As summer fades into the rich, golden hues of autumn, September becomes a wonderful time for families to embrace the outdoors. The weather is still mild, but the first signs of autumn – from crisp leaves to early morning mists – are setting in, creating the perfect backdrop for family outings. My husband Steve, our toddler daughter, and I love finding ways to enjoy nature as a family, especially in September when there’s so much to explore. Here’s a family-friendly autumn bucket list to help you make the most of this season with your loved ones.
1. Go Apple Picking at a Local Orchard
Apple picking is a classic autumn activity and a great way to spend a day outdoors. Many farms across the UK open their orchards to families, providing baskets for picking and offering a variety of apples ripe for the season. It’s a fun way for children to learn about fruit and where it comes from, and it’s ideal for our toddler to get hands-on with nature.
Steve and I love this activity because, at the end, you bring home delicious apples that can be used for cooking together – think apple pies, apple crumbles, or even homemade apple sauce for a simple treat. This experience is as much about creating family memories as it is about taking home some tasty seasonal produce.
2. Explore a Nature Trail and Look for Autumn Leaves
September is an excellent time to go on nature walks and explore trails as trees start turning shades of orange, red, and yellow. Visit local parks, nature reserves, or woodlands, and bring along a bag to collect fallen leaves, acorns, and pinecones. We love walking together as a family, and our daughter enjoys collecting leaves and spotting squirrels and birds along the way.
You can also create a simple leaf-identification game to make the walk educational. Download or print out a guide to common British trees and see how many types of leaves you can find. When you get home, press the leaves in a heavy book and save them as beautiful autumn keepsakes or for craft projects.
3. Go on a Family Picnic with an Autumn Twist
While summer is popular for picnics, September is a lovely time for an autumn-themed picnic. Choose a park with scenic views or a quiet countryside spot, bring along a blanket, and pack warm treats like soup in a thermos, pumpkin muffins, or even hot chocolate.
Our toddler enjoys being outside, and having a picnic gives her the freedom to explore while we enjoy a relaxing meal. Steve and I like to bring a few toys, a book, or even some bubble wands to make the day more entertaining. A picnic in the fresh autumn air, surrounded by colourful trees, is a peaceful way to enjoy the seasonal changes.
4. Visit a Farm or Pumpkin Patch
September is the start of pumpkin season, and many farms have pumpkin patches where families can pick their own. While pumpkins are typically associated with October, some farms start opening in September, offering a variety of sizes and colours for early autumn enthusiasts.
Visiting a pumpkin patch is something we look forward to, as it’s fun for both children and adults. Our daughter loves the colours and shapes, and it’s a great photo opportunity with the rolling fields of pumpkins in the background. You can pick a few pumpkins to decorate at home or save them for carving closer to Halloween.
5. Go on a Woodland Adventure and Build a Den
Woodland adventures are perfect for early autumn, when fallen branches and leaves are abundant and nature offers plenty of materials for creative play. Many parks and woodlands in the UK have designated areas where children can build dens using fallen branches, sticks, and leaves.
Building a den encourages children to work together and use their creativity, and it’s a fantastic bonding experience for families. Steve and I enjoy helping our daughter collect materials and arrange them into a little shelter, where she can sit and play. The best part is that it’s entirely eco-friendly, using natural materials already available in the woodland.
6. Have a Family Scavenger Hunt
An autumn-themed scavenger hunt can make an ordinary day outdoors extra exciting. Prepare a list of seasonal items to find, such as acorns, pinecones, yellow leaves, conkers, or even certain birds. We bring along a little bag for our toddler so she can collect small items like acorns and leaves.
This activity encourages children to look closer at their surroundings and is perfect for developing observational skills. Plus, it’s adaptable for all ages, so Steve and I can add more challenging items to find, while our daughter focuses on easier finds.
7. Watch a Sunset and Enjoy a Cozy Bonfire
As the evenings start drawing in earlier, September is a great time to wrap up a day with a sunset and, if possible, a small, safe bonfire or fire pit. Head to a scenic spot, bring along blankets, and watch the sky turn orange and pink as the sun sets. If you’re able to build a fire, it’s a lovely way to keep warm and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Our toddler loves watching the sky change colours, and Steve and I enjoy this peaceful time to unwind together. Just remember to bring some marshmallows to toast if you have a fire pit – it’s a simple treat that always makes an evening feel special.
8. Create a Bird Feeder to Hang in the Garden
Autumn is a time when birds start preparing for winter, and making a homemade bird feeder is a fun activity that allows children to help feed their feathered friends. You can use items like pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create a simple feeder.
Once it’s ready, hang it in your garden or a nearby park and watch the birds gather. Our daughter loves watching the birds come and go, and it’s a lovely way to introduce young children to the idea of caring for nature and wildlife.
9. Visit a Local Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ markets are packed with seasonal produce in September, from apples and pears to squashes and root vegetables. Visiting a market is a chance to support local growers, and it’s a great family outing. Our daughter enjoys walking through the stalls, smelling the fresh produce, and picking out items with us.
Let your children choose one or two items they’d like to try, whether it’s a unique variety of apple or a new vegetable. When you get home, you can cook together, using your fresh ingredients to create a delicious autumn-inspired meal.
10. Enjoy a Day of Conker Collecting
Conkers, the glossy brown seeds of the horse chestnut tree, start to fall in autumn and are perfect for a classic game. Collecting conkers is a traditional autumn activity in the UK and can be lots of fun for children. You can make a game out of finding the biggest, shiniest conker or even prepare for the time-honoured game of conkers.
Our toddler loves searching for them, and once we’ve gathered a good handful, we use them for crafts or as natural decorations at home.
Conclusion
September offers a wealth of outdoor activities that allow families to embrace the autumn season. From apple picking and nature walks to bonfires and conker collecting, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the beauty of autumn with your loved ones. With these activities, you can make lasting memories while exploring the natural world together. Steve, our daughter, and I look forward to ticking off our autumn bucket list each year – it’s a wonderful way to welcome the season and appreciate the simpler pleasures of family time outdoors.
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