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

Halloween costume party

Halloween party at the daycare

When it comes to Halloween highlights, nothing beats a costume party.

From classic getups like jack-o’-lanterns, ghosts, and princesses to hugely popular characters that aren’t really Halloween-related—like Spider-Man and Minions—there’s something for everyone these days.

It’s fun to dress up together and stroll around the park or the neighborhood, enjoying that fleeting feeling of transformation.

If store-bought costumes aren’t available, making them out of paper can be a blast.

The playing-card soldiers from Alice in Wonderland can be made with cardboard, and you could even craft a fluffy hula skirt out of yarn!

Jack-o’-lantern made with hanshi paper

Perfect for Halloween! Jack-o'-Lanterns made with washi paper

Speaking of autumn, it’s the season kids look forward to—Halloween.

Here’s an easy way to make a pumpkin decoration that really boosts the Halloween mood: a jack-o’-lantern.

All you need are things you probably have at home, like washi paper (thin rice paper), paint, a balloon, and white wood glue.

First, inflate the balloon and secure it in a paper cup with a weight so it won’t move.

Then place torn pieces of washi over the balloon, and brush on a mixture of water, paint, and white glue, covering the balloon with the torn paper.

Let it dry thoroughly, then pop the balloon inside.

Cut out the eyes and nose, and you’re done.

Put a light inside and it looks beautiful.

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Handprint and footprint stamp production

Handprint and Footprint Stamping Craft for Ages 0–2 [Autumn] [Nursery/Kindergarten]

In daycare centers and kindergartens, it’s common to make crafts using handprint and footprint stamps that let you see the children’s growth.

For autumn-themed projects, how about making mushrooms and squirrels with footprints, or bagworms with handprints? Kids enjoy taking their handprints and footprints, and if they like stickers, it’s fun to add patterns with stickers too.

Display the finished pieces in the hallway, and parents will be able to see them at pickup—it’s sure to make them happy!

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Roasted Sweet Potato Making

“Baking sweet potatoes with fallen leaves” Whoa! It’s really burning…

Roasted sweet potatoes made with fallen leaves—something kids today don’t get to experience very often! In the past, we used to gather dry leaves, burn them, and place foil-wrapped sweet potatoes in the embers to make yaki-imo.

It was one of the autumn activities children looked forward to.

These days, fewer kids do it because there aren’t many suitable places, and delicious roasted sweet potatoes are easy to buy.

But if you get the chance, definitely give it a try! Even collecting the leaves doesn’t feel like a chore when you think about those fluffy, piping-hot sweet potatoes!

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Autumn Discovery Adventure

[2-year-olds] Autumn Discovery Explorers!

Let’s go for a walk with the children and look for lots of signs of autumn in nature! A fun way to make the walk even more exciting is with a little walking bag.

You can easily make one using a milk carton and plastic gift ribbon.

Decorate it freely with permanent markers and stickers to create your own original bag.

Let’s enjoy discovering autumn together with the kids—acorns, pinecones, and beautifully colored leaves.

Put your favorite natural treasures in the walking bag to take home, and once you’re back, everyone can share and say, “Look what I found!” This will surely deepen their interest in autumn’s nature.

Let’s touch and grow familiar with the many aspects of autumn that are unique to this season, and feel the changes it brings.