November is the perfect time to slow down, soak in the beauty of fall, and create cozy memories with your little ones. As the air turns crisp and the leaves crunch underfoot, babies and toddlers are naturally curious about the changing world around them.
This season is full of opportunities to spark their senses, encourage learning through play, and celebrate family traditions together. Whether it’s bundling up for a stroller walk through colorful leaves, trying simple fall-themed crafts, or sharing warm seasonal snacks, November offers endless ways to enjoy the magic of autumn with your child.
In this post, we’re sharing 20 fun, easy, and family-friendly activities designed especially for babies and toddlers. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor play, these ideas will help you embrace the season, keep your little one engaged, and create sweet memories to treasure long after fall fades into winter.
20 Things to Do in November to Embrace Fall (With Babies and Toddlers)
November is a magical month that bridges the colorful beauty of autumn with the cozy anticipation of the holiday season. For parents with babies and toddlers, it’s a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy the crisp weather, and create meaningful traditions.
Little ones are naturally curious, and this season offers so many sensory experiences—rustling leaves, warm spices, and twinkling lights—that spark joy and wonder.
Whether you want to get outside before winter fully arrives, or stay cozy indoors with crafts and play, these 20 November activities are baby- and toddler-friendly, simple to set up, and guaranteed to make special family memories.
1. Go on a Leaf Walk
Bundle your little one in a stroller or baby carrier and take a stroll through the neighborhood or park. Point out the different colors of leaves and let your toddler collect a few. Babies love watching leaves flutter down, while toddlers enjoy crunching them underfoot. This is an easy way to combine fresh air, exercise, and fall exploration.
2. Create a Leaf Sensory Bin
Bring the outdoors inside by making a sensory bin filled with dry leaves, pinecones, and large acorns (for toddlers only, under close supervision). Babies can crinkle the leaves, and toddlers can scoop, pour, and sort. This activity is not only fun but also builds fine motor skills and encourages sensory play.
3. Bake Together
November is baking season, and toddlers love helping in the kitchen. Simple recipes like pumpkin muffins, banana bread, or apple crisp are perfect. Let your toddler pour ingredients or stir, and give babies a chance to smell or taste safe parts (like mashed banana). It’s a beautiful way to bond and create a cozy atmosphere.
4. Have a Cozy Storytime
Fall-themed picture books make storytime even more magical. Snuggle under a blanket with your baby or toddler and read books like Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert or Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak. Reading aloud builds language skills, while cuddles make it even more comforting.
5. Make a Thankful Tree
Cut out paper leaves and help your toddler draw or dictate things they’re thankful for. For babies, parents can write down family blessings. Tape the leaves onto a wall tree or branch centerpiece. This simple project is a beautiful way to introduce gratitude before Thanksgiving.
6. Go Pumpkin Bowling
Take a small pumpkin and use it as a bowling ball with empty water bottles as pins. Toddlers will love rolling the pumpkin and knocking them down. Babies can clap and cheer from the sidelines! It’s a fun way to keep little ones active indoors.
7. Try Fall-Themed Finger Painting
Use safe, washable paints in autumn colors—orange, yellow, red, and brown. Babies can enjoy handprint keepsakes, while toddlers can paint pumpkins or trees. This messy-but-fun activity also makes lovely artwork to decorate your home for the season.
8. Visit a Local Farm
If your local farm is still open in November, plan a visit. Many have hayrides, petting zoos, or pumpkin patches. Toddlers love exploring farm animals, while babies enjoy the sights and sounds. Bring home some fresh produce to enjoy later!
9. Make a Fall Sensory Bottle
Fill a clear plastic bottle with warm water, glitter, fake leaves, or small pom-poms in autumn colors. Secure the lid tightly (hot glue if needed). Babies will love shaking and watching the swirling glitter, while toddlers can use it as a calming bottle.
10. Collect Pinecones for Crafts
Gather pinecones on walks and bring them home. Toddlers can paint or glue sequins on them, while babies can simply explore their textures under supervision. Decorated pinecones also make cute Thanksgiving table decorations.
11. Enjoy Warm Apple Cider (Toddler-Friendly)
Make a pot of warm (not hot) apple cider with cinnamon sticks. Toddlers can sip from a sippy cup, while babies can smell the wonderful aroma. It’s a comforting way to introduce them to seasonal flavors and scents.
12. Indoor Obstacle Course
When the weather turns chilly, bring the fun indoors with a toddler-safe obstacle course. Use pillows, tunnels, and blankets to create crawling and climbing challenges. Babies can practice tummy time nearby while watching their siblings play.
13. Dance Party with Fall Music
Turn on fun, upbeat fall songs or family favorites and have a living room dance party. Toddlers love moving to the rhythm, while babies enjoy being bounced or swayed. Movement helps burn energy and strengthens gross motor skills.
14. Make Nature Crowns
Collect leaves, twigs, and flowers, then tape or glue them onto strips of paper to create crowns. Toddlers love pretending to be woodland kings and queens. For babies, you can make mini crowns for cute photo ops.
15. Visit the Library for Fall Storytime
Many libraries host themed story hours or playgroups in November. It’s a wonderful outing where toddlers can listen to stories, sing songs, and meet new friends. Babies enjoy the social atmosphere too.
16. Try a Fall-Themed Snack Plate
Make snack time fun with seasonal touches. Cut fruit, cheese, or sandwiches into leaf or pumpkin shapes using cookie cutters. Toddlers will be delighted, and even picky eaters are more likely to try new foods when they look fun.
17. Build a Blanket Fort
November is perfect for cozy forts. Stack chairs, drape blankets, and add pillows for a snug hideout. Read stories, play peek-a-boo, or just cuddle inside. Babies will love the twinkly lights if you add fairy lights for extra magic.
18. Take Family Fall Photos
Capture the beauty of the season with your little ones. Whether it’s in a pile of leaves, at a pumpkin patch, or simply in your backyard, these moments make wonderful keepsakes. Babies grow so quickly, so November is a great time for family portraits.
19. Go Bird Watching
November is a great month for spotting migrating birds. Toddlers can use binoculars (or toy ones!) to look for them, while babies enjoy pointing and listening to chirping sounds. It’s a calm, nature-filled outing that builds curiosity.
20. Celebrate Thanksgiving Together
Involve your toddler in small holiday traditions, like setting napkins or stirring mashed potatoes. Babies can join the table with soft seasonal foods like mashed sweet potato. It’s the perfect way to end the month with gratitude, family, and love.
Final Thoughts
November offers endless opportunities for family bonding and simple joys. By slowing down and embracing the season, you can create lasting memories with your little ones—whether it’s crunching leaves, baking together, or cuddling under blankets. Babies and toddlers may not remember every activity, but they’ll feel the warmth, love, and joy you bring to this special season.
