Autumn is here! Whether your family loves getting cosy indoors or wrapping up warm and heading outside for an adventure, there are plenty of fun autumn activities for children and families to enjoy.

We’ve put together 10 things to do with kids this autumn, with ideas suitable for a range of ages. From pumpkin carving and autumn baking to muddy outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone.

1. Bake Something Cosy

Nothing says autumn quite like the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. Think homemade apple pie, pecan pastries, cinnamon treats or classic chocolate chip cookies.

Baking is a great indoor autumn activity for children of different ages. Younger children can help with simple jobs such as mixing and pouring, while older children can practise measuring ingredients and following a recipe. And, of course, everyone can help with the taste testing!

2. Carve a Pumpkin Pal

Pumpkin carving is a classic autumn family activity – and a great opportunity to get creative.

Choose a design together and create a spooky face, funny character or something completely different. Feeling up for a challenge? You could even try carving your own SuperSaurus!

Adults should always handle sharp carving tools and closely supervise children throughout.

3. Paint a Pumpkin

Not ready for carving? Pumpkin painting is a fun, child-friendly alternative that still lets everyone get creative.

Grab some child-safe paints and decorate your pumpkin with colourful patterns, silly faces or favourite characters. It's particularly good for younger children who want to join in with the pumpkin fun without using carving tools.

4. Make an Autumn Sensory Bin

An autumn sensory bin can be a fun hands-on activity, particularly for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Fill a container with age-appropriate autumn-inspired objects and materials for children to explore. You could take inspiration from colourful leaves, pumpkins, apples, sunflowers and other seasonal finds.

Sensory play can encourage children to explore different colours and textures while using their imagination and practising fine motor skills.

5. Build a Mini Scarecrow

For children who enjoy a longer craft project, why not have a go at making a mini scarecrow?

You can use straw or other craft stuffing for the body, string or elastic bands to hold everything together, and old doll clothes or scraps of fabric to create its outfit.

Give your scarecrow a name when you're finished and find it a new home in the garden.

6. Make Mud Pies

Sometimes the simplest activities are the most fun. Making mud pies is a childhood classic – just be prepared for things to get a little messy!

Set up an outdoor mud kitchen using old bowls, spoons and containers, then let children use mud, water, leaves and other safe natural materials to create their masterpieces.

Wellies and old clothes are definitely recommended for this one.

7. Go on an Autumn Bingo Walk

There are so many things to discover on an autumn family walk, from conkers and pinecones to colourful leaves and birds.

Before you head out, create a simple autumn bingo card featuring things you might spot along the way. Give everyone a card and tick each item off as you find it.

Who will be the first to complete a row – or even get a full house?

8. Jump in a Pile of Autumn Leaves

For younger children especially, a big pile of crunchy autumn leaves can provide plenty of entertainment.

Gather fallen leaves into a pile and let the jumping begin! Children can enjoy the colours, sounds and textures while getting outdoors and burning off some energy.

Choose a safe, clear area and check the pile for sharp objects, litter or animal waste before children jump in.

9. Build an Outdoor Den

Heading outside for an adventure? Den building is a brilliant way to encourage children to work together, problem-solve and get creative.

Use fallen sticks, branches and leaves to create the structure, alongside a sheet or waterproof cover brought from home.

Your den doesn't need to be perfect. Half the fun is working out how to build it together!

10. Make an Autumn Leaf Crown

The reds, oranges and yellows of autumn make fallen leaves perfect for seasonal arts and crafts.

Collect some colourful fallen leaves on your next family walk, then take them home and turn them into an autumn leaf crown. Create a simple paper or card band and attach your favourite leaves to make a crown fit for an autumn king or queen.

It's an easy way to combine an outdoor adventure with a cosy craft activity once you get home.

More Autumn Fun for the Whole Family

Autumn doesn't have to mean staying indoors. From baking together on a rainy afternoon to exploring the outdoors on a crisp autumn day, there are plenty of simple ways to make memories as a family.

Why not download our 10 Things to Do This Autumn Family Checklist and tick off each activity as you complete it? See if your family can finish all 10 before autumn comes to an end!

Looking for things to do during October half term?

If you need a little extra help keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays, SuperCamps offers action-packed holiday camps for children, with a variety of activities designed to keep them active, entertained and having fun.