Fall is a season full of color, change, and harvest—a perfect time to help kids connect with agriculture, food, and nature through hands-on learning. Here are 20 fun and educational activities your family can enjoy this fall:
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Squash vs. Gourd Exploration
Learn the difference between squash and gourds. Identify them at a local market or farm stand, cook with different types of squash, and use gourds to craft fall decor. Suggested Resource: Pumpkin Patch Activity Guide with Squash Identification Cards
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National Honey Month (September)
Celebrate honey month by hosting a honey taste test with different varieties. Watch honeybee documentaries or kid-friendly YouTube videos to learn about pollination. -
Apple Variety Taste Test
With over 2,500 apple varieties in the U.S., host a taste test of several kinds. Explore flavors, textures, and colors while learning how apples are grown and harvested. Suggest Resource: Apple Activity Pack with Taste Test Cards -
Take a Fall Hike
Head outdoors and explore the signs of fall. Observe how plant life is changing and how animals are preparing for winter. Use your senses and journal your observations. -
Visit a Farm or Fall Festival
Search for "fall festivals near me" and go on a hayride, visit a pumpkin patch, or wander through a corn maze. Meet farmers and learn about fall crops. Suggested Resource: Booklet: The Prized Pumpkin -
Read Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This classic book follows farm life in the 1800s and shows the work that goes into each season. Read aloud as a family or assign chapters to read and discuss. (Purchase Here) -
Learn About Turkey Breeds
Most people only see white-feathered domestic turkeys, but they come in many colors. Research different turkey breeds and their roles in farming and history. Suggested Resources: Intro to Turkeys Printable Guide; Chicken and Turkey Breed ID Flashcards
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Grain Lifecycle and Bread in a Bag
Learn about grains like wheat, oats, barley, and rice. Try making “Bread in a Bag” to explore how grain becomes food. Suggested Resource: Small Grains 101 -
Watch the Harvest in Action
Search YouTube for videos of harvest season or go for a drive to see the real thing. -
Discover Cranberries
Explore how cranberries are grown and harvested—often in water! Try making a cranberry and popcorn garland for wildlife to enjoy. Suggested Resource: Berry Good Unboxed -
Farm Safety and Health Week (3rd Week of September)
Learn about safety practices on the farm. Visit nasdonline.org to explore activities and tips for staying safe around equipment and animals. -
Celebrate National Pizza Month (October)
Make homemade pizza from scratch, including the dough. Discuss where the ingredients (tomatoes, wheat, cheese, etc.) come from and how they’re produced. Suggested Resource: Exploring Agriculture Farm to Table -
Honor National Farmer’s Day (October 12)
Create thank-you cards or drawings for local farmers. Mail or deliver them to show appreciation for the people who grow our food. -
Learn About Biofuels
Fall harvest includes crops used for biofuel like corn and soybeans. Watch educational videos like What Is Biofuel? on YouTube and discuss renewable energy. -
Explore Agriculture Careers
Use AgExplorer to research careers in agriculture. From animal science to ag engineering, discover the wide range of possibilities. -
Visit a Sunflower Festival
Search for local sunflower festivals and enjoy the views. Learn about how sunflowers are used in agriculture—from seeds to oil to pollinator habitats. -
Savor Fall Treats Together
Enjoy warm apple cider, pie, donuts, or other fall foods. Use the opportunity to talk about seasonal ingredients and their origins.
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Pumpkin or Fall Craft Party
Host a fall-themed party! Paint or carve pumpkins and make crafts using natural items like dried corn, wheat stalks, and sunflower heads. Suggested Resource: Light-up Pumpkin STEM Art -
Shop Local for Thanksgiving
Visit local farms or markets for your Thanksgiving ingredients. Teach kids about the value of local food and how it supports the community and environment. -
Keep Learning with Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed
Looking for more hands-on seasonal lessons? Explore the online Agriculture Unboxed library for digital courses, printables, and kid-friendly agriculture resources.
Fall is a time to celebrate the harvest and reflect on where our food comes from. With these 20 activities, kids and families can dive into seasonal learning and make memories that last.