Fall Fun with Grandkids: Simple Ways to Make Memories This Season

Ah, fall. The air turns crisp, the leaves start their brilliant dance of reds, oranges, and golds, and suddenly, every little outing feels like an adventure. Now that I’m a grandmother, I’m savoring these moments even more—watching my granddaughters’ eyes light up at simple joys, sharing snacks, stories, and laughter. If you’re looking for ways to fill your autumn days with fun, here are some of my favorite activities that are perfect for grandparents and grandkids alike.

1. Leaf Collecting & Nature Walks

Grab a basket and head outside. There’s something magical about letting little hands pick up leaves of every shape and color. Turn it into a fun scavenger hunt: who can find a red leaf, a yellow leaf, or one shaped like a heart? Back at home, you can press them in a book or make a colorful collage—instant keepsakes!

2. Pumpkin Adventures

Pumpkins are fall’s gift to grandparents and kids. Visit a local pumpkin patch and let the kids choose their very own pumpkin. Carving is fun, but painting pumpkins is a wonderful alternative for little hands—it’s messy in the best way! For extra fun, roast the seeds together for a crunchy snack.

3. Cozy Storytime

There’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket and a warm drink (hot cocoa for them, maybe coffee for you!) and reading a seasonal story. Picture books about autumn, pumpkins, or woodland animals make storytime magical—and give plenty of chances for giggles, questions, and conversations about what they see in the illustrations.

4. Baking Together

Fall is the perfect excuse to bake, and kids love to help! Some of our favorites are pumpkin spice muffins and peanut butter chocolate chip muffins.  Little helpers can stir, pour, and taste. Bonus: baking teaches them a bit of kitchen skills, patience, and the joy of sharing. The smell alone will have the whole house feeling cozy.

5. Outdoor Games in the Crisp Air

A brisk fall day is perfect for a game of tag, hide-and-seek among the leaves, or tossing a football around. Even simple nature-inspired games like “Leaf Pile Jump” bring so much laughter—and you get a little exercise too!

6. Crafty Autumn Projects

If the weather keeps you inside, don’t worry! Gather acorns, pinecones, and leaves for a creative afternoon. Make wreaths, nature collages, or little animal figurines. These crafts are not only fun but also help children explore textures and colors, plus you end up with cute homemade décor.

7. Visit a Local Farm or Orchard

Apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes… these activities are classic for a reason! Kids get hands-on experiences, and grandparents get to enjoy watching their excitement. Don’t forget the cider donuts—they’re basically mandatory even for real-food families.

8. Simple Science Experiments

Turn fall discoveries into learning moments. Collect leaves, nuts, or acorns and explore counting, sorting by size or color, or even doing a sink-and-float experiment. Learning disguised as play? Yes, please!

A Few Thoughts to Keep in Mind

The best part about fall activities with grandkids isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Slow down, savor the moments, let them lead sometimes, and enjoy the little things: the crunch of leaves, the sweetness of a shared snack, the sound of laughter echoing through a pumpkin patch.

So grab your scarves, your sneakers, and maybe a thermos of something warm, and make some fall memories that will last a lifetime. After all, these little moments are the ones they—and you—will remember the most.

I’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite fall activities to do with your grandkids? Do you have any special traditions, cozy recipes, or fun outings that make autumn extra magical in your family? Share your ideas in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to create memories and make this season even more special with the little ones!