5 Fun Fall Activities to Keep Kids Moving

The long days of summer may be far behind us, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop enjoying the outdoors! The introduction of crisp air and shorter days may influence kids to give up outside play. But establishing regular fall activities for children and adults is still important – and very doable.

It’s recommended that kids get an average of 60 minutes of physical activity each day. While a change in weather may limit kids’ favorite choices of physical activity, such as swimming at the local pool, the introduction of fall-themed activities can help kids stay active and enjoy the outdoors longer.

1. Pumpkin/Apple Picking

Skip the hayride to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard and choose to walk. Not only will you be getting physical activity, you’ll be picking healthy foods.

2. Raking (and Jumping in) Leaves

Encourage children to lend a helping hand with household chores by raking leaves. Working together as a family to rake and move leaves will establish great family bonding time. Plus, kids may be more interested in participating if they can dive into that amazing pile afterwards.

3. Hiking

Lace up your sneakers or get yourself to somewhere like a REI Outlet to get some new gear and go enjoy a fall foliage hike together! Utilize your closest state or local park to find safe hiking or trail locations. No matter where you are, there should be a natural area of beauty to explore. And the autumn season brings with it some striking hues of red, orange, and yellow which can take your breath away, especially if you hike up to a viewpoint. You may be wondering, ‘is hiking good exercise?’, and the answer is yes, absolutely. You and your children can get some great exercise out of hiking as well as the freedom of being out in the fresh air and at one with the countryside. There is nothing to fault in this hobby, and everything to gain for the whole family!

4. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt for kids to complete. Add a time element to help increase physical activity. Searching for leaves, acorns, sticks, and other objects will help kids keep a fun goal in mind, without focusing on physical activity.

5. Corn Maze

Get lost in a corn maze! Many pumpkin patches have corn mazes for hours of wandering and exploring. Use the time to help teach kids about navigation and directions. The colder air of fall shouldn’t limit activities for children. So grab a jacket and hat, plan those fall activities, and head outdoors!

Learn More

Motivating Kids to Be Active (Nemours‘ KidsHealth.org)
Motivating Preschoolers to Be Active (Nemours/ KidsHealth.org)
Motivating School-Age Kids to Be Active (Nemours’ KidsHealth.org)

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