowers, bringing home treasures for later crafts!

Outdoor Movie Night

Since we don't get the chilly weather here in LA, take advantage and plan an outdoor movie night! Grab a projector or set up a screen in the backyard, and let the kids snuggle up in blankets and sleeping bags under the stars. Pop some popcorn, serve hot cocoa or cider (iced versions for the warmer nights!), and pick a family-friendly fall movie. It's the perfect way to wind down a busy, fun day and enjoy the cooler evenings with the whole crew.

Neighborhood Fall Parade

Ready to channel all that fall creativity? Organize a neighborhood fall parade! Let the kids decorate their bikes, scooters, or even wagons with pumpkins, streamers, and fall leaves. If you live where the weather's still warm, they can cruise around in T-shirts and light jackets while showing off their festive creations. It's a fun, low-pressure way to get outside, meet neighbors, and spread seasonal cheer!

Cozy Indoor Fun for Chilly (or Warm!) Days

Fall-Themed Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are a lifesaver for the littles. Fill a bin with dried corn kernels, mini pumpkins, pinecones, and kid-friendly scoops. Older kids can help set it up, and toddlers can spend ages exploring the textures and colors. Bonus: It keeps them entertained while you prep dinner or catch a break! In LA, you can take this outside and avoid the mess indoors.

Pumpkin Painting Party

Carving pumpkins with toddlers can be...a lot. So, for the younger kids, grab some paint and let them go wild decorating their pumpkins. For the older ones, they can try their hand at carving (with supervision, of course!). Lay down some newspaper, put on a playlist of fun fall tunes, and you've got yourself a cozy, creative evening activity. Best of all, no matter where you are, you can display everyone's creations as festive fall decor.

DIY Fall Wreaths

This one's excellent for mixed-age families! Set up a wreath-making station with paper plates (cut out the center for the wreath base), fall leaves, acorns, glue, and whatever other fall goodies you find. Let the toddlers hang leaves and little decorations while older kids can arrange and create more detailed designs. At the end, everyone has their unique wreath to hang up, giving your home a cozy fall vibe.

Indoor Campout

You don't need to leave the house for a camping adventure! Set up a cozy blanket fort in the living room with pillows and twinkle lights. The whole family can snuggle up with a story (bonus points if it's a fall-themed book!) or watch a movie together. And, of course, don't forget the s'mores—you can make them right in the oven or microwave! It's the perfect cozy fall evening, rain or shine.

Baking and Cooking Together

Bake Fall Treats

Fall is the perfect time for warm, delicious treats; getting the kids involved in the kitchen can be so much fun! Make it a family activity by baking together pumpkin muffins, cinnamon rolls, or apple pie. Let your toddler help stir the ingredients while the older kids measure and decorate. Whether in LA or somewhere cooler, there's nothing like the smell of fall spices filling your home!

DIY Apple Cider Bar

If you have kids who love independence, set up an apple cider bar at home. Let the older ones pour warm apple cider into mugs and have toppings like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and caramel sauce ready for them to customize their drinks. Toddlers can join in by "stirring" their mug with a cinnamon stick. It's a simple but unique way to enjoy a fall afternoon indoors, no matter the temperature outside!

Even if the leaves aren't changing where you live, or it's still warm enough to wear shorts, Fall is still the season for making cozy, fun memories with your family. With these activities, you can make the most of the season, whether outside soaking up the sun or inside cuddling under blankets. So grab your pumpkin-spiced something, wrangle the kiddos, and prepare for an unforgettable autumn!

Happy Fall, y'all!