Originally Published on November 17, 2020. Last Updated on August 18, 2022.
Gardening is an excellent way to get outside and spend quality time with your kids. You might think gardening is a spring or summer activity, but fall is just as good of a season. The cooler weather is perfect for a wide variety of plants that grow and thrive in the autumn months.
Here are a few ideas for gardening projects you can do with your kids, whether they’re helping you build something, planting new plants, or just having fun!
Gardening Projects for Kids — Helping Out
Adults should handle projects involving tools like hammers, nails, and saws. But that doesn’t mean your child can’t be your little helper! These two projects are sure to get your kids excited about lending a hand.
Build a Bird Feeder
A bird feeder is a lovely addition to a garden. It’s also a fun fall activity for the kiddos! Make sure you’re the one cutting the wood and hammering the nails if you want a traditional bird feeder. Once you’ve built it, let their creativity run wild and allow them to paint and decorate it however they like.
If they want to be more hands-on with the building process, try making a homemade bird feeder out of more kid-friendly materials such as egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, and paint cans.
Make a Scarecrow
If you’re going to grow crops, you need to make sure birds like sparrows or crows don’t interfere with you and your children’s hard work. Consider making a scarecrow with your kids since it doubles both as a deterrent and fun fall decoration.
When it comes to the clothes and accessories, see what you have lying around the house. If you don’t have much available, make a trip to your local thrift store. You and the little ones will have a fun time picking out overalls, plaid shirts, hats, and any other silly accessories you can find.
Gardening Projects for Kids — Planting New Plants for Fall
If your kiddos want to get their hands dirty, there’s nothing like planting a fresh garden for fall. Here are a few options you can do with them.
Grow Veggies
Are you having a tough time getting your kids to eat their veggies? They might gain a greater appreciation for them once you show them how to grow and harvest vegetables. There are several fall-friendly plants your family can grow together.
- Carrots: They take a couple of weeks to sprout, so your kids need to be patient. But once they’re fully grown, pulling the carrots out of the ground is a fun activity!
- Lettuce: Lettuce is one of the easiest and quickest plants to grow, making it an excellent choice for kids with little patience.
- Radishes: Radishes grow incredibly fast and are usually ready to harvest in less than a month. Your kids will love to watch these colorful little veggies pop out of the soil!
- Kale: Kale thrives in cooler weather and can stay in your garden through winter. It may not be a favorite veggie among children, but if your child plants the seeds and takes care of it, they may grow to love this leafy, green vegetable.
Create Your Own Container Garden
Container gardens are the way to go if you don’t have space for an in-ground garden, or you’re looking to keep things simple. You don’t have to settle for a store-bought planter, either. As long as it can hold soil and drain well, anything can be a container. Rain boots, coffee cans, toy wagons. You name it. Rev up your kids’ creativity and see what they come up with!
As far as container soil goes, pick something light and fluffy. Potting soil consisting of pine bark, peat moss, or perlite are all suitable choices.
Plant Flowers that Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Butterflies and hummingbirds are beautiful species that children love to observe. If you want to get these winged creatures in your backyard, you need to choose the right fall-blooming plants. Nectar-rich varieties such as petunias, sedums, asters, and dahlias are all excellent choices. You’ll cultivate not only a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds but also a gorgeous, colorful garden. Once you set everything up, your family will have a great time spotting and marveling at these beautiful creatures together!
Gardening Projects for Kids — Just Having Fun
If you just want to get your kids to go outside, run around, and get some fresh air, these two activities are sure to get the job done.
Do a Bug Hunt
Gardens and greenery are brimming with life, especially from insects. You can find them flying in the air, hiding under rocks, and crawling on plants. Get the kids outside and let them go on a bug hunt. It’s an excellent way for them to get fresh air and learn about different insects. Give them a magnifying glass and a list of critters to find, and they’ll have a blast!
Play and Collect Leaves
One of the best parts about fall is the gorgeous, sunburnt foliage. But as the leaves start to change colors, they’re going to start falling off their respective branches and onto your backyard. Kids love playing with leaves, so why not hand them a rake and let them have a blast? Once they have their fun, start gathering the leaves and putting them into trash bags. You can even use these leaves for composting.
The Bottom Line
Whatever you and your children decide to do, the most important thing to remember is that this should be a bonding experience. If certain things aren’t perfect, that’s okay. Keep it light and fun, and let your kids lead the way.
Are you going to do any of these gardening projects with your kids this fall? Let us know in the comments below!