15 Fun Fall Activities for Au Pairs and Host Kids

Fall is a special time in the United States. The air feels cooler, the leaves change colors, and there are many traditions that families enjoy together. For au pairs, fall is a great season to explore American culture and to share your own culture with your host children. Here are 15 ideas for fun activities that also help with cultural exchange:

Places to Explore

  • Pumpkin Patch – Visit a farm to pick pumpkins, take photos, and enjoy hayrides.
  • Apple Orchard – Go apple picking and try fresh apple cider.
  • Corn Maze – Explore a family-friendly maze made out of tall corn stalks.
  • Farmers’ Market – Walk through outdoor markets filled with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
  • Leaf Festival – Many towns host local festivals celebrating fall colors, food, and music.
  • State Fair – Enjoy rides, games, and regional food at seasonal fairs.
  • Harvest Festival – Visit a community event with crafts, music, and autumn foods.
  • Halloween Decorations Tour – Walk or drive through neighborhoods to see decorated houses.
  • County Fairgrounds Events – Check local schedules for rodeos, craft shows, and family activities.
  • Scarecrow Displays – Some towns set up outdoor scarecrow exhibits for families to visit.
  • Fall Parades – Watch a community parade with floats, music, and costumes.
  • Outdoor Farmers’ Exhibits – See animals, tractors, and local farm traditions.
  • Zoo Boo or Aquarium Fall Nights – Many zoos and aquariums host special fall or Halloween evenings.
  • Local Football Game – Experience American sports culture at a high school or college game.
  • Thanksgiving Parades and Events – Many communities celebrate with parades, craft fairs, and seasonal shows.

Arts & Crafts You Can Do At Home

  • Leaf Rubbings – Place leaves under paper and rub crayons on top to see the patterns.
  • Pumpkin Painting – Use paint instead of carving for a kid-friendly activity.
  • Pinecone Animals – Turn pinecones into owls, turkeys, or hedgehogs with paper and glue.
  • Handprint Trees – Trace handprints on paper to make colorful autumn trees.
  • Paper Plate Pumpkins – Paint or color paper plates orange and add faces or stems.
  • Acorn Art – Glue acorns onto cardboard to make pictures or shapes.
  • Leaf Crowns – Tape or glue leaves onto paper strips to make crowns.
  • Pumpkin Collage – Cut out pumpkin shapes and decorate with tissue paper, buttons, or stickers.
  • Fall Garland – String paper leaves or real leaves together to hang as decoration.
  • Turkey Handprints – Trace hands and turn them into turkeys with feathers and colors.
  • Nature Frames – Glue leaves, sticks, or seeds around a cardboard photo frame.
  • Apple Stamps – Cut apples in half, dip them in paint, and stamp onto paper.
  • Scarecrow Puppets – Use popsicle sticks and paper to make simple scarecrow characters.
  • Pumpkin Seed Art – Dry pumpkin seeds, paint them, and glue them into fun designs.
  • Fall Sun Catchers – Press leaves or tissue paper pieces between wax paper sheets and hang in the window.