Fall brings a whole new world of wonder and magic for toddlers. From crunchy leaves and cozy sweaters to the smell of cinnamon in the air, it’s the perfect season for cozy indoor activities when the weather starts to cool.

Here are 30 delightful ideas to bring autumn vibes into your home with your little one.

1. Leaf Rubbings

• Take a walk to gather different leaves, then use crayons to create beautiful leaf rubbings together.

2. Pumpkin Sensory Bin

• Fill a bin with dried beans, corn kernels, and small pumpkins or gourds for hands-on exploration.

3. Homemade Playdough with Fall Scents

• Make playdough with fall-inspired scents like cinnamon, clove, or pumpkin spice. Toddlers love the added sensory experience!

4. Mini Pumpkin Painting

• Let your toddler’s creativity shine by painting mini pumpkins. Water-based paints work well and are easy to clean up.

5. Apple Stamping Art

• Cut an apple in half, dip it in paint, and create unique art prints. It’s fun to talk about the star shape inside the apple!

6. Nature Sorting

• Collect pinecones, acorns, and leaves, then sort them at home by color, shape, or size.

7. Cozy Blanket Fort

• Build a fort together with blankets and pillows. Add some fairy lights for extra magic, and enjoy reading fall-themed books inside.

8. Apple Tasting Party

• Try different apple varieties and talk about their colors, textures, and flavors. You might discover a new family favorite!

9. Fall-Themed Sensory Bottles

• Create sensory bottles with warm-colored beads, glitter, and mini leaves to shake and watch the colors swirl.

10. Storytime with Fall Books

• Some favorite fall-themed reads for toddlers: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves or Duck & Goose, Find a Pumpkin.

11. Pumpkin Seed Counting

• After carving a pumpkin, set aside the seeds for counting practice. Perfect for fine motor skills and early math concepts!

12. Handprint Leaf Wreath

• Trace your toddler’s hands on fall-colored paper, cut them out, and glue them together in a wreath shape.

13. Homemade Leaf Garland

• Create a garland using paper leaves or felt leaves. Your toddler can help string the leaves for a fun, personalized decoration.

14. DIY Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

• Mix apple sauce and cinnamon to make dough, then cut out shapes to dry. They smell amazing and make cute gifts.

15. Fall-Themed Puzzles

• Look for seasonal puzzles featuring pumpkins, acorns, or autumn colors. Great for indoor play and brain development.

16. Indoor Leaf Pile Jump

• Gather faux leaves in a big bin or play space. Toddlers love “jumping” in without the cleanup of real leaves!

17. Pretend Play Farmer’s Market

• Set up a mini farmer’s market with play fruits and vegetables for shopping and counting fun.

18. Cinnamon Stick Paintbrushes

• Tie a small bunch of herbs (like rosemary or sage) to a cinnamon stick to use as a brush. Toddlers will enjoy the textures and scents!

19. Apple Pie Scented Sensory Bin

• Fill a bin with oats, dried apples, and cinnamon sticks for a sensory play experience that smells just like pie!

20. Fall-Themed Obstacle Course

• Use cushions, blankets, and toys to create an obstacle course for toddlers to climb, jump, and roll through.

21. Autumn-Themed Window Clings

• Use removable window clings shaped like leaves or pumpkins for a fun, hands-on decoration project.

22. Pumpkin Seed Sensory Play

• After drying out pumpkin seeds, use them in a sensory bin or for crafting.

23. Bake Mini Pumpkin Muffins Together

• Baking together is a cozy indoor activity, and pumpkin muffins are a delicious treat toddlers can help make.

24. Cinnamon Scented “Mud” Play

• Make edible “mud” using cocoa powder, flour, and cinnamon. Perfect for a messy but safe sensory experience.

25. DIY Acorn Stamps

• Glue acorns to corks to make mini stamps. Dip in paint and create a one-of-a-kind fall masterpiece.

26. Fall Color Sorting

• Use leaves or fall-colored paper for a sorting activity that helps teach colors and develop fine motor skills.

27. Pretend Campfire Storytime

• Gather around a pretend “campfire” made from construction paper and tell fall-inspired stories or sing songs.

28. Thankful Tree Craft

• Cut a tree shape from brown paper and have your toddler add paper leaves with things they’re thankful for.

29. Make a Fall-Themed Sensory Path

• Lay out soft blankets, textured mats, and even a pillow “leaf pile” to walk or crawl through.

30. Nature Painting with Leaves and Pinecones

• Use leaves, pinecones, or acorns as brushes to create unique art. The textures make for beautiful, one-of-a-kind paintings.

These activities bring cozy fall vibes to your home, keeping little hands and minds busy and learning! Happy fall, and enjoy these memory-making moments with your little one. 🍁

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