Autumn has a way of drawing people outdoors with its glowing leaves and crisp mornings, then pulling them back inside for warmth and comfort. It's a season that lends itself to fun at every age, from toddlers kicking through leaf piles to adults enjoying hearty food and cosy evenings.
This guide gathers ideas for autumn activities for kids, grown-up evenings, and family outings. Whether you're looking for crafts, seasonal food, or autumn events in Manchester, there's something here for everyone.
Outdoor Autumn Activities
This section explores simple outdoor fun, from woodland walks and conker games to pumpkin picking and stargazing:
Woodland walks and leaf trails
Walking through autumn woods is a classic family outing. Kids love spotting colours, toddlers can collect fallen leaves, and adults get to stretch their legs. The National Trust highlights family-friendly trails across the UK and offers free Autumn pass promotions.
What to bring for a leaf trail:
- A small bag for collecting leaves
- Wellies or walking boots
- A hot drink in a flask
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife
It's one of the easiest things to do for autumn, and it works for toddlers through to teens.
Bents Tip: Dunham Massey and Lyme Park, both near Manchester, are beautiful in autumn and perfect for families with pushchairs.
Pumpkin and apple picking
Visiting a pumpkin patch or orchard is a seasonal highlight. Toddlers enjoy choosing their own, while adults love the photo opportunities. Visit Manchester lists local spots worth visiting.
Autumn picnics and forest schools
Pack sandwiches, soup in a flask, and a blanket for a picnic surrounded by golden leaves. Forest schools often run children's activities for autumn with crafts, stories, and bug hunts.
Easy autumn picnic ideas:
- Cheese and pickle sandwiches
- Hot soup in a flask
- Homemade flapjacks
- Warm apple juice for kids
Conker collecting and autumn games.
Conkers are a classic part of autumn, and collecting them can keep kids busy for hours. Older children might enjoy the traditional conker battle, while younger ones can paint or roll them in simple garden games.
- Paint them bright colours for craft projects
- String them for the classic conker game
- Use them in simple counting games for toddlers
Pop it on your list of autumn things to do for quick, free fun.
Gardening and bulb planting for spring.
Autumn is the best time to plant bulbs that will bring colour to your garden when winter fades. The RHS has helpful guides for gardeners, but here are some easy choices to start with:
Bulbs to plant in autumn:
- Daffodils: bright and cheerful, perfect for borders and pots
- Tulips: available in almost every colour
- Crocuses: small but striking, often the first sign of spring
Planting a mix means your garden will have waves of colour from February right through to May.
Stargazing on crisp nights
Autumn skies are some of the clearest of the year. Wrap up, bring a blanket, and try spotting constellations. The Royal Astronomical Society has easy maps to get you started.
Creative Autumn Crafts
In this section, you'll find things to do in Autumn, from simple craft projects for kids and hands-on ideas for adults, from leaf printing and conker art to wreath making and candle nights:
Leaf printing and nature art for kids
Leaf printing is magical but straightforward for children. Collect a handful, add some paint, and press onto paper for colourful art.
Variations to try:
- Leaf rubbings with crayons
- Leaf collages for toddlers
- Pressing dried leaves into scrapbooks
DIY autumn wreaths and garlands for adults
Adults can get creative with wreaths and garlands made from pinecones, twigs, and dried flowers.
Wreath making is a rewarding way to bring the season indoors and add a personal touch to your home décor. For step-by-step ideas, see our complete Autumn Wreaths Guide.
Autumn Wreath Making at Bents Garden & Home
Want guidance from the experts? Join us at our Autumn Wreath Making Event in Manchester and craft your own seasonal showpiece.
Autumn crafts and pinecone decorations
Conkers can become painted animals, while pinecones make great Christmas tree ornaments.
Craft suggestions:
- Paint conkers as bugs or animals
- Add string for garlands
- Dip pinecones in glitter for tree decorations
Want another fun autumn project? Take a look at our Boo Basket Ideas for a creative way to surprise the kids (and adults) this season.
Homemade candles and cosy craft nights
For adults, autumn is the perfect excuse to host a craft night.
Ideas for a cosy craft evening:
- Candle-making kits
- Knitting or crocheting
- Scrapbooking seasonal memories
Food and Seasonal Treats
Here we'll cover seasonal favourites the whole family can enjoy, from apple crumbles and soups to pumpkin recipes and warming drinks.
Apple pies, crumbles, and baking with kids
Autumn is apple season, and baking is one of the tastiest activities for autumn. BBC Good Food has plenty of ideas.
Easy bakes with kids:
- Apple crumble
- Toffee apples
- Mini hand pies
- Apple muffins
Seasonal soups and comfort food for family dinners
Soups and stews are autumn staples.
Family favourites:
- Butternut squash soup
- Beef and vegetable stew
- Chicken casserole
- Root vegetable hotpot
Pumpkin carving and cooking
Carving pumpkins is a seasonal must. Pumpkin uses beyond carving:
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- Pumpkin soup
- Pumpkin bread
- Pumpkin risotto
Scoop And Saws 3 Piece Pumpkin Carving Set
Carve pumpkins the easy way with the 3pc Scoop and Saws Set, safe, simple, and ready for Halloween fun.
Hot drinks to warm up autumn evenings
Spiced drinks are a cosy way to end the day.
Autumn drink ideas:
- Spiced hot chocolate
- Mulled apple juice
- Cinnamon chai
- Ginger tea
Bents Tip: Our cafés offer pumpkin spice lattes and gingerbread hot chocolate — a treat worth stopping for.
Family Days Out in Autumn
This section explores seasonal outings for all ages, from local fairs and National Trust trails to wildlife spotting and Bonfire Night events.
Visiting autumn festivals and fairs
Seasonal fairs are packed with food stalls, crafts, and entertainment.
Spooky Tea Party 2025
Bring the kids to our Spooky Tea Party at Bents in Manchester for Halloween-themed treats, costumes, and fun activities.
National Trust and park adventures
Autumn is one of the best times to explore local parks and estates. The trees are glowing with colour, wildlife is busy preparing for winter, and many places run special seasonal trails.
Wildlife spotting (squirrels, deer, birds)
Take binoculars and make a checklist.
Wildlife to spot in autumn:
- Squirrels gathering nuts
- Deer during rutting season
- Migrating geese
- Garden birds stocking up on food
Explore more outdoor ideas for kids this autumn with the National Trust.
Bonfire Night and fireworks fun
Few things feel more autumnal than Bonfire Night. Visit Manchester is the best place to find local displays.
Indoor Autumn Fun
Rain in the forecast? Here's plenty of autumn stuff to do indoors: films, reading nooks, games, and scavenger hunts.
Cosy film nights and autumn playlists
A film, some blankets, and a bowl of popcorn, simple but effective.
Autumn film favourites:
- Harry Potter series
- Hocus Pocus
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- Paddington
Reading corners with seasonal books
Create a cosy nook with cushions, blankets, and books.
Suggestions:
- Guess How Much I Love You in the Autumn (for little ones)
- The Gruffalo's Child
- Autumn-themed poetry for adults
- Comforting novels set in the countryside
Board games and puzzles
Autumn is also a great time for indoor play. Board games, puzzles, and memory games bring families together on rainy days.
Games to try indoors:
- Classic board games like Monopoly or Cluedo
- Puzzles for all ages
- Memory games
David Walliams Memory Game
Keep little ones entertained with the David Walliams Memory Game, fun, quick to play, and perfect for rainy autumn days.
Indoor scavenger hunts for kids
Hide seasonal items around the house.
Things to hide:
- Pinecones
- Painted conkers
- Small pumpkins
- Orange or red toys
Autumn Activities for Adults Only
Seasonal fun just for grown-ups.
Wine tastings and autumn drinks
Gather friends for a wine evening or try cocktails with autumn spices.
Drinks to try:
- Mulled wine
- Spiced rum cocktails
- Apple cider
- Hot toddies
Autumn fashion and style inspiration
Autumn is the season of boots, scarves, and layers. Don't miss the Bents Fashion show.
Autumn Fashion Show
See the latest looks at our Autumn Fashion Show at Bents in Manchester and get inspired for the season ahead..
Making the Most of Autumn
Autumn is a season made for memories. From conker games and pumpkin picking to craft nights and fireworks, there are autumn activities for kids, adults, and whole families to enjoy.
At Bents Garden & Home, we're proud to host seasonal autumn events in Manchester. From wreath-making workshops to fashion shows and Halloween tea parties, there's something for everyone. Mix those with your own home traditions, and you'll have a season full of colour, comfort, and joy.