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. -
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.
Have you heard about the Agriculture Unboxed Library?
Explore In-Depth Agriculture Education Topics and Lessons with Online Unit Explorations in the Kids Agriculture Unboxed Library. These Agriculture, Animal Science, and Plant Science Modules are Designed for Kids Ages 9+.
