October is one of my favourite months, especially for spending time with Eloise. There’s something so magical about the cool crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and of course, the excitement of Halloween! Over the years, we’ve built a tradition of embracing everything autumn has to offer, from creative crafts to outdoor adventures. Here are some of our favourite October activities that you can enjoy with your little ones.
1. DIY Halloween Crafts
One of our top go-to activities in October is crafting. Eloise and I love getting creative, especially when it comes to spooky Halloween crafts. There’s no need for fancy materials; in fact, most of our projects come from what we have at home.
A few easy ideas include:
- Paper Plate Pumpkins: Just paint a paper plate orange and let your kids go wild with markers, googly eyes, or cut-out shapes to make silly or scary pumpkin faces.
- Ghost Garlands: Using tissue paper, you can create cute little ghosts to hang around the house. Eloise loves giving them funny expressions.
- Toilet Paper Roll Bats: A simple one but so fun! Paint toilet rolls black, add googly eyes, and cut out wings from black paper. These are easy to make, and we’ve been using them to decorate the house for years.
Crafting together not only helps develop creativity but also gives us some wonderful one-on-one time. Plus, it’s a lovely way to gear up for Halloween!
2. Nature Walks and Leaf Collecting
There’s something about the golden colours of autumn that makes nature walks so special. Eloise and I always take advantage of this season to explore local parks and woods. We turn it into a mini adventure, collecting fallen leaves, acorns, and conkers as we go.
When we get home, we use our finds to create nature collages or even leaf rubbings. A quick tip: Grab some crayons and white paper, place a leaf underneath, and rub the crayon over it. You’ll get the most beautiful leaf imprints!
It’s such a peaceful way to enjoy the season, and it always reminds me to slow down and appreciate the little things with Eloise.
3. Pumpkin Patch Adventures
One of our must-do traditions every October is visiting a pumpkin patch. There’s something so exciting about letting your child pick their own pumpkin, and it’s always fun to see the variety of shapes and sizes.
If you can’t make it to a pumpkin patch, don’t worry. You can still create a similar experience by visiting a local market or shop and picking up some pumpkins together. Then, head home and make a day of carving or painting them.
(We prefer painting as it lasts longer, and it’s less messy!)
4. Indoor Fun for Rainy Days
October weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop us from having fun indoors! Here are a few ideas to make the most of a rainy day:
- Baking Autumn Treats: Eloise loves baking, and we always look for seasonal recipes. Our favourite is making cinnamon pumpkin muffins, which fill the house with a lovely, warm smell.
- Storytime and Indoor Camping: We set up a little fort in the living room, grab some books, and pretend we’re camping. It’s such a cozy way to spend the afternoon. Eloise loves reading spooky (but not too spooky) stories under the covers with a flashlight!
5. DIY Halloween Costumes
This one is close to my heart because Eloise and I often spend months brainstorming her Halloween costume. We’ve made so many costumes over the years, from fairies to princesses, and this year, she’s set her heart on being a character from her favourite anime.
Since ordering the actual costume from Japan would have cost a small fortune, we’ve decided to make it ourselves. We’re currently in the process of building her staff (which is going to be epic!), and I’ll be sharing pictures after Halloween—no spoilers allowed!
Making your own costume doesn’t have to be complicated. A few years ago, we created a pirate costume from an old striped t-shirt, a pair of black leggings, and a DIY cardboard sword. Half the fun is in the creating, and it’s a great bonding activity!
6. Family Halloween Movie Night
Finally, what better way to wind down after a day of autumn fun than with a family Halloween movie night? We love making it an event with themed snacks like “mummy” hot dogs (just wrap puff pastry around sausages) and spooky popcorn mixes with chocolate chips and pretzels.
We pick out kid-friendly Halloween movies—think Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or Hotel Transylvania. It’s a cozy way to end the day, and Eloise loves cuddling up under a blanket for a movie marathon.
Let the Autumn Fun Begin!
October is a wonderful time to get creative, explore the outdoors, and make lasting memories with your little ones. Whether you’re crafting, baking, or exploring nature, the most important thing is spending that quality time together. If you try any of these activities, I’d love to hear how they go! Share your favourite autumn traditions or tag me in your photos on Facebook or Instagram—I’d love to see what you and your family get up to this season.
Happy October! 🍂🎃
Leave a Reply