Eco-Friendly Fall Activities for Kids: Make Autumn Memorable and Sustainable
The leaves are changing, and the temperature is beginning to drop. It’s a sure sign fall is here. While the long summer days may be in the rearview for this year, there’s still plenty to do, especially for those looking for eco-friendly fall activities for kids. Did you know that the environmental impact of seasonal activities can be significant? In the United States alone, an estimated 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills each year after Halloween, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through a range of eco-conscious fall activities that not only provide plenty of fun but also help protect the planet. Read on as we explore a few of the best choices to make this autumn memorable and sustainable.
Get Outdoors: Nature-Based Fall Fun for Children and Families
While often hot summer temperatures can make it a challenge to find a lot of safe outdoor activities in many areas, autumn’s more comfortable weather makes it an excellent time for nature-based fall fun for children. The gorgeous foliage in most of the country provides a perfect chance to hike in ideal temperatures and weather conditions. For kids who can’t completely appreciate nature on its own, it can be turned into a challenging scavenger hunt, keeping them engaged and excited.
Fall’s also a top time to play sports, now that athletes won’t sweat out those summer days. Football is naturally a top fall sport, whether it’s an organized local team or just a pickup game with friends and family in the backyard. The same goes for shooting hoops in the driveway or at a nearby outdoor court.
Fall Landscaping and Gardening: Eco-Conscious Projects with Kids
For many homeowners, there’s plenty to do around the house this fall. With a bit of creativity, kids can be a significant help in a way that also results in some tremendous eco-friendly activities. While most don’t enjoy raking leaves, just about every kid loves the thrill of jumping in that raked-up pile. When else can kids have fun with what’s essentially yard waste?
Fall can also present a good time to plant a cool-weather garden in some parts of the country. Root vegetables are popular in northern areas, while more temperate regions can grow leafy greens and other hardy plants. A wide variety of ornamental plants also thrive in cooler temperatures, depending on the region. In addition, it’s the ideal time of year for planting bulbs that bloom in the spring, helping educate kids on the lifecycle of plants and encouraging patience.
Arts and Crafts: Environmentally Conscious Fall Creations for Children
Arts and crafts don’t have to be all about glitter and other plastic materials. This time of year presents a great time to use the bounty of nature for environmentally conscious fall crafts. There’s no better example than carving pumpkins, which are naturally grown and eventually decompose when the season is over. Kids can also gather foliage for holiday season wreaths, a simple but striking decoration that requires minimal waste. These natural decorations both offer a notable contrast to many Halloween and Christmas decorations, which end up in a landfill for dozens or hundreds of years before they break down.
Eco-Friendly Fall Fun is Waiting for Families Everywhere
There are so many great options for keeping kids entertained and engaged this fall that will make the planet equally happy. This list of eco-friendly fall activities for kids is just the start for creative parents and active kids. No matter where you live or what your kids are interested in, there’s something out there waiting in the season ahead!
