A Toddler’s Guide to Autumn in the GTA

Hello friends! Autumn is here and I hope you’re reading this with a cup of coffee or tea, ideally during a quiet moment. I’m sure at this time in your life, babies and/or toddlers are essentially ruling your days and - depending on the day - that’s good, bad, and everything in between. But with the start of a new season comes a breath of fresh air and a little push to shake up your routine a bit. We decided to put together a list of activities and things that you can do with your littles to get the most out of Fall. Enjoy :)

EVENTS
Pumpkin Fest at Downey’s Farm - September 20th to October 31st, see their website for details
https://downeysfarm.com/downeys-farm-market-pumpkinfest.htm

Riverside Halloween Fest & Dog Costume Contest - October 26th
https://riverside-to.com/halloween-fest/

Applefest Markham - September 27th, 10am to 5pm
https://www.markham.ca/arts-culture-library/markham-museum/40th-applefest-presented-don-valley-north-toyota

Visit Dixie Orchards for pumpkin and apple picking, and a corn maze
https://dixieorchards.com/tickets

DIY ACTIVITIES

Scavenger Walks
Make a list of fall things to find - pinecones, red leaves, orange leaves, brown leaves, acorns, etc. - and set out on your nearest trail, park, or even leafy sidewalk to collect them and check off the list. If you or your little one are feeling especially artsy, make a collage or wreath with your findings once you return home!

Make a Pumpkin Spice Babyccino
1 ½ tsp of pumpkin puree
1 tsp of brown sugar or maple syrup
Sprinkle of cinnamon
½ cup of milk, frothed

Mix and enjoy!

Classic Autumn Leaf Fun
Enlist your little to help you rake leaves in your yard or nearby park (a simple sand rake like this one is perfect for little hands) - which is a great, easy activity for sensory engagement and improving motor skills - with the end goal of making a big pile to jump in!

Jump in Puddles
This one may be controversial ;-). It can get a little messy but unstructured play like jumping in puddles or going for a walk in the rain can be so joyful and freeing! If you do want to rein in the chaos a little however, these umbrellas are perfect for little kid grip.

Movies
(Bonus points if you make a little blanket fort to watch in)

• Over the Garden Wall

• Spookley the Square Pumpkin

• It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

• Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest

• Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie

• Trick or Treat on Sesame Street

• Room on the Broom

• Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches

TV episodes
Arthur ‘Hic or Treat’, Paw Patrol ‘Pups Save the Trick or Treaters’, Peppa Pig ‘Pumpkin Party’

Books
Maple, Where’s the Witch, Vegetables in Halloween Costumes, Wonderful Seasons, Cat’s First Halloween