How To Have Some Screen Free Fun This Autumn
Last Updated on: 26th August 2025, 10:17 am
Autumn is coming, and the days are still warm enough and dry enough to continue being outside. Yet for many families, the lure of screens and gadgets can make it a challenge to get kids outside and engaged with the real world. If you’re finding it tough to tempt your children away from their devices, you’re certainly not alone. But with a little creativity, autumn can be the perfect season to inspire new adventures, spark imagination, and help your kids rediscover the joy of simple, screen-free fun. Here are some screen free fun ideas to help you.
Rediscovering The Magic Of Autumn
There’s something truly magical about autumn. The trees are filled with red, gold, and orange leaves. And the ground is scattered with crunchy leaves, conkers, and acorns. This natural playground is the perfect backdrop for some family fun. Start by simply heading out to your local park or local woods. Encourage your children to collect the most colourful leaves, the biggest conker, or the strangest-shaped twig. Not only does this get everyone moving, but it also encourages kids to look more closely at the world around them.
A classic autumn activity is the leaf pile jump. Rake up a big pile of leaves and let the kids run, jump, and roll to their hearts’ content. It’s messy, it’s physical, and it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all round. For a quieter moment, try a leaf or nature scavenger hunt. Make a checklist of things to find, like a red leaf, a pinecone, a feather, or a shiny conker. See who can tick off the most items. Or at the bottom of the blog post you can print off our free resource for kids
Screen Free Fun Includes Creative Autumn Crafts
Once you’ve gathered your autumn treasures, bring them home for a crafting session. Leaf rubbings are a wonderful way to combine art and nature. All you need is some paper and crayons, simply place a leaf under the paper and gently rub the crayon over the top to show the pattern. You can also use leaves, twigs, and pinecones to create autumn crowns, wreaths, or even little woodland creatures.
For older kids, encourage more adventurous projects like making bird feeders from pinecones and peanut butter or crafting lanterns from recycled jars and autumn leaves. Not only do these activities keep hands busy, but they also provide a sense of achievement and a lovely way to decorate your home for the season.
Cooking Up Autumn Treats
Autumn is a time of harvest, and the kitchen can be just as much fun as the great outdoors. Get your children involved in making simple seasonal recipes. Just think about apple crumbles, pumpkin soup, or cinnamon biscuits. If you’ve been out foraging for blackberries or apples, let the kids help wash, chop, and mix the ingredients. Cooking together is a brilliant way to teach practical skills, encourage healthy eating, and create delicious memories.
For an extra twist, host a mini “bake-off” at home. Challenge your kids to decorate cupcakes with an autumn theme, or see who can come up with the tastiest hot chocolate recipe. The best part? Enjoying your creations together afterwards.
Embracing Cosy Indoor Adventures
Let’s be honest, autumn in the UK can be wet and windy. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop when you come indoors. Build a den with blankets and cushions, then snuggle up with a pile of autumn-themed books or tell spooky stories by torchlight. Board games and puzzles are perfect for rainy afternoons and are a great way to encourage teamwork and friendly competition without a screen in sight.
For something a little different, try an indoor treasure hunt. Hide clues and small prizes around the house, and let the kids solve riddles to find them. Or, start a family “autumn journal” where everyone can draw pictures, write about their favourite days out, or stick in leaves and photos from your adventures. If you have a camera, like a Photo Creator camera, your child can print pictures and glue them in a journal.
Exploring Your Local Community For Some Screen Free Fun
Autumn is a season of festivals and local events. Check your community noticeboard or social media for pumpkin patches, apple days, or harvest fairs. Many farms and parks offer seasonal activities like tractor rides or lantern walks. These outings not only get kids moving but also help them feel connected to their local area and traditions.
If you’re feeling social, invite friends or neighbours to join you for a conker championship or a leaf-pile competition in the park. Sometimes, a little friendly rivalry is all it takes to get kids excited about being outdoors.
Blending Tech with Nature
For children who are especially reluctant to part with their gadgets, try blending technology with outdoor fun. Encourage them to use a camera or smartphone to capture the best autumn scenes. Then create a scrapbook or slideshow together. You can also download nature identification apps to help spot birds, trees, or insects, turning a walk into a learning adventure.
Click below to download an autmn activity sheet for kids
