The fall is an excellent time of year to get outside and play in the fresh fallen Autumn leaves. Use this list of outdoor fall activity ideas to get the kids outside to have fun! (First published in September 2015; this post is updated and republished to improve the content.)
Here’s a list of ten fun fall leaf activities that kids from toddlers to teens can do outside with fresh fallen autumn leaves. Invite children outside to play with fall leaves with these fun outdoor autumn activities for kids. You might also enjoy the ideas on this excellent list of outdoor learning ideas and nature activities for kids.
Related: 20 Ways to Play in the Rain
Benefits of Playing Outdoors in Fall Leaves
Playing outdoors in the fall leaves offers a natural, refreshing, and delightful way to nurture well-being and development and has many benefits for individuals, particularly children. This delightful seasonal activity is not just a feast for the eyes, thanks to the vibrant autumn foliage, but also a holistic experience that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Engaging in playful acts such as tossing, kicking, and rolling in fall leaves enhances motor skills and physical health. The crisp autumn air and the natural beauty of the surroundings encourage individuals to breathe deeply and relish the freshness, vital for lung health and boosting the immune system.
Besides the physical benefits, immersing oneself in the beauty of autumn leaves helps to alleviate stress and enhance mood, providing a natural avenue for relaxation and mindfulness. Playing outdoors in the fall can also foster a strong connection with nature and encourage a sense of environmental stewardship. You might also enjoy showing children how to care for planet Earth.
Best Outdoor Fall Leaf Activities for Kids
There are so many fun ways to play with fresh fallen autumn leaves. Here’s a list of fall activities, including a few classic fall leaf activities, such as jumping in a pile of leaves, that include new and unique ways to play and learn with autumn leaves you might not have heard of.
Best of all, you won’t need much more than a rake for these fall leaf activities. All you need to do is step outside, and you’re good to go for most of these autumn leaf activities. So encourage children to play outdoors with autumn leaves with the fun ideas below!
11 Ways to Have Fun Outside Playing with Fall Leaves
Here’s a list of outdoor fall leaf activities you can try. Click on the blue text for the step-by-step directions for each outdoor fall activity. This post is part of the Get Outside and Connect Series. Click on the link to learn more about it.
1. Play Fall Leaf Counting Games
Try fall leaves counting games this autumn. Click on the link to find out how.
2. Rake and Jump in Piles of Autumn Leaves
This activity is one of the simplest and most classic ways to get outside and have fun with fall leaves. Want to make jumping in the leaves more interesting? Try one of the following two outdoor autumn leaf activities while you’re at it.
3. Make a Leaf Maze or Labyrinth in Your Backyard
If you must rake leaves in the autumn months, why not make a leaf maze or labyrinth like THIS one while you’re out there? Raking leaves into the shape of a maze is a fun way to play with fall leaves before raking them up. Your children are sure to love this fun fall activity idea!
4. Make a Leaf Slide
If you’re looking for a unique and fun fall activity for the backyard, make a leaf side! Yup, you read that right–a leaf slide!
Making a leaf slide is another excellent fall activity children can do outside, raking leaves. Hop on over to Happy Hooligans for all of the fun details.
5. Go on a Leaf Hunt
Go on a leaf hunt with this fun and educational fall leaf idea from Edventures with Kids! Use the printable fall leaf scavenger hunt cards to inspire your children to get outside, practice a little math, and (most of all) enjoy the season’s beauty!
6. Find the Tree That Matches the Leaf
Visit A Mom with a Lesson Plan for the details on how to play this fun fall leaf game.
7. Use Fall Leaves to Make Land Art
The Artful Parent shares a lovely article about using fall leaves and other natural materials to create gorgeous land art. Click HERE to learn about the land artist Richard Shilling and this beautiful way to create art.
8. Look for Symmetry in Nature
Turn your next nature walk into a simple lesson in symmetry with this fun fall leaf activity for kids. Use real autumn leaves and other natural items to see if they are symmetrical. Looking for symmetrical patterns and shapes in the great outdoors is a simple, hands-on way for kids to explore basic math concepts.
9. Learn to Identify Leaves and Trees
Take your favorite leaf or tree field guide with you on a nature walk, or pick some autumn leaves and bring them home to explore in more depth.
Next, use the Wildlife Guide by Reader’s Digest or another field guide or book about trees to help your children learn how to identify the leaves and trees that grow in your neighborhood, park, or nature preserve.
10. Go on a Leaf Counting Scavenger Hunt
This fall leaf scavenger hunt by Hands On as We Grow shares a different way to count leaves outdoors. Click on the link to learn about this simple leaf-counting twist. Next, invite children to try this fun leaf scavenger hunt.
11. Collect Leaves for Fall Leaf Crafts
Whether making a fall leaf crown, creating autumn leaf art, a gorgeous leaf lantern, or learning to sew, there are many fun and easy ways to play, learn, and craft with leaves. So, encourage the kids to get outside to collect leaves to make fall leaf crafts. Try any of the fall leaf arts and crafts listed below.
- How to Preserve Leaves
- Autumn Leaf Crown Craft
- DIY Fall Leaf Lantern
- Fall Leaf Sewing for Kids
- Best Fall Art Projects (Contains fall leaf art ideas)
- Fall Nature Crafts (Lists fall leaf crafts)
- Turkey Leaf Crafts for Thanksgiving
- Watercolor and Fall Leaves Art
- Heart Leaf Lanterns
- Leaf Baby Craft
- Turkey Leaf Lanterns
- How to Make a Thankful Tree with Real Leaves
Related: Nature Crafts and Nature Activities that Use Natural Materials
Outdoor Fall Leaf Activities for Kids
Get outside, connect, and have fun playing and learning about leaves this fall with these fun outdoor activities for kids!
Looking for more outside activities? Here’s a fantastic list of Outdoor Learning Ideas and Nature Activities for Kids.
Don’t forget to look at our fall bucket list seasonal activity guide for the best autumn ever!
Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!
More Fall Activities for Kids
- Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable
- Signs of Autumn Scavenger Hunt
- Fall Books for Kids
- Best Fall Art Projects for Kids
- Fall Nature Crafts
- Bucket List of Fun Fall Activities
- Squirrel Facts and Fun Ways to Learn About Squirrels
Kiera says
These Outdoor Activities for Kids are really awesome because nowadays children are becoming lazy due to the smart devices and games which are available in the smart devices. But that went outside they will get some physical exercises that may help them to get healthy.
Nell Regan M.A. says
I agree, Kiera. Outdoor activities are increasingly important in modern days. Games and smart devices lead to inactivity, while outdoor play keeps kids moving, playing, and most using their imagination. All three of which keep children healthy and learning!