With temperatures slowly starting to drop, leaves beginning to change, and little ones getting acclimated to their new daycare or school schedules, autumn is surely in the air! While the summer days of sunshine and free time may be behind your family for the time being, there are many ways to engage in outdoor learning activities even in the fall! Here are a few ideas for meaningful outdoor activities to build curiosity and creativity with your little one:
Hiking/Nature Walks
Spending time outdoors and observing the natural world around them can be a special experience for children of all ages. Local parks and hiking trails are wonderful for noticing plants, animals, and the changing seasons. You can make these walks educational by challenging your little one to identify different leaves or bugs they find along the way!
Outdoor Storytime
According to Harvard Health, the simple act of being outside can be beneficial for children’s personal and social development, helping to promote curiosity about the world around them and problem-solving skills. Moving activities, such as storytime outdoors, can be a perfect way to connect stories to the real world around them.
Autumn Crafts
The fall season is an ideal time to engage in nature-based crafts with your little ones, using materials from your own backyard. Carving (or painting) pumpkins, making leaf garlands, or creating art with acorn tops are simple ways to combine fun with learning about nature!
Garden Adventures
While many think of spring and summer as the time to plant gardens, many perennials, veggies, and flowers thrive in cooler temperatures as well! The autumn season can be a wonderful opportunity to help your child turn into a mini gardener, learning about the different types of seeds and tracking plants’ growth over time.
These easy activities help you and your child bond, enjoy the natural world together, and engage in fall fun before the snow hits! Heaven’s Elect knows that a vast majority of a child’s learning and growth happens within the home, and the team here is passionate about empowering you to help your child thrive in all seasons.