In October childcare, kids will be captivated! A collection of play ideas to fully enjoy autumn

Autumn Nature Play

9 Nature Play Ideas: Autumn Edition in Johoku Park

October is a pleasant time of year, and there are plenty of chances to go out for a walk.

That’s the perfect time to enjoy some autumn nature play! You can pick up fallen leaves and stick them on twigs to make “yakitori,” gather acorns to compare their shapes, have sumo matches with pine needles, and find lots of ways to play using only leaves and nuts you find on the ground.

You can also make maracas by putting acorns into a plastic bottle, or thread leaves onto twine to create hanging decorations.

Ask the kids for their ideas too, and have fun with all kinds of nature play!

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A crown of fallen leaves

[Ages 3–5] Transform with Autumn Nature!

Let’s make your very own crown using fallen leaves you’ve collected.

It’s super easy: stick double-sided tape onto a construction paper band, then attach the leaves however you like.

You can collect leaves beforehand, or take the base with you to the playground or park and stick on any leaves you find and like right then and there.

Some children will cover it with lots of small leaves, while others will boldly add one big leaf.

It’s a fun autumn activity that lets you see each child’s individuality.

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Fallen leaf art

Autumn activities for childcare: How to make fallen-leaf art

Let’s make leaf art using the fallen leaves you picked up on a walk! Cut cardboard into the shape of a hedgehog and glue the leaves onto it.

It might be easier for children if you start by spreading glue over the cardboard first.

Once there’s no more space to stick leaves directly, apply glue to the leaves themselves and attach them.

Using leaves in a variety of colors—red, yellow, brown—will give it a lovely autumn feel.

Place a weight on top to dry, and it’s finished!

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Let’s go out with a walk bag

How about handmaking a “stroll bag” that makes autumn walks even more fun? All you need are a toilet paper roll and an insulated bag! It’s perfect for a group craft activity at nursery school or kindergarten, and once you’re done, why not head out for an autumn walk? To make it, wrap your favorite origami paper around a toilet paper roll, insert it into an insulated bag and secure it with tape, then attach a ribbon to wear over the shoulder.

You can also freely customize it—use patterned insulated bags, decorate with stickers or washi tape, and more! Have fun collecting fallen leaves and nuts in your stroll bag.

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Let’s make a leaf ghost

How about making Halloween ghosts using vibrantly colored autumn leaves in red and yellow? Since the leaves you pick up are natural materials, they’ll dry out and become brittle if left as they are, but laminating them lets you preserve them just as they were when you found them.

After laminating, cut them out and draw faces with a permanent marker, add stickers, or put little hats on them, and you’ll have adorable ghosts full of autumn charm! They’d be perfect as Halloween wall decorations, too.

By laminating autumn treasures along with the fun memories, you can keep the time spent with the children in a lovely, lasting form.

Field Bingo

Tried playing a bingo game in nature! Using the five senses to explore the outdoors! We also found mulberries and tried making mulberry jam!

If you can head out to a park or a nearby square, this “Field Bingo” is highly recommended.

It’s a recreation activity that makes full use of children’s five senses! Create bingo cards with items kids are likely to find, such as something prickly, something fluffy, autumn nuts, spiderwebs, and big autumn leaves.

Having several different versions of the card can make it even more exciting.

Then just give them the cards and let them freely explore the park.

The first person to get bingo wins, but in the end, they’ll want to find every square on the card.

Be sure to try it on a fine, crisp autumn day!

Bath of fallen leaves

[Nature] Three recommended nature play activities for autumn [Nursery school/Kindergarten]

How about making a “bath” out of lots of fallen leaves? In autumn, the colorful leaves flutter down in abundance, and you get more chances to play with your kids using leaf piles.

If everyone gathers the leaves and puts them into a big cardboard box, you’ve got a fallen-leaf bath.

The rustling sound and crunchy feel of the leaves stimulate children’s senses, making it a play activity that lets them experience autumn with their whole bodies.

Try this when you want to get outside, immerse yourselves in autumn nature, and play to your heart’s content.