Fall into Reading: Books, Crafts, and Outdoor Play with Your Toddler

 The Magic of Autumn Together

With the leaves changing and the air crisp, there's something magical about this time of year. It’s the perfect season to slow down, cozy up with your little one, and enjoy autumn-themed books and activities. As a mom, I was eager to visit the library and snuggle up with my two-year-old and dive into some fall-themed books, but can you believe it? All 15 of the books I had thoughtfully planned to read were checked out! Clearly, autumn reads are a hit this season.

Even without the specific books we had in mind, there’s so much to do. From nature walks to simple crafts, you can still make the most of this season while limiting screen time. Let’s explore how to celebrate fall indoors and outdoors with your toddler, all while nurturing their creativity and curiosity.

The Joy of Fall-Themed Books (When You Can Get Them!) 

Whether you’re looking for classics or new stories, autumn-themed children’s books are a great way to teach little ones about the changing season. Books like Pumpkin Jack, Room on the Broom, and Leaf Man help toddlers connect with nature and build excitement for Halloween.

Even though our trip to the library didn’t result in our desired book haul (I mean, all 15 of the books on my list were gone!), that’s just a testament to how perfect they are for the season. If you're lucky enough to snag them, enjoy these cuddly reads with your toddler in a cozy corner, perhaps with a cup of warm apple cider by your side.

Simple Fall Crafts and Activities (Because Not Every Day is Library Day) 

When the books are unavailable, there’s no reason to lose heart—fall is filled with opportunities for hands-on, open-ended play that your toddler will love. Here are a few easy crafts that embrace the season:

1. Leaf Rubbing Art 

        Gather leaves during a nature walk, place them under a piece of paper, and let your         
        toddler color over them with crayons. This simple activity gets them moving outdoors 
        and brings a piece of nature home.

1. Pumpkin Decorating (Without the Carving) 

   

   Get mini pumpkins and use stickers, washable paint, or markers to decorate them. This craft is toddler-friendly and mess-minimizing (as much as possible with toddlers).

2. Sensory Fall Bin

   Fill a plastic tub with dried corn, pinecones, mini pumpkins, and cinnamon sticks. Let your little one explore different textures while you sip your coffee in peace for at least five minutes.

These activities keep kids engaged and remind us all of the magic of outdoor play before winter sets in. After all, there’s only so much time to explore fallen leaves, feel the crunch underfoot, and experience the changing landscape before it’s covered in snow.

Screen-Free Adventures: Play Time Outdoors

I’m a big fan of taking advantage of what nature offers before we’re stuck inside during those long winter months. Whether it's chasing fallen leaves, picking up acorns, or collecting nature’s treasures for later crafts, toddlers thrive in open-ended outdoor play. Not only does it burn energy, but it also fosters creativity and connection with the world around them.

Set aside some time to play outside together, go for a nature scavenger hunt, or simply let your child explore the world at their own pace. Fresh air, rosy cheeks, and the joy of discovery are all we need.

Cuddle Up with Books and Enjoy the Season 

Books may come and go from the library, but the opportunities to read, play, and explore with your little one are endless. I love nothing more than curling up on the couch with my toddler, enjoying a good book, and savoring the quiet time together. Fall gives us the perfect excuse to slow down, embrace the season, and find joy in the simple things—whether it’s reading or exploring the outdoors.

If your favorite autumn-themed books aren’t available at your library, don’t worry—you’ve still got a whole season of fun ahead!

You can explore websites that offer book recommendations for children based on age, which would be helpful for parents looking to find appropriate books as their kids grow:

1. Books For Topics: This site has curated booklists sorted by age, from early years (preschool) to year 6 (ages 10-11). They also have specialized booklists on various topics like science, history, and emotional literacy, making it easy to find books based on both age and interest​ Books for Topics.

2. BookTrust's Bookfinder: This tool allows you to choose an age range and type of book, providing tailored recommendations for children of different stages. The Bookfinder covers a wide array of genres and themes, from adventure to educational books​ Visit BookTrust.

Additionally, ThriftBooks is a great resource for finding discounted books, including many children's titles, at affordable prices. It might be worth mentioning this to parents looking for budget-friendly options.