There’s just something about fall that makes everything  feel a little more magical. The air gets crisp, the leaves  turn into a rainbow of colors, and suddenly even a simple  walk around the block feels like an adventure. As a nanny,  this season is one of my favorites because it’s filled with  so many opportunities to make sweet memories with the  little ones. 

Here are some of my go-to fall activities that always bring  smiles (and giggles): 

Leaf Piles & Little Treasures 

Nothing beats the joy of kids running and jumping into a  big pile of leaves. Before we rake them all up, we usually  go on a “leaf hunt”—looking for the biggest, brightest, or funniest-shaped leaf. They love collecting their treasures,  and later we turn them into art projects like leaf rubbings  or collages. 

Apple Adventures 

Fall means apple season, and little ones love the whole  experience of apple picking. Watching them reach up high  (or try to carry apples bigger than their heads) is the  sweetest. When we get home, we make homemade  applesauce together—it’s simple, fun, and the smell of  cinnamon and apples bubbling on the stove is pure  comfort. 

Pumpkin Season 

Carving pumpkins can be a bit tricky with tiny hands, but  painting pumpkins? That’s where the fun is. We bring out  paint, stickers, glitter—you name it—and let their  imaginations run wild. A trip to the pumpkin patch is also a must: hayrides, corn mazes, and of course picking out  the perfect pumpkin for the porch. 

Crafts & Cozy Play 

When it’s too chilly to be outside, we bring the fun  indoors. Fall-themed sensory bins (with dried corn, mini  pumpkins, pinecones, and scoops) keep little hands busy  for ages. We also snuggle under blankets for storytime  with autumn-themed books—it’s one of the coziest parts  of the day. Go-to book- Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman 

Little Traditions 

Sometimes it’s the tiniest traditions that stick. Sharing a  warm cup of apple cider, baking pumpkin muffins, or  making a simple “fall bucket list” together adds so much  joy. I’ve found that kids love knowing we’ll do these  things year after year—it gives them something to look  forward to.

Fall is short, but it’s filled with endless chances to slow  down and enjoy the little things. Whether it’s crunching  through leaves, picking apples, painting pumpkins, or  sipping cider, these moments create memories that stick  with the littles (and with me, too).

written by: Lucille Priolo

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