25 Fall Homeschool Activities Kids Will Love

Fall is one of the easiest seasons to bring learning outdoors and make homeschooling feel fresh and exciting. The cooler weather, changing leaves, and natural abundance offer countless opportunities for hands-on lessons that stick. Whether you’re homeschooling toddlers, elementary kids, or middle schoolers, these fall-themed activities are simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to bring some seasonal joy into your routine.

And don’t toss those leftover leaves or pumpkin scraps just yet…later in this post, I’ll share a clever way to repurpose them into another learning activity!

25 Fall Homeschool Activities

Nature & Science Activities

1. Go on a Nature Walk – Collect leaves, acorns, or pinecones and observe seasonal changes.
2. Create a Leaf Journal – Press and label different leaves.
3. Leaf Science – Study why leaves change color with simple science experiments.
4. Count & Sort Pinecones – A fun math activity for younger learners.
5. Pumpkin Life Cycle Study – From seed to pumpkin pie, teach the science of growth.
6. Bird Watching – Track migrating species and record observations.
7. Learn How to Compost – Teach sustainability with a backyard compost starter.

Creative Arts & Writing

8. Paint Fall Scenery – Capture autumn colors on paper.
9. Creative Writing Prompts – Encourage kids to write short stories inspired by fall.
10. Make Leaf Rubbings – Place leaves under paper and rub crayons to reveal textures.
11. Pinecone Art – Turn pinecones into owls, turkeys, or trees.
12. Fall Poetry Writing – Read seasonal poems and try writing your own.

Hands-On Crafts & DIY

13. Make a Bird Feeder – Use pinecones, peanut butter, and bird seed.
14. Pumpkin Painting – Skip the carving mess and paint pumpkins instead.
15. DIY Fall Garland – String together leaves, pinecones, or felt cutouts.
16. Nature Scavenger Hunt – Create a checklist of things to find outside.
17. Build a Leaf Maze or Obstacle Course – Pile leaves and let the kids explore.

History & Field Trips

18. Visit a Historical Farm or Homestead – Learn how early Americans prepared for winter.
19. Apple Orchard Field Trip – Explore apple varieties and taste test.
20. Pumpkin Patch Adventure – Tie in math lessons with weight, price, and size comparisons.
21. Local Fall Festival – Teach cultural traditions and community life.

Family & Life Skills

22. Bake a Fall Recipe Together – Pumpkin muffins, apple crisp, or homemade bread.
23. Practice Gratitude Journaling – Write 3 things you’re thankful for each day.
24. Seasonal Chore Chart – Rake leaves, prep garden beds, or store summer toys.
25. Fall-Themed Family Game Night – Play charades or trivia with autumn themes.

📌 How to Use This List

• Pick 2–3 activities per week and weave them into your existing homeschool rhythm.
• Keep supplies simple…you probably have most of these at home already.
• Adapt for different ages: toddlers can paint leaves, while older kids can write essays on composting or migration.

💡 Free Printable

👉 Want this list as a one-page printable checklist? Click here to download it and stick it on your fridge for easy reference!

Fall homeschooling doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. By leaning into what’s naturally around you; leaves, pumpkins, pinecones, cooler weather…you can create meaningful lessons that engage your kids and make homeschooling feel fun again.

So, grab a basket, head outdoors, and let this season inspire your learning!