Autumn is a wonderful time of year to inspire children’s curiosity and sense of adventure. As the days grow cooler and the leaves turn from green to shades of gold, red and amber, the outdoors becomes a living classroom, brimming with opportunities for exploration, creativity and STEAM learning. By engaging in seasonal activities, children can develop a deeper understanding of nature, strengthen their physical skills, and create happy memories with their families.
Discovering Autumn In Nature
London offers countless green spaces that come alive during autumn. A walk through Richmond Park provides children with the chance to see deer roaming freely, while the impressive variety of trees makes it easy to collect leaves, conkers, and acorns for nature-inspired crafts. Here, children are not only exploring their surroundings but also engaging in Science as they notice habitats, Mathematics as they compare and sort what they collect and Art as they use their finds creatively.
Kew Gardens is another perfect destination, where little ones can observe the changing colours of the trees, explore themed trails, and even visit the glasshouses to contrast the autumnal outdoors with tropical environments. These experiences encourage children to notice seasonal changes, connect with the natural world, and practise mindfulness in a calm, open-air setting.
Cultural Enrichment
Autumn also brings a wealth of cultural activities that complement children’s outdoor learning. Events such as the Frieze Art Fair offer families the opportunity to introduce children to creativity on a larger scale. Seeing artworks in person encourages imagination, sparks conversations, and helps children make links between art and the natural world around them.
Community Spirit
This autumn, families can also take part in an inspiring global initiative: the RBC Race for the Kids, taking place on Saturday 11 October 2025. This family-friendly event brings communities together to run, walk, or wheel in support of youth charities. With routes designed for all ages and abilities, it’s a wonderful way for children to experience the joy of giving back, build resilience, and celebrate the importance of teamwork, all whilst enjoying the crisp autumn air.
Outdoor Learning Ideas For Children
Beyond days out and events, autumn itself provides countless natural resources for learning, that weave STEAM into everyday play:
- Leaf rubbings and collages: Gather fallen leaves to explore patterns and textures through art.
- Nature scavenger hunts: Create a simple checklist of seasonal items: pinecones, conkers, different coloured leaves for children to find.
- Outdoor storytelling: Wrap up warm and read autumn-themed stories outside, using the sights and sounds of nature to spark imagination.
- Counting games: Collect acorns or conkers and use them for simple counting and sorting activities.
- Design activities: Building simple shelters with sticks or testing which leaves float on water encourages inquiry and experimentation.
Each of these activities blends curiosity with creativity, helping children build problem-solving skills, strengthen fine and gross motor abilities, and develop a deeper appreciation for the changing seasons.
Autumn is a season of colour, change, and opportunity. Whether you’re strolling through London’s parks, taking part in cultural events, joining the RBC Race for the Kids, or simply exploring nature on your doorstep, every experience can become a valuable STEAM-rich learning opportunity for young children. At Bright Little Stars, we believe in nurturing children’s curiosity and encouraging them to discover the world around them… season by season, step by step.