As autumn approaches and the weather finally begins to shift (or at least we can hope, here in Alabama!), I’ve put together some of my favorite at-home fall activities for kids to celebrate the season. Having taught primary grades for over a decade, I always loved bringing these lessons to life in my classroom. Now as a mom, doing them with my own children is even more special!
September: Leaves and all things Apple
Leaf Hunts and Nature Crafts
Take a walk to collect fallen leaves as they change colors. It’s a great opportunity to discuss why leaves change, and you can use your collection to create beautiful art together. Check out this guide on creating leaf prints for inspiration!
Johnny Appleseed Day (September 26)
Celebrate by making homemade applesauce or visiting a local apple orchard to sample fall flavors. Here are a few great recipes to try at home:
- Learn how to make Crockpot Applesauce in the Classroom
- Try these 5 Easy Apple Recipes Even Johnny Appleseed Would Love
- Explore additional Johnny Appleseed Recipes to make with your kids
October: Pumpkins and Spooky Snacks!
Pumpkin Life Cycles
Carving a pumpkin is a classic, hands-on way to explore its parts and life cycle. When I taught English as a Second Language (ESL), I loved pairing this with the book Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell to dive into the science of decomposition and growth. You can even fill in this pumpkin life cycle activity sheet.
Oreo Spider Snack Activity
Edible Arachnids: Connect science and sequencing with a quick, hands-on snack!
Ingredients:
1 Oreo cookie (spider body)
8 pretzel sticks (spider legs)
2 M&Ms or Skittles (eyeballs – use Skittles for a peanut-safe option)
A dollop of frosting or peanut butter (as “glue”)
Directions:
- First, gently twist the Oreo open. (Pro tip: A gentle twist keeps the cookie from breaking!)
- Next, spread a small dab of frosting or peanut butter on both interior sides of the cookie.
- Then, press four pretzel stick “legs” into the filling on each side (8 total).
- Last, press the top cookie back on, use a dot of frosting on top to attach two candy eyes, and enjoy! (Add a red candy accent if you want to turn it into a black widow!)
Educational Twist: Watch this video, then have your child retell how they made their spider using transitional words (First, Next, Then, Last) or identify the body parts of an arachnid.
November: Turkey Time
Turkey Sweet Treats
Ingredients:
1 Oreo cookie
6 pieces of candy corn (5 for feathers, 1 for the beak)
2 M&Ms or Skittles (eyes, plus an optional red piece for the wattle)
Chocolate frosting or peanut butter
Directions:
- First, gently twist open the Oreo cookie.
- Next, spread your frosting or peanut butter across the inside cream.
- Then, arrange 5 candy corn pieces along the top edge facing outward to form the turkey’s tail feathers.
- Last, place the top cookie back on, add a dab of frosting to the front, and attach two candy eyes, one candy corn “beak,” and a red candy for the wattle.
