Fun Fall Activities for Kids and Families
As the leaves change color and the temperature begins to drop, fall presents a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together celebrating the season. The beauty of fall is that it offers numerous cost-effective ways to create cherished memories and learning opportunities for young children. Here are some fun activities for kids that the whole family can all enjoy.
Community Events and Local Festivals
Many communities host free or low-cost fall festivals and events that are perfect for families. Check with your local community center, library, or school for upcoming events. If you live in Hershey, Harrisburg, Middletown, or Lancaster County, here are some fantastic local events that are perfect for the family to enjoy:
• Family Fun Fall Festival at all Stauffers of Kissel Hill locations – October 12 & 13 starting at 10:00 a.m.
• Harrisburg 717 Sunday Funday – October 13 & 27 starting at 2:00 p.m.
• Elizabethtown Fair Grounds Fall Festival – October 19 starting at 10:00 a.m.
• Fall Harvest at Central Penn College – October 19 starting at 10:00 a.m.
• Smart Start Storytime at Lebanon County Libraries – All year, Monday through Thursday, starting at various times.
• Many towns throughout Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties have Halloween parades. Check with your local community.
These events provide an excellent opportunity for families to connect with their community and enjoy the season together.
DIY Crafts: Pumpkin Decorating
Pumpkin Decorating: This is a fall favorite that doesn’t require carving tools! Instead, use markers, stickers, or other craft supplies to decorate your pumpkins. You can even use old clothes to dress them up! This is a safe and mess-free way for young kids to enjoy the spirit of Halloween.
Outdoor Adventures: Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts
Nature Walks: Fall is a beautiful time to explore the great outdoors, no matter where you are. Take a nature walk in a nearby park or your neighborhood and observe the changing colors of the leaves. Many local parks such as the Capital Area Green Belt and Wildwood Park also run free activities for your child to have fun in nature. Encourage your children to collect different types of leaves, acorns, and pinecones. You can use these natural treasures for future craft projects or simply enjoy their beauty!
Scavenger Hunts: Create a simple fall-themed scavenger hunt for your children. Make a list of items to find, which include different shapes, sizes, textures and colors, such as:
• A red leaf
• An orange leaf
• An acorn
• A pinecone
• A smooth rock
• A feather
Scavenger hunts are not only fun but also help children develop their observation and problem-solving skills and provide a rich sensory experience that stimulates brain development and helps young children interact with the world about them.
Cooking & Baking Together
Cooking and baking are wonderful ways to spend quality time with your children while teaching them valuable life skills. Here are a few simple fall recipes to try:
• Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Slice apples and spread peanut butter on top. You can also add raisins or granola!
• Pumpkin Muffins: Used canned pumpkin and basic baking ingredients to make delicious and healthy muffins. You can find an easy recipe here!
• Banana Pancakes: Mash ripe bananas and mix with rolled oats and eggs to create a simple, nutritious batter. Cook the small pancakes on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until bubbles form and edges are set.
Involving children in the kitchen helps them learn about measurements, following instructions, and, of course, the joy of creating something delicious and nutritious!
Reading Fall-Themed Books
Reading together is a wonderful way to bond with your children and stimulate their imagination. Visit one of our CHS locations for the Family Success Center or your local library and check out fall-themed books. Some books in our Lending Library this fall include:
• “Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin” by Tad Hills
• “Diwali” by Hannah Eliot
• “The Scarecrow’s Hat” by Ken Brown
• “We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt” by Steve Metzger
• “Binny’s Diwali” by Thrity Umrigar
• “I Love You Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt
• “David Goes to School” by David Shannon
• “How Do Dinosaurs Learn to be Kind” by Jane Yolen
• “I Love my Beautiful Hair” by Elissa Wentt
Fall offers many opportunities for families to create lasting memories. From community events and DIY crafts to outdoor adventures and cooking together, there are countless ways to embrace the season and provide enriching experiences for young children. So, gather your loved ones, bundle up, and enjoy all the fun and learning that fall naturally has to offer!
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