Affordable Autumn Activities for Families: Step-by-Step Guide

Autumn is a wonderful season to spend time together as a family. The crisp air, colourful leaves, and cosy evenings offer plenty of opportunities for fun and it doesn’t need to cost a lot.

At The Lewis Blake Foundation, we’ve put together some simple, affordable activities you can enjoy with your children this season. Each one comes with step-by-step instructions so you can dive right in.

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🍂 Nature Walks and Leaf Collecting

Children love to explore, and autumn turns the outdoors into a treasure chest of colours and textures.

Steps to try:

1. Head to your nearest park, woodland, or even a tree-lined street.

2. Ask your child to collect leaves, conkers, pinecones, or acorns.

3. When you get home, lay out the collection on paper or card.

4. Create leaf rubbings by placing a sheet of paper over a leaf and gently colouring with crayons.

5. For older children, try making a “nature diary” where they glue in their finds and write a few words about them.

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🧣 Cosy Storytime

There’s something magical about snuggling up with a good story on a chilly evening.

Steps to try:

1. Choose a cosy spot, pile cushions and blankets in the living room or make a den with a sheet.

2. Pick a book from your shelf or the library. If you don’t have one handy, make up your own story together; children often love being the main character!

3. Encourage your child to join in: use funny voices, let them guess what might happen next, or act out parts of the story.

4. End with a chat: ask, “What was your favourite part?” or “What would you change in the story?”

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🎃 Autumn Crafts

Crafting is a great way to use imagination and spend quality time together.

Steps to try:

Leaf Collage:

1. Collect leaves of different colours and shapes.

2. Stick them onto paper or card to make patterns, animals, or even a family “portrait.”

Jar Lanterns:

1. Wash and dry an empty jar.

2. Tear up bits of tissue paper (orange, red, yellow work beautifully).

3. Glue them onto the jar using watered-down PVA glue.

4. Place a battery tea light inside for a safe autumn lantern.

Bird Feeders:

1. Spread peanut butter (or lard if allergies are a concern) onto a pinecone.

2. Roll it in bird seed.

3. Tie string to the top and hang it in the garden or on a balcony.

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🍲 Cook Together

Cooking together is a brilliant way to build confidence while teaching children practical skills.

Steps to try:

Simple Vegetable Soup:

1. Chop any leftover vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions).

2. Fry lightly in oil or butter for a few minutes.

3. Add stock (a cube in hot water works fine) and simmer until soft.

4. Blend or mash, season with a little salt and pepper, and enjoy together.

No-Bake Flapjacks:

1. Melt 100g butter (or margarine), 50g sugar, and 3 tbsp golden syrup in a pan.

2. Stir in 225g oats.

3. Press mixture into a tray and chill until firm.

4. Cut into squares for a tasty homemade snack.

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🌧 Rainy Day Games

Not every autumn day is dry, but rainy days can be just as fun indoors.

Steps to try:

Indoor Scavenger Hunt:

1. Write a list of items for your child to find (e.g. “something red, something round, something soft”).

2. Give them a basket or bag to collect the items.

3. Add a time limit to make it more exciting.

Build a Blanket Den:

1. Drape blankets or sheets over chairs or a table.

2. Fill with cushions, teddies, and snacks.

3. Use it as a base for reading, board games, or storytelling.

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✨ Free Local Events

Communities often have hidden gems for families in autumn.

Steps to try:

1. Check notice boards at your local library, school, or community centre.

2. Look at council or charity websites for listings of free events.

3. Ask other parents; word of mouth is a great way to find out what’s happening.

4. Events may include autumn fairs, storytelling sessions, or family activity days and most are free or very low-cost.

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Final Thought

Autumn doesn’t need to be expensive to be memorable. From crafting at the kitchen table to walking through crunchy leaves, simple activities can create lasting joy for children. What matters most isn’t the cost; it’s the time spent together.