Preschool Fall Activities

Young Learners Science Club

Have you started getting ready for fall yet? Bring out those red, orange, and yellow to create some precious preschool fall activities that your child will love.

Over the years, I’ve built a list of Fall Activities for Kids that I keep coming back to, especially when I want something easy, seasonal, and fun. From sensory bins to printable packs and outdoor leaf hunts, these ideas bring learning to life in a way that feels natural and exciting for kids.

Fall is a great time to teach young children about the changing seasons, and there are plenty of fun autumn-themed activities that kids will love. From leaf projects to pumpkin science experiments, there are many ways to get your preschoolers excited about learning this fall. That is why I’ve come up with a list of fun activities to do with preschoolers.

Some of the fun preschool activities below are adorable, and my daughter loves creating new things, so I need to restock my craft supplies.

I seem to have a closet full of stuff, but when I go to create something, I always seem to be missing something. I hate that.

photo collage of preschool fall activities

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Why should preschoolers learn about the Fall season?

Fall is packed with hands-on opportunities to explore nature and understand change. It’s the perfect time to introduce young kids to seasonal science in a way that’s easy to grasp and fun to explore.

  • Understanding the passage of time: Watching leaves fall or daylight shift helps kids start grasping the concept of change across months.
  • Building vocabulary: New words like acorn, harvest, migration, and hibernate naturally come up during fall activities.
  • Sensory discovery: Crunchy leaves, cooler breezes, and pumpkin-scented bins provide rich sensory play that boosts learning.
  • Observing nature’s patterns: Kids can see how animals and plants prepare for winter, laying a foundation for understanding life cycles.

I always keep a stack of autumn-themed picture books nearby during this season. They’re perfect for cozy read-aloud time and help preschoolers connect with what they’re experiencing outside.

Fletcher and the Falling LeavesFletcher and the Falling LeavesThe Roll-Away Pumpkin: A Wonderful & Whimsical Book for Kids! Perfect for the Fall or Autumn Season, Halloween, & Thanksgiving!The Roll-Away Pumpkin: A Wonderful & Whimsical Book for Kids! Perfect for the Fall or Autumn Season, Halloween, & Thanksgiving!Goodbye Summer, Hello AutumnGoodbye Summer, Hello AutumnFall Mixed Up (Carolrhoda Picture Books)Fall Mixed Up (Carolrhoda Picture Books)LeavesLeavesLeaf ManLeaf Man

 

Preschool Fall Activities

What can kids learn from Fall-themed activities?

When you set up fall-themed sensory bins or use seasonal worksheets, you’re doing more than just keeping kids busy. They’re actively learning important skills during the process.

  • Fine motor strength: Scooping, pouring, or tracing letters builds finger strength needed for writing later on. My daughter especially loved using tongs to pick up mini pumpkins in our bin.
  • Language development: Describing textures, naming objects, or following simple directions helps with vocabulary and communication.
  • Sorting and early math: Activities like grouping leaves by color or counting pinecones introduce preschool math in a hands-on way.

Recommended Fall Toys

Adding hands-on play will reinforce your child’s learning of the fall season. Grab one fall toy for your preschooler from the options below.

2 Pieces Leaf Mushroom Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles Fall Maple Puzzle Educational Toy Learning Puzzle Mushroom Shape Preschool Puzzles for Thanksgiving Christmas Birthday Gift Early Education School2 Pieces Leaf Mushroom Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles Fall Maple Puzzle Educational Toy Learning Puzzle Mushroom Shape Preschool Puzzles for Thanksgiving Christmas Birthday Gift Early Education SchoolLearning Resources Alphabet Acorns Activity Set, Develops Letter Recognition, Educational Toys for Toddlers, Homeschool, Visual & Tactile Learning Toy, 78 Pieces, Ages 3+Learning Resources Alphabet Acorns Activity Set, Develops Letter Recognition, Educational Toys for Toddlers, Homeschool, Visual & Tactile Learning Toy, 78 Pieces, Ages 3+hand2mind Sensory Leaves Math Activity Set, Pattern Play, Shape Puzzle, Pattern Blocks Cards, Math Counters, Sorting Toy, Shapes for Toddlers, Counting Toy, Kindergarten Learning Activitieshand2mind Sensory Leaves Math Activity Set, Pattern Play, Shape Puzzle, Pattern Blocks Cards, Math Counters, Sorting Toy, Shapes for Toddlers, Counting Toy, Kindergarten Learning ActivitiesJCREN Wooden Lacing Apple Threading Toys Wood Lace Block Puzzle Shape Travel Game Toys Early Learning Fine Motor Skills Educational Gift for 3 4 5 Years Old Toddlers Baby Kids BoysJCREN Wooden Lacing Apple Threading Toys Wood Lace Block Puzzle Shape Travel Game Toys Early Learning Fine Motor Skills Educational Gift for 3 4 5 Years Old Toddlers Baby Kids BoysSkoolzy 12 Counting, Matching, and Sorting Apple Factory Set, Great Educational Toy for Toddlers, Pretend Play Food Fruit ToysSkoolzy 12 Counting, Matching, and Sorting Apple Factory Set, Great Educational Toy for Toddlers, Pretend Play Food Fruit ToysNAODONGLI Wooden Montessori Toys for Toddler,Educational Toys for 3 Year Old,STEM Toys Mushroom Harvest Game,Learing Shape Sorting & Number Matching,First Birthday Gifts for Kids Boys GirlsNAODONGLI Wooden Montessori Toys for Toddler,Educational Toys for 3 Year Old,STEM Toys Mushroom Harvest Game,Learing Shape Sorting & Number Matching,First Birthday Gifts for Kids Boys Girls

 

How to extend your fall lesson

Once the fall activities are complete, there are many ways to keep the conversation about the fall season going.

  • Fall Book List: If your preschooler loved reading during your fall lesson, extend that interest with a curated list of fall books for more seasonal reading. I’ve shared my favorites that helped my daughter build more connections with what we saw outside.
  • Fall Animals Coloring Pages: Coloring pages are a relaxing and educational way to keep the fall fun going. These printable animal-themed pages give kids the chance to learn about animals they might see in the fall while practicing fine motor skills.
  • Go on a Neighborhood Leaf Hunt: Head outside with a basket or bag and gather different types of leaves. Once you’re back home, kids can sort them by color, size, or shape, or even create leaf rubbings with crayons.
  • Set Up a Fall-Themed Pretend Store: Use items like mini pumpkins, felt leaves, or empty food boxes to create a pretend farmer’s market. This helps with language development, early math, and encourages cooperative play if you have more than one child.

If you need easy-prep options that keep kids engaged and learning during the fall, these printable packs are exactly what I used when my daughter was in preschool. They made it simple to mix seasonal fun with meaningful skill-building work.

More Fall Activities To Try

Your kids will love these fall-themed activities, too, so make sure to check them out.

Fall Sensory Bin
This fall sensory bin will give your child hours of creative play. It's filled with textures, colors, and natural materials that kids will love
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cropped-BLOG-GRAPHICS-Pumpkin-Pie-Sensory-Bin-4.jpg
Pumpkin Pie Sensory Bin
This was a favorite during November and had the whole room smelling like dessert while she scooped and stirred her pretend pie ingredients.
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www.www.livinglifeandlearning.com
Fall Leaf Butterflies Craft
Turn leaves into art with this super simple art project from the leaves you collect in your backyard.
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In this post, we share how we made this super easy nail polish pumpkin craft for kids. You and your kids will love it! It's a perfect fall decoration and the kids can help.
www.www.livinglifeandlearning.com
Nail Polish Pumpkin Craft
Don’t want to worry about how you’ll carve your pumpkins this year? Try this cool art project and decorate your pumpkins with nail polish instead.
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www.craftsonsea.co.uk
Easy Autumn Tree Craft
This fun activity will have your kids grinning from ear to ear. Have your kids get in touch with nature with this fun project.
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funhandprintartblog.com
Footprint Carrot Craft for Easter
Try this fun and cute foot project with your kids today. All you need is orange and green paint for one, and a few craft store items to make the rest.
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www.thenaturalhomeschool.com
Fun Pumpkin Crafts for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Pumpkins are always a must for the changing of the seasons. Your toddlers will love these two crafts to do during the fall.
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www.icanteachmychild.com
Festive Apple Turkey
Try this project to make a charming turkey with your toddler or preschooler. The list of things you need is short in comparison to the long memories you’ll make.
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www.easypeasyandfun.com
Raffia Wrapped Pumpkins
Pumpkins bring good pies and bright colors to the home in the fall. Have your child try this fun activity today.
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www.theottoolbox.com
Baked Cotton Balls Ten Apples Up On Top
Apples aren’t just for a great snack, but great for decoration as well. All you need is flour, red food dye, cotton balls, water, brown pipe cleaners and some green crafting foam to make this adorable project.
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www.sightandsoundreading.com
Fall Writing Prompts
Writing Prompts are a great activity for your kids on cool autumn days. Your kids will love these autumn themed writing prompts.
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www.schooltimesnippets.com
Autumn Themed BUMP Games
All kids love to roll around. Why not turn it into a math activity with these math roll and bump games?
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www.simplefunforkids.com
Fall Tree with Clay Leaves
This is a great activity for your kids and it takes little time to prep or clean up on your part.
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nostresshomeschooling.com
Free Fall Alphabet Pack
It’s never too late or too early to learn your alphabet. This fun alphabet pack is great for teaching your little new learners the basics.
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www.itsybitsyfun.com
Abstract Leaves Coloring Pages
Your preschooler will love to break out the crayons and color these fun abstract leaves. And even better, they can do it with an older sibling as well.
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By taking advantage of all that this season has to offer, you can help your child learn about the world around them while also having a blast together.

So don’t wait. Get started planning your fall activities today.

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