Here's how to get outside with the kids this fall

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning color and the first chilly evenings are announcing themselves. For many parents, this means one thing: kids who would rather stay inside, behind a screen, than play outside. But what if we told you that autumn is just the perfect time to get outside with your kids? From adventurous hikes in the woods to cozy evenings in the hot tub, there are plenty of ways to embrace autumn outside instead of running away from it.

Why do children need outdoors especially in the fall?

Autumn offers children unique opportunities to grow and learn. While summer is often busy and hectic, autumn has something quiet and reflective. Nature is preparing for winter, and children can experience this process up close.

Playing outside in the fall strengthens children's immune systems through the temperature changes and fresh air. They learn to appreciate seasonal changes and experience natural cycles. In addition, parks and natural areas are much quieter than in summer, leaving more room for real exploration.

However, the challenges are real. Children prefer the warmth inside to the cold outside. The short days mean less time after school and work. And honestly? Even we as parents sometimes feel less like going outside when the temperature drops.

But that is precisely why the following five ways are so valuable. They make outdoor activities not a punishment, but a celebration.

On an adventure together: an autumn walk in the woods

An autumn walk really becomes fun when you turn it into a scavenger hunt. Forget the aimless walk where kids ask after ten minutes when you're going home again. Make it a real adventure.

Organize a scavenger hunt for different leaves, chestnuts and acorns. Give each child a bag to collect natural materials for craft projects at home. Devise small challenges such as balancing over fallen tree trunks or finding the largest chestnut. Tell stories about animals preparing for winter, or organize a photo contest to create the most beautiful fall photo.

For a successful walk in the woods, you need the right preparation:

• Choose short routes of up to 1-2 kilometers for young children
• Bring hot drinks and snacks for the road
• Provide waterproof shoes and warm clothing in layers
• Plan the walk between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for the most daylight
• Let children determine their own route whenever possible

The secret is in the pace. Don't rush, stop frequently and let children take the lead in what they find interesting.

Cozy up in the hot tub in autumn

After an afternoon playing outside, there is nothing finer than warming up together in the warm water of a hot tub. The steam rising in the cool evening air, the stars slowly becoming visible and the feeling of warmth after the fresh air outside make it a magical moment for the whole family.

A hot tub in the fall becomes the heart of your outdoor activities. It is the reward after romping in the leaf piles, the place where stories of the day are shared, and where quality time with the family takes on a new dimension.

This is how to make hottub time extra cozy with kids: Bring water-resistant games or floating toys. Serve hot chocolate from the edge, lay out soft towels and bathrobes for afterward. Put on quiet background music and add floating LED lights for a fairy tale look.

Are you considering a hot tub for your yard? Then request a no-obligation quote and find out what options are available for your family situation.

Safety is of course paramount when children are in the hot tub. Set the water temperature no higher than 37-38 degrees and always provide adult supervision. Anti-slip mats around the hot tub prevent slips.

Roasting marshmallows for a cozy fall evening

A campfire in your own yard brings families together in a way that few other activities can match. The hypnotic fire, the smell of smoke, the sound of crackling wood in the fire pit and, of course, the anticipation of toasted marshmallows make it an unforgettable experience.

Marshmallow roasting becomes really special with the right approach. Try different types of marshmallows: mini, large, colored. Make homemade s'mores with cookies and chocolate. Tell stories or sing songs around the fire, lay out warm blankets for extra coziness and take pictures of toasted faces in the firelight.

Fairytale atmosphere with lights in the garden

The right lighting transforms your yard into a magical place where children want to spend hours. When the days get shorter, lights have an almost magical effect on children and adults alike.

Warm LED light strings in trees and shrubs give a romantic glow. Solar lights along paths and borders provide safe walkability. Lanterns with real candles bring authentic ambiance, while light projections of leaves or stars on walls add a modern touch.

The best thing about garden lighting? Getting kids involved. Let them help hang lights and pick the best spots together. Craft homemade lanterns from pickling jars. Give each child their own corner of the garden to decorate. Then take an evening walk to admire the lights from all sides.

Stargazing with children: magical and educational

Stargazing combines natural science with pure magic, perfect for curious children. The fall and winter months offer the best conditions: clear skies, early darkness and spectacular constellations that are easy to spot.

The best time for stargazing is on clear, not cloudy evenings between October and December. Start around 7:00-20:00 p.m. when it gets dark enough. Avoid nights around the full moon for best visibility and always check the weather forecast to avoid disappointment.

These constellations children can easily recognize: The Great Bear is always visible and has a distinct shape that children quickly remember. Orion has a striking shape with bright stars. Cassiopeia forms a clear W in the sky. And the North Star serves as a reference point for other constellations.

Make stargazing interactive and fun by downloading star charts or apps to explore together. Make up stories to go with self-created constellations. Bring hot chocolate for the road, cushions or mats for comfortable looking up, and try using a long-shutter speed camera to take star photos together.

For a perfect starry night, bring: a flashlight with red light to maintain night vision, warm clothes and blankets for the whole family, a thermos with hot beverage, possibly binoculars for more detail.

How do you tackle rainy fall days?

Rain doesn't have to be a killjoy for outdoor fun. In fact, with the right attitude, a rainstorm becomes an adventure. Put on rain boots and deliberately look for puddles to stomp in. Bring umbrellas and pretend you are explorers in a tropical rainforest.

Do keep it short: plan outings of 30-45 minutes and have a warm hot tub or shower ready for right after you get home. The combination of cold and wet outside, followed by warmth, gives children a wonderful sense of security.

For really inclement days, there are indoor-outdoor activities that combine the best of both worlds. Feed birds and count them from the warm living room. Collect chestnuts and leaves for indoor crafts. Set up a gazebo or shed as an adventure playground. Or observe nature from windows with binoculars.

Ready to make this fall unforgettable for your family? A hot tub can be the perfect complement to all these outdoor activities. Request a free quote and discover how a hot tub can transform your fall and winter evenings into magical moments of quality time outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Up to what temperature can children safely play outside?

Children can safely play outside up to about -10 degrees Celsius, provided they are properly dressed and keep moving. Be sure to keep face, fingers and toes warm and plan shorter play times in very low temperatures.

How long can children safely spend in a hot tub?

Children aged 3-8 are best not to spend too long at a time in the hot tub because of the temperature (about 15 minutes), older children up to 20 minutes. The water temperature should not exceed 37-38 degrees Celsius and there should always be adult supervision.

What clothing is best for fall outdoor activities?

Opt for the layering principle: thermal clothing as an under layer, insulating mid layer and wind and waterproof outer layer. Waterproof shoes, warm hat and gloves are indispensable for comfort and safety.

How do I motivate children who prefer to stay inside?

Start with short, fun 30-minute activities and build up slowly. Let children choose their own activities, invite friends to join them, and make it extra special with hot chocolate or a little surprise.

What are good alternatives in bad weather?

Covered play areas such as tree houses or gazebos, short outings to indoor zoos or farms, or activities on the porch or in the garage can provide relief during very bad weather.