20 Fall Activities for Toddlers That Don’t Use an iPad
You don’t need to feel guilty about screen time — but you also know your toddler doesn’t need another hour glued to an iPad. What you’re really craving this fall are simple ways to keep your little one engaged, moving, and making memories. The problem? You’re busy, tired, and already juggling too much.
That’s where this list comes in.
These 20 fall toddler activities are low-prep, affordable, and screen-free. They’re designed to fit into your life as a busy mom — whether you have 15 minutes before dinner or an entire Saturday to fill. And the best part? You’ll feel good knowing you’re giving your toddler meaningful experiences without relying on a device to entertain them.
🍂 Outdoor Fall Activities for Toddlers
1. What’s a fun way to make a pumpkin patch trip more engaging?
Turn it into a scavenger hunt! Instead of just wandering the pumpkin patch, give your toddler a checklist: “Find a pumpkin bigger than you, a tiny pumpkin, a white pumpkin, and a pumpkin with bumps.” You can make your own printable in Canva or grab a free one from Pinterest boards dedicated to toddler play. To make it easier, you can also find scavenger hunt cards online.
2. How can I turn leaf piles into a learning game?
You already need to rake leaves — so let your toddler jump in first. Then, turn it into a sorting challenge: “Can you find the red leaf? The biggest one? The one shaped like a heart?” This combines active outdoor play with calm, focused observation. Montessori-inspired moms love this one because it blends gross motor and sensory skills.
3. What’s an easy fall nature walk activity for toddlers?
Go on an “acorn adventure.” Give your child a small bucket (Amazon has toddler-sized buckets and collecting bags) and encourage them to collect acorns, pinecones, or colorful sticks. Back home, you can use their finds for crafts, counting games, or pretend play recipes.
4. How can I keep my toddler busy in the backyard?
Set up a simple apple toss. Use small apples or even crumpled paper balls and place a few laundry baskets outside. Toddlers love trying to throw the objects into baskets. You can also grab a toddler-friendly toss game set if you want a reusable option.
5. What can my toddler do with pinecones?
Make it a challenge to collect as many as they can. Pinecones become decorations, paint projects, or even pretend “food” in a toddler kitchen. Busy Toddler (a popular toddler activities blog) recommends using them as natural toys in sensory play bins.
🎨 Indoor Fall Crafts for Toddlers
6. How do you make a simple fall tree craft for toddlers?
Cut out a tree trunk from cardboard or construction paper, tape it to the table, and let your toddler finger-paint the leaves. Another option: dip a toilet paper roll into red, orange, or yellow paint and stamp circle “leaves.” Washable paints and are also easy to find online.
7. What’s an easy pumpkin craft for toddlers?
Paper plate pumpkins! Hand your toddler a plate, orange paint, and markers. Add googly eyes or yarn for hair if you want to make it silly. You can buy affordable bulk packs of paper plates and googly eyes from dollar stores or Walmart.
8. How do you use pinecones in toddler art?
Those pinecones from your walk can become paint projects. Give your child washable paint and a brush, and let them decorate. You can display the pinecones in a bowl as seasonal décor or line them up on the porch.
9. What’s the classic fall toddler craft?
Handprint turkeys. Trace your toddler’s hand on paper, then decorate the “feathers” with crayons, stickers, or tissue paper. You’ll have a keepsake you’ll treasure for years — perfect for family traditions. Stock up on craft paper and sticker sets for easy supplies.
10. How can I make a fall sensory bin?
Fill a shallow bin with orange-dyed rice (use food coloring), mini pumpkins, and scoops. Add small animals, leaves, or toy trucks to keep it varied. Pinterest is full of sensory bin inspiration, and many moms source scoops, containers, and sensory play kits (if you don’t have time to create something from scratch).
🥧 Toddler-Friendly Fall Kitchen Activities
11. How can toddlers help with fall baking?
Make pumpkin muffins together. Measure ingredients ahead, then let your toddler pour, stir, or sprinkle cinnamon. They’ll feel proud of their role in “cooking.” Muffin liners (reusable silicone muffin cups) are perfect for little hands.
12. What’s a toddler-safe art activity using apples?
Apple stamping! Cut an apple in half, dip it in washable paint, and let your toddler press it onto paper. The patterns are fun, and it’s a creative way to reuse apples before they spoil.
13. What’s a fun fall cookie idea for kids?
Leaf-shaped cookies. Grab leaf cookie cutters (Amazon sells fall-themed baking sets) and let your toddler press them into the dough. Keep decorations simple with sprinkles instead of frosting.
14. How do you make applesauce with a toddler?
Use the crockpot! Let your toddler toss sliced apples in, sprinkle cinnamon, and push the “on” button. Hours later, your house smells amazing — and your toddler gets to eat the snack they “made.”
15. What’s a fun fall snack idea for toddlers?
Build a mini fall snack board together. Use toddler-friendly foods like cheese cubes, grapes, pretzels, and dried cranberries. Your little one can help place each food on the board and “serve” it. Use a toddler-safe divided tray from Amazon to make it extra fun.
👨👩👧 Family Traditions That Are Toddler-Safe
16. What are the best fall books for toddlers?
Pull out seasonal storybooks like Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert, Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, or The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming. You can start building your toddler’s fall book collection with classics and new releases.
17. How can toddlers enjoy Halloween before trick-or-treating?
Set up a costume dress-up bin. Use scarves, hats, or old clothes, and encourage pretend play. Amazon has affordable dress-up kits (like farmer costumes, scarecrows, or animal ears) that add a seasonal twist.
18. How do I keep toddlers active indoors on a rainy fall day?
Throw a fall dance party. Play toddler songs or seasonal playlists on Spotify, hand your child ribbons or scarves, and let them twirl. You can even grab ribbon wands for toddler dance parties.
19. How do you make a toddler-friendly fort?
Use blankets, pillows, and chairs to build a cozy fort. Add a flashlight, fall books, or stuffed animals. Forts are perfect for evenings when you want to slow down together.
20. How can toddlers decorate pumpkins without carving?
Skip the knives and hand your toddler markers, stickers, or washi tape. They’ll proudly design their pumpkin — safely and creatively. Pumpkin decorating kits are toddler-friendly and make this easy.
💡 Why Screen-Free Fall Activities Matter
You don’t have to eliminate screens forever — but creating balance is key. These fall activities give your toddler chances to:
Develop fine motor skills
Explore creativity through crafts and play
Connect with you through family traditions
Build independence through simple tasks
And for you? You get to enjoy moments you’ll actually remember, instead of handing over the iPad just to get through the day.
❓ FAQs About Fall Activities for Toddlers
Q: Can toddlers really play independently with these activities?
Yes. Many of these ideas, like sensory bins, pumpkin decorating, or eating a snack board, can keep your toddler engaged independently for 10–20 minutes, giving you time to breathe.
Q: What supplies do I need for fall toddler crafts?
Most supplies are inexpensive and easy to find: paper plates, washable paint, pinecones, mini pumpkins, and cookie cutters. You can source almost everything from Amazon with quick shipping.
Q: Are these fall activities safe for 2-year-olds?
Yes, but adjust for age. Two-year-olds may need more supervision with small items like acorns, while 3–4-year-olds can handle more independence in kitchen and craft activities.
Q: How do I find more fall ideas for toddlers?
Pinterest is a goldmine for toddler play inspiration. Search for “fall activities for toddlers” or “Montessori fall play” to save ideas to your own boards.
Q: Do I need to be crafty to do these activities?
Not at all. Most ideas are low-prep and mom-proof. Think washable paint, stickers, and pre-made cookie cutters. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s connection.
✅ Putting It Altogether
This fall, you don’t have to rely on the iPad to keep your toddler busy. With simple, screen-free ideas, from outdoor scavenger hunts to cozy indoor craft, you’ll create memories that matter while encouraging your child’s creativity and independence.
If you’ve been wondering “How can I keep my toddler busy without an iPad?” or “What are the best fall activities for toddlers?” — now you’ve got 20 ideas that you can actually use.
