40 Fall Boredom Busters for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Low-Prep + Inexpensive)

Looking for easy fall boredom busters for toddlers and preschoolers? This seasonal list of 40 low-prep, budget-friendly indoor and outdoor ideas is perfect for crisp autumn days.

image shows title over a picture of children playing in leaves

There’s something magical about fall—the crunch of leaves, cooler temps, and all things pumpkin. But with unpredictable weather and earlier sunsets, keeping toddlers and preschoolers entertained this season can be tricky.

These 40 fall boredom busters are here to help! They’re low-prep, easy on your wallet, and perfect for busy families who just need something that works.

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20 Indoor Fall Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Apple stamping art – Slice apples in half, dip them in paint, and stamp them onto paper for fun seasonal art.
Build a leaf-themed sensory bin – Use dried leaves, acorns, mini pumpkins, and measuring cups.
Make fall playdough – Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice to your usual recipe for extra sensory fun.
DIY pumpkin spice cloud dough – Mix flour, oil, and pumpkin pie spice for a soft, moldable texture.
Pumpkin washing station – Set up a bin of soapy water and scrub pumpkins clean with sponges.
Pretend to rake leaves – Cut out construction paper leaves and give your toddler a mini rake or broom.
Read fall books in a blanket fort – Cozy up with stories about pumpkins, leaves, and animals preparing for winter.
Create paper plate scarecrows – Glue on scraps of fabric, buttons, and yarn for silly faces.
Bake together – Make simple muffins or apple crisp with your little one as the helper.
Sort mini pumpkins – Great for learning about size, color, and texture.
Fall sticker collage – Give your toddler seasonal stickers and a big sheet of paper.
Paint pinecones – Use washable paint and glitter for fall-themed decorations.
Build with apples – Stack apples and see how high they can go!
Acorn sensory play – Hide acorns in a bin of rice and let them dig and discover.
Play ‘hot pumpkin’ – Use a small gourd or toy pumpkin and play music, passing it around.
Printable placemat coloring – Use fall-themed printable mats and crayons during mealtime.
Fall leaf drop – Cut out paper leaves, then toss them in the air and try to catch them.
Snack sorting game – Use fall treats like candy corn or cereal and sort by color or shape.
Practice bundling up – Let your toddler practice putting on jackets, boots, and scarves.
DIY leaf matching game – Cut out pairs of paper leaves with different patterns to match.

20 Outdoor Fall Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Jump in leaf piles – Classic fall fun. Bonus points for taking photos mid-air!
Nature walk scavenger hunt – Look for red leaves, acorns, pinecones, and squirrels.
Leaf rubbings outside – Collect leaves and use crayons to rub the textures onto paper.
Apple picking adventure – Let kids pick their own apples and learn where food comes from.
Pumpkin patch visit – Even toddlers love picking their own pumpkin!
Decorate the front porch – Let them place mini pumpkins or help hang fall-themed signs.
Sidewalk chalk fall scenes – Draw leaves, trees, or turkeys on the driveway.
Make a nature crown – Use string or tape and let your child add leaves and small sticks.
Neighborhood pumpkin hunt – Walk around and count how many pumpkins you can spot.
Bike rides in cool weather – Great for getting energy out and enjoying the breeze.
Pinecone bird feeder – Spread peanut butter on a pinecone, roll in birdseed, and hang.
Paint pumpkins outside – Easier to clean up when the mess stays outside!
Fall “I Spy” game – Spot colors and objects that match the season.
Gourd washing – Just like pumpkin washing but with smaller gourds.
Outdoor picnic – Enjoy apples, muffins, and warm cider on a blanket.
Stick fort or fairy house – Build tiny houses from twigs, bark, and stones.
Watch squirrels gather food – Nature show, toddler edition.
Plant flower bulbs – Let kids dig holes and plant spring flowers for a fun surprise later.
Leaf jumping game – Call out a color and jump to the closest matching leaf.
Create a gratitude tree – Use a real branch and add paper leaves with things you’re thankful for.