Why Autumn Is the Best Season for Outdoor Play - 9 Autumn Activities for Toddlers
Crisp mornings, crunchy leaves, and golden light — autumn is a magical time for little ones to enjoy the outdoors.
For toddlers especially, it’s the perfect season to run, explore, and learn through play.
If you’re looking for fun ways to spend time outside with your child this season, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of simple and engaging autumn toddler activities that support their development while making the most of nature’s playground…
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Why Autumn Play Matters for Toddlers
Autumn offers so many opportunities for sensory play, creativity, and learning. The changing colours, textures, and sounds provide a rich environment for toddlers to explore. And with the cooler (but not too cold) weather, it’s an ideal season for spending longer stretches outside without overheating or worrying too much about sun exposure.
Playing outdoors in autumn also helps little ones:
Build physical skills through running, jumping, and balancing.
Develop imagination through seasonal crafts and nature play.
Strengthen social skills by playing with siblings or friends at the park.
Support wellbeing by enjoying fresh air and natural light.
Top Autumn Activities for Toddlers
Here are some easy, low-cost activities you can enjoy with your toddler this autumn:
1. Leaf Collecting and Sorting
Gather different types of leaves, then sort them by size, colour, or shape. This activity supports early maths and observation skills.
2. Conker Hunts
Collect conkers in the park - great for fine motor skills and sensory play. You can also use them later for counting games or autumn crafts.
3. Puddle Jumping
Autumn showers are perfect for splashing in wellies. It’s a brilliant way to encourage gross motor skills and lots of giggles!
4. Autumn Nature Walks
Head out on a family walk to spot wildlife, listen for rustling leaves, and notice the seasonal changes. For snack inspiration on the go, check out our ideas for healthy toddler treats that travel well.
5. Pumpkin Fun
Visit a pumpkin patch to let your toddler choose their own pumpkin. At home, painting or scooping out pumpkins is a wonderful sensory experience.
6. Outdoor Story Time
Wrap up warm and read your toddler’s favourite book outside under a blanket. This combines the joy of reading with fresh air and a cosy autumn vibe.
7. Nature Art
Use leaves, sticks, and pinecones to create pictures or collages. This creative play boosts fine motor skills and sparks imagination.
8. Mini Obstacle Course
Set up an autumn-themed garden course with logs, stepping stones, or piles of leaves. It’s a safe way for toddlers to practise balancing and coordination.
9. Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Create a simple scavenger hunt list with autumn treasures for your toddler to find. Items could include:
A red, yellow, and brown leaf
A pinecone
A stick
Something smooth (like a conker)
Something rough (like tree bark)
This activity encourages observation, problem-solving, and language development as you talk about each object together. Plus, it’s a fun way to make family walks even more engaging.
How Autumn Play Supports Early Years Learning
The best part of these autumn toddler activities is that they’re not just fun — they’re also brilliant for learning. Outdoor play is proven to support early years development by encouraging independence, problem-solving, and creativity. If you’d like to learn more about the power of play, take a look at our post on learning through play in the early years.
Similarly, many of these activities help prepare toddlers for nursery life. Skills like turn-taking, communication, and resilience developed outside translate into confidence indoors too. You can read more about how nursery benefits children’s development in our blog.
Discover more about how we support learning through play:
Embracing Autumn Toddler Activities
Autumn is a season full of colour, adventure, and opportunity. From conker hunts to pumpkin play, there are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors together as a family.
Not only will these autumn toddler activities create happy memories, but they’ll also support your little one’s growth, learning, and wellbeing.
Looking for a nurturing environment where your child can thrive all year round? Find a My Ohana nursery near you and see how we make outdoor play part of everyday learning.
