Last updated on July 15th, 2024 at 07:28 am
Can you believe that Fall is nearly here? I may be biased, but I really think it is the best season of the year! There is so much to do and enjoy as the weather starts to cool and things slow down before the holiday season.
Last year you got to enjoy your first fall pregnancy and show off that cute little bump at all the autumn festivities. Now guess who gets to join in the fun this time? Your little pumpkin!
Yep, it’s your baby’s very first fall, and we’re about to sprinkle it with a touch of pure magic. Picture tiny hands reaching for colorful leaves, the scent of cinnamon in the air, and all those heart-melting moments and photos you’ll treasure forever. There are so many different opportunities for your baby to enjoy all the things that fall has to offer, even if they aren’t quite old enough to participate in everything.
We’re diving into the ultimate fall bucket list for your mini-me’s first autumn – get ready to create unforgettable memories and check off some seriously cute milestones from your baby’s very first fall bucket list!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If purchases are made through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site.
Activities for Baby's First Fall Bucket List
1. A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
First things first, a trip to the pumpkin patch is an absolute must on a baby’s fall bucket list! There are so many bright colors and fun things to see, that no matter the age of your baby, it will be magical!
Let them touch and feel the pumpkins, even just a tiny one that can fit right in baby’s hand. Depending on what activities your local pumpkin patch has to offer you can explore a corn maze together, maybe visit a petting zoo, or watch all the other children at play.
While your baby may not be able to participate in much this year, it is still a great family activity to get out of the house and enjoy each other’s company.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures to remember the occasion. And be sure to grab a pumpkin for yourself and baby to carve later to continue the festivities!
2. Take a Hay Ride
Bundle baby up all cozy and enjoy a family hayride together. This can be found at your local pumpkin patch, or maybe at another fall festival event near you.
While your baby may not understand much of what is going on, they are sure to love the cool fall breeze and all the wonderful colors as you ride around the farm together.
3. Enjoy a First Taste of Fall Flavors
No matter what stage your baby is at in their food journey, there are so many opportunities to try all the fall flavors we love.
If your baby is eating purees, try making your own baby food with flavors like pumpkin, squash, and fresh apples. Here is how I make my own baby food with fall flavors at home:
I like to steam my vegetables or fruits in a microwave steamer and then blend them until smooth using my Ninja Blender. I start with about ¼ cup breast milk or formula for every 1 cup of vegetables, adding more of each until I reach my desired texture. You will want your puree to be a little bit thicker if feeding on a spoon and thinner if you are using a reusable pouch. (If you don’t have a set of these dishwasher safe reusable baby food pouches you need to get one! They are a lifesaver for traveling on the go and will save you tons of money over the store-bought pouches!)
If your baby is eating more solid foods, then the possibilities are endless! I like starting out with a few things like cinnamon apple sauce or pumpkin pancakes to just get the flavor, but there are so many great recipes you can try with these “new” flavors.
4. Take a Family Hike or Walk
This is one of my favorite fall activities to do when the air starts to cool and the leaves fall. Take a family walk or a hike to explore all the beautiful sites that fall has to offer.
While it is still fun with older kids, I think it can be so easy when your baby is little because you can just babywear. Strap on your favorite baby carrier or hiking backpack and you are good to go!
Related Reading: Benefits of Babywearing
5. Dress for the Season
It’s time for a baby fashion show! Dress your little one in cozy fall outfits complete with tiny hoodies, sweaters, and maybe even a mini pair of boots. Bonus cuteness if you manage to find a matching hat or headband to go with it. I personally am a sucker for babies in little beanies, especially Carhart ones!
Pro tip: Have your camera ready at all times, you never know when an impromptu photoshoot will be added to your plans!
6. Explore an Apple Orchard
If you are lucky enough to live near some apple orchards, you need to take advantage of the beauty this time of year. There is something so mesmerizing about rows and rows of beautiful apple trees ripe and ready to be picked. While your baby may not be able to participate, just strap them in a baby carrier and let them join in the fun!
Like many fall activities, this is a great excuse just to get outside and enjoy the weather and some quality time with family. Maybe take part in some of the activities an apple orchard may have to offer such as apple picking, apple cannons, or sampling some delicious apple treats. If your baby is old enough, she could try a bit too!
7. Read a Fall-Themed Book
My son has always been a huge book lover (which all moms know means you read the same books over and over again…), and so I lived for an excuse to get new books! Pick up some fall-themed books at the local library or bookstore to help teach your baby about everything fall.
There are so many great options of touch and feel sensory books or books that make noises. Try out a few and see what your baby likes!
Even when they are young, reading is so important for development! It helps teaches language and sensory skills, promotes bonding with your baby, and helps baby learn about the world around them. I promise you they are picking up a lot more than you may realize from the books you read with them!
Before heading out to some of the fall activities already listed, why not read a book or two to help get them ready!
Here are some of our favorite Fall titles:
- Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
- Autumn in the Forest by Rusty Finch
- You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie by Nicola Edwards
- Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton
8. Play in the Leaves
Who can resist the allure of fallen leaves? Your baby certainly can’t! Arrange a soft pile of leaves in your yard and watch their face light up as they play in the crunchy leaves. It is a great sensory activity for babies!
You can also add other textures and sounds in with pinecones, small pumpkins, or other fall produce. Just remember to keep a close watch so your little one doesn’t try to take a bite out of something that isn’t edible.
9. Dress Up for Halloween
While picking out a Halloween costume for yourself is definitely a highlight of the fall season, finding an adorable costume for your little one is the best! There are so many great options to choose from you can’t go wrong.
And who says Halloween costumes are just for trick-or-treating? Deck your baby out in a teeny-tiny costume and have an impromptu dress rehearsal or to help hand out candy on the big night. Even if they’re not ready to say, “trick or treat,” their smile will certainly steal the show.
10. Fall Photo Shoot
Create a mini fall-themed photoshoot with your little pumpkin as the star. Gather props like tiny pumpkins, colorful leaves, and soft blankets, and let the camera capture your baby’s curiosity and wonder.
I’m sure you have already taken plenty of opportunities to take photos in their cute fall outfits or during activities like the pumpkin patch. Schedule a separate photo shoot just to take fall-themed photos with your baby. (Emphasis on WITH) These photos will be treasures to look back on as they grow.
No matter what activities you choose from this bucket list, your baby’s first fall will be magical because it is spent with YOU! Take the time to enjoy the season and experience everything through the eyes of your child. It truly is one of the best parts of motherhood!
Enjoyed this article? Check out some other great seasonal content:
