Welcome to the Best Autumn Activities for Preschoolers
Autumn is a fun and colorful season. The trees change colors, the air feels cool, and crunchy leaves fall to the ground. It’s the perfect time for preschoolers to play, learn, and explore outside. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool, we love using each season to help little ones grow and discover the world around them.
Here are some of our favorite autumn activities for preschoolers this year. They are easy to do, lots of fun, and help children learn while they play!
1. Outdoor Fun in the Fall
Go on a Nature Walk
Take a walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Look for colorful leaves, pinecones, or acorns. Bring a small bag so your child can collect their treasures. These can be used later for crafts!
Jump into a Leaf Pile
Raking leaves can turn into a fun game. When you make a big pile, let your child jump in! It’s great for their muscles and helps them practice taking turns and following rules.
Try a Fall Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of autumn items to find, like a red leaf, a smooth rock, or a stick shaped like a Y. This is a fun way to help kids work together and feel proud when they complete the list.
2. Creative Crafts for Little Hands
Leaf Printing
Use leaves and paint to make cool art. Place a leaf on paper, paint it, and press it down. Lift it up to see the print! Try using different colors and sizes.
Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder
Cover a pinecone with peanut butter (or a safe option for allergies), then roll it in birdseed. Hang it in a tree and watch for birds! It’s a great way to learn about animals in nature.
Autumn Collage Art
Use leaves, sticks, and acorns to make a fall collage. Glue them on paper and create your own nature picture. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just have fun!
3. Fun with Fall Senses
Explore Autumn Sensory Bins
Fill a bin with dried corn, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, and small pumpkins. Let kids dig in and explore. It’s a great way for them to use their senses and feel different textures.
Playdough with Fall Smells
Make playdough at home and add smells like cinnamon or apple. Give kids cutters and rollers to make shapes. This builds hand strength and lets them feel creative.
Pumpkin Fun
Cut open a pumpkin and let kids touch the seeds and mushy insides. They can count the seeds, talk about how it feels, and even help make a pumpkin snack later!
4. Learning with Stories and Songs
Read Autumn Books
Pick some sweet stories like Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert or Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson. After reading, act out parts of the story or draw your favorite scenes.
Sing Fall Songs
Sing songs like “Five Little Pumpkins” or “Leaves Are Falling.” Add clapping and dancing to make it extra fun. Music helps kids learn rhythm and language.
Talk About the Weather
Make a simple weather chart to see how the weather changes each day. Talk about what clothes to wear when it’s chilly, rainy, or windy. It’s a fun way to learn about seasons.
5. Simple Fall Cooking with Kids
Try Apple Tasting
Buy different types of apples like green, red, and yellow. Cut them into slices and let your child taste each one. Talk about which one is sweet, crunchy, or soft.
Bake Something Tasty
Let your child help bake pumpkin muffins or mix apples for applesauce. It teaches them how to follow steps and use measuring tools. Plus, they get to eat the treat when it’s done!
Make Warm Apple Cider
Put apple juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a pot. Let it warm up and fill the house with yummy smells. Enjoy a warm cup together when it’s ready.
6. Family and Community Time
Visit a Local Farm
Go apple picking, wander through a corn maze, or ride on a hay wagon. Farms offer so many fun things to do in autumn. You can also learn how farmers grow food!
Have a Picnic
Pack sandwiches, apples, and hot cocoa. Go to a park and enjoy your lunch while watching the leaves fall. It’s a simple way to make special memories.
Help Clean Up the Neighborhood
Invite friends and family to rake leaves together. Make it a game to see who can make the biggest pile! It’s fun and teaches kids how to care for their community.
Autumn is a wonderful time to play and learn. These simple ideas can help your preschooler enjoy the season while building their skills and creativity. At Kia Mena Montessori, we believe every season is a chance to grow. Come discover more about Montessori education and how kids learn best through hands-on fun!
Want more helpful tips? Check out resources from Zero to Three, NAEYC, or learn about fun science activities with kids at Science News.
Visit Kia Mena Montessori to explore our programs or find us easily on Google Maps.
