Your Autumn Family Bucket List for September and October

As the leaves start to turn golden and the days grow shorter, autumn offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy some quality time with your family. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cosy evenings make it an ideal season for fun, family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. From outdoor adventures to cosy indoor crafts, autumn brings a wealth of opportunities to connect with nature, create memories, and embrace the beauty of the changing season.

To help you make the most of this special time of year, I’ve put together an autumn family bucket list. These activities are perfect for September and October and will give you plenty of ideas for keeping the whole family entertained and inspired, no matter the weather.

1. Go on a Leaf-Collecting Walk

There’s something magical about walking through a park or woodland during autumn, with the ground covered in a tapestry of colourful fallen leaves. One of the simplest yet most enjoyable activities for children is to collect leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colours. This not only gets you all out in the fresh air but also provides an opportunity to learn about the changing seasons and different types of trees.

Take your collection home and use the leaves for crafts – from creating leaf rubbings with crayons to making a nature-inspired collage. It’s a great way to extend the fun and spark creativity while also helping children learn about the natural world.

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Nothing says autumn like a visit to a pumpkin patch! Many farms across the UK open their fields for pumpkin picking in September and October, offering families the chance to choose their perfect pumpkin straight from the vine. It’s a wonderful hands-on experience for kids, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the autumnal atmosphere.

Once you’ve selected your pumpkins, you can turn the experience into a family event by carving or painting them together. Whether you opt for classic spooky faces or more creative designs, it’s a fun and messy activity that kids will love. And don’t forget to save the seeds – they can be roasted for a healthy snack or used in other autumn recipes.

3. Bake Seasonal Treats

Autumn is the perfect time to bring the warmth of the kitchen into your home by baking some seasonal treats. Involving children in the baking process not only teaches them practical skills but also allows for plenty of fun and creativity.

Some family favourites include:

• Pumpkin muffins: Soft, moist, and packed with autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Apple crumble: A classic British dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for enjoying with custard or dairy-free cream.
• Vegan gingerbread biscuits: Fun to bake and even more fun to decorate with your children.

Baking together is a great way to spend a chilly afternoon, and you’ll all get to enjoy the fruits of your labour as a family afterwards.

4. Host an Autumn Picnic

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you have to give up on picnics. In fact, autumn picnics can be even more enjoyable with the cooler weather and fewer crowds. Pack a basket with some warm drinks (a thermos of hot chocolate is always a winner!), sandwiches, and seasonal treats like homemade pumpkin bread or vegan sausage rolls.

Head to a local park or woodland with your family and find a cosy spot to enjoy your picnic among the changing leaves. Don’t forget to bring a blanket for extra comfort, and maybe even a few outdoor games to keep the children entertained.

5. Create a Nature Table

A nature table is a wonderful way to bring the outdoors into your home and celebrate the changing season. Take your children on a nature walk and collect autumnal treasures such as conkers, acorns, pinecones, and colourful leaves. Once home, help them arrange their finds on a designated table or tray to create a beautiful autumn display.

This activity encourages children to engage with nature and helps them observe the beauty of the season. You can add to the table throughout September and October as you discover more seasonal items on your walks. It’s a simple but meaningful way to connect with the world around you and bring a little bit of the outdoors inside.

6. Attend a Local Autumn Festival

Many towns and cities across the UK host autumn festivals, offering a range of family-friendly activities such as apple pressing, live music, food stalls, and craft markets. These events are a great way to enjoy the season as a family, and many of them have special activities just for kids.

Check your local community listings to see what’s happening near you in September and October – from harvest festivals to apple days, there’s bound to be something that will get you all in the autumn spirit.

7. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Turn an ordinary walk into an exciting adventure by organising a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your children to find, such as acorns, pinecones, conkers, different types of leaves, or even squirrels and birds. You can print off a ready-made list or make one yourself with the help of your kids.

This activity encourages children to be observant and curious about the natural world, and they’ll love the sense of achievement when they tick off everything on the list. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep them engaged and active outdoors.

8. Decorate Your Home for Autumn

Why not embrace the cosy vibes of autumn by decorating your home with seasonal touches? You don’t need to go overboard – even small changes like adding a wreath made from foraged leaves and twigs, displaying pumpkins, or swapping out lighter textiles for chunky blankets can make a big difference.

Get the kids involved in crafting decorations, such as making leaf garlands or painting mini pumpkins. It’s a fun way to get creative as a family and will make your home feel warm and inviting as the weather turns cooler.

9. Watch an Autumn Movie

When the evenings get darker and the weather turns colder, it’s the perfect excuse to snuggle up on the sofa with a cosy film. Classic autumn family films include The Secret Garden, Hocus Pocus, and Fantastic Mr. Fox – movies that capture the magic of the season. Don’t forget the popcorn!

10. Celebrate Halloween

Of course, no autumn family bucket list would be complete without Halloween! Whether you prefer a spooky party at home, carving pumpkins, or going out trick-or-treating, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this fun holiday as a family. You could even host a Halloween movie night, bake some spooky treats, or make your own costumes together.

Conclusion

Autumn is a season full of beauty, warmth, and opportunities for family bonding. With this autumn bucket list, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to keep your family entertained and connected with nature throughout September and October. So, grab your cosiest jumpers, head outdoors, and embrace all that this magical season has to offer.