October is a magical month, full of colorful leaves, cooler weather, and the excitement of upcoming holidays. It’s also the perfect time for grandparents and preschoolers to bond through fun, creative, and educational activities. Here are some ideas to inspire wonderful moments together this fall.
1. Pumpkin Patch Adventure
Nothing says October like a trip to a local pumpkin patch! Grandparents and preschoolers will love exploring rows of bright orange pumpkins, hopping on a hayride, and picking out the perfect one to bring home. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about fall, farming, and different types of pumpkins. Afterward, you can make a fun activity of painting or decorating your pumpkin.
Tip: Some patches offer petting zoos or corn mazes for extra fun.
2. Leaf Collecting and Art
Take a walk through a local park or your neighborhood, collecting colorful fall leaves along the way. Grandparents can share stories about their childhood autumns, while little ones explore the textures and colors. Once you have your collection, use them for an art project: glue leaves to paper to create animals or landscapes, or make a simple leaf garland to decorate the house.
Materials needed: Paper, glue, scissors, string (for garlands).
3. Baking Fall Treats Together
The kitchen is a wonderful place for grandparents and preschoolers to connect. In October, you can make seasonal treats like pumpkin muffins, apple pie, or Halloween-themed cookies. Simple recipes are best for little helpers—they can stir, pour ingredients, or even use cookie cutters.
Tip: Create a tradition of making the same treat every October, creating lifelong memories.
4. Fall Storytime with Classic Books
Pick out some cozy fall or Halloween-themed books to enjoy together. Grandparents can read aloud, sharing the joy of storytelling. Choose from timeless classics like The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything or Room on the Broom. Afterward, encourage preschoolers to draw or act out their favorite part of the story.
Suggestions: Create a “reading nook” with comfy pillows and blankets to make the experience extra special.
5. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Prepare a list of fall-related items like acorns, pine cones, colorful leaves, or pumpkins, and head outside for a nature scavenger hunt. This activity helps preschoolers develop observational skills while enjoying the outdoors. Grandparents can help by providing clues or sharing interesting facts about nature along the way.
Tip: At the end of the hunt, make a nature collage with the items you collected!
6. DIY Halloween Costumes
October is the time to get creative with costumes! Grandparents and grandkids can work together to design simple, homemade Halloween costumes. Whether it’s a spooky ghost, a silly animal, or a favorite character, let the creativity flow. Use items you have around the house to keep it fun and eco-friendly.
Materials: Old clothes, cardboard, fabric scraps, markers, glue, and scissors.
7. Outdoor Obstacle Course
Set up a fun fall-themed obstacle course in the backyard or park. Use pumpkins as markers, jump over hay bales, or weave between scarecrows. Grandparents can help create the course and cheer the little ones on as they race through.
Bonus: Make it a family competition and time each other for extra fun!
8. Apple Picking and Cider Making
Many orchards offer apple-picking in October. Take a day trip with your grandchild to pick fresh apples, and then bring them home to make homemade apple cider or applesauce together. It’s a fun way to teach kids about where their food comes from and enjoy a delicious treat afterward.
Tip: Bring home extra apples to give to neighbors or other family members as a sweet gift.
9. Planting Fall Flowers or Bulbs
October is the perfect time to plant fall flowers or spring bulbs, and it’s a great way for grandparents and grandchildren to work together in the garden. Preschoolers can help dig small holes, place the bulbs, and water the plants. It’s a beautiful lesson in patience, as they’ll get to see the flowers bloom later on.
Flowers to plant: Mums, pansies, or daffodil bulbs for spring.
10. Halloween Movie Night
End your October activities with a cozy Halloween-themed movie night. Choose age-appropriate films like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest. Grandparents can pop popcorn, while preschoolers cuddle up with their favorite blanket.
Tip: Make it extra special by creating a “ticket booth” and letting the grandkids “buy” their tickets with pretend money.
These October activities are sure to create lasting memories between grandparents and their preschool-aged grandkids. Whether it’s a day spent outdoors, crafting, or snuggled up with a good book, the most important part is the time spent together. Happy October!