West Michigan Fall Things to do with Kids

Leaves are falling…fall is calling.

During the autumnal equinox, the whole state of Michigan gleams a radiant show of fall colors. West Michigan offers some of the most beautiful scenic drives to admire the rainbow of changing leaves. This is when visits to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes are popular. Are you looking for something fun to do with the whole family? In autumn, there is certainly no shortage of fall activities and things to do with the kids. Keep on reading for more information on fall things to do with kids in West Michigan. 

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used, which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!

Pin for Later

Go Apple Picking 

Of course, apple picking had to be number 1 on the fall fun kid list. Did you know that Michigan has more than 50 varieties of apple trees scattered across 775 apple farms? September and October are prime apple-picking months in Michigan. Going outside and picking apples is a great way to boost mood. There is something peacefully contagious about spending time outside strolling through the rows of apple trees and finding the best ones to take. Just a few of West Michigan’s local orchards include Crane Orchards U Pick and corn maze, Grandview Orchards, Well’s Orchards, Versluis Orchards, DeKleine Orchards.

Check out our list of Apple Orchards + Donuts- here!

Harvest Chestnuts

Your kids may recognize the famous lyrics, “…chestnuts roasting by an open fire..” DeKleine Orchards is a family-owned business that has been around for over 60 years. They have 1700 chestnut trees that can be harvested from about the middle of October until the end of the year. It’s fascinating to think about how chestnuts were once such a vital food source for settlers and Indians alike. There used to be a tale that there were so many chestnut trees that a squirrel could jump from one to the other all the way from Georgia to New York! Chestnuts are a versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Kids can also play fall chestnut golf by simply cutting out a couple of archways in a box and labeling them. You can also make a necklace or bracelet by making holes in the chestnuts and letting your child thread the chestnuts onto some string.

Get Lost in a Corn Maze 

Exploring a corn maze is not only a thrilling way to spend a day out in the countryside but also a fantastic learning opportunity for the whole family. It encourages problem-solving and communication skills, promotes outdoor exploration, engages all senses, and even helps develop language skills. So, if you’re searching for an outdoor educational activity or a local adventure for your family, a corn maze might be just the thing you need! A few of the local spots include Autumn Harvest Farms, New Salem Corn Maze, Post Family Farm, and Bethke Farms. 

Find the Perfect Pumpkin

Visiting a pumpkin patch provides many opportunities to engage and encourage children to learn and grow. A wonderful fall kid adventure to do as a family! By, giving them the freedom to roam around and pick out their very own pumpkin they experience a sense of pride and independence. Have fun finding your perfect pumpkin at Chittenden Farms, Cranes Orchards, or Autumn Harvest Farms. There is also so much more you can do with a pumpkin than just carving it! Try pumpkin painting, decorating, smashing, and composting. 

Bake Pumpkin Seeds

I highly recommend trying out this simple and tasty recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds. Begin by cleaning your pumpkin seeds and drying them thoroughly. Next, toss them in a bowl with some olive oil before laying them out flat on a cookie sheet coated in nonstick spray. Set your oven to 300 degrees and bake the seeds for 45 minutes. Once they’re done, toss them with a bit of salt for added flavor and enjoy a healthy and delicious snack!

Time for a Hay Ride! 

Kids love fall hayrides! Why wouldn’t they? There is a sense of free-for-all-ness, the thrill of the movement, the cool tractor, and don’t forget the hay itself. Hayrides originated with farmhands and working farm children riding loaded hay wagons back to the barn for unloading. Now, they are a fall activity staple! Check out the rides that are available at Fruitridge Hayrides, Olin Farm, and Cranes Orchards! 

Take a trip to the Farmers Market

My family and I love going to the Farmers Market. It’s a great opportunity to get fresh produce and support local farmers. Plus, my kid loves picking out their own fruits and vegetables and learning about where their food comes from. It’s a fun and educational outing for the whole family! Our Farmers Market blog post is a great resource to find the markets nearest to you! 

Rake leaves and Jump In!

There’s nothing quite like the joy of playing outside in the fall and jumping in a pile of leaves! It is such a classic childhood experience. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather. And best of all, it keeps the mess outside instead of all over your house!

Stop by an Arboretum

If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing that engages all the senses, teaches about sustainability, and introduces children to different cultures and native plants, look no further than Leila Arboretum Society. With over 40,000 visitors each year, the arboretum boasts an impressive array of gardens, walkways, and marked trees and plants. Kids can relax and explore the 1-mile walk/running trail, the Peace Labyrinth, and the Kaleidoscope Garden. Don’t miss the 6,000-square-foot heated greenhouse and the Fantasy Forest, which are sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Collect leaves on a Nature Hike

While on your hike collect leaves to use for fall crafts. Kids can paste them onto construction paper and make a collage. You can make leaf rubbings by placing the leaf under a sheet of paper and rubbing a crayon over the leaf. Kids will love seeing their leaves come to life on the page! Another idea is leaf handprints, simply trace your child’s handprint and then have them decorate the handprint with leaves. The leaves can be the children’s nails or any creative way they want to decorate! Check out some of the Best Hiking Near Grand Rapids.

Make a scarecrow

A homemade scarecrow can be a really cute DIY fall yard display. A perfect fall kid activity! Do you have some old clothes laying around? Whenever you buy your pumpkin, get some hay to stuff your clothes with. All you have to do is tie the ends of the shirt and pants with string to hold in the hay. Then use a plastic pumpkin for the head, find a place for it in your front yard, and sit it on a chair with pumpkins around the feet. 

Hide & Seek with Glow Sticks

Hide and Go Seek in the Dark adds a whole other element of thrill! Let the kids head outside at night to play hide and seek with glow sticks! Wear them around your head, wrists, and ankles for a spooky element of the classic game. This activity may become a new Halloween tradition for the family.

Wander around a new park 

When the temperatures begin to cool off and the leaves begin to change colors, many of West Michigan’s parks begin to glow! Autumn is a special season to find time in Michigan’s forests, where leaf canopies are blazing red, purple, and gold! This site offers a list of harvests and haunts happening at Michigans state parks.

Make a Sensory Table

Sensory play is so fun for kids and also super crucial for language and motor skill development. Encouraging exploration, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity helps to build nerve connections in the brain. Enjoy some sensory play at home by filling a bowl or sensory table with dried corn, leaves, and measuring cups. You could also add construction trucks to push and dump the corn and leaves.

Make your own “kid-friendly”  Pumpkin Spice Latte

Heat your choice of milk in a small saucepot over medium heat. Once warmed to your liking, add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Then mix it up! You can add a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or a shot of espresso for the adults! If your kids like the taste of coffee, use decaf espresso or add in a splash of decaf coffee.

Go on a Fall Drive

Play a game of road trip bingo or I-spy as you appreciate the fall colors. Generally, nature begins to create its gorgeous colorful views starting in mid to late September in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and then shortly thereafter in the lower peninsula. The West Michigan Pike was the first roadway in the state to be paved for tourism specifically! Although this historical route that was originally a 500-mile highway has changed it still encompasses some of the most charming scenery. It follows U.S. Hwy 31, passing through several cities between Buchanan and Mears as it winds along the lakeshore of Lake Michigan.

Create a Corn Husk Doll

Corn husk dolls are a symbol of the harvest season!  This timeless craft originated in Indigenous cultures where corn was a staple crop. The husks were always put to good use in lighting lamps, filling pillows, and making baskets, masks, arrow quivers, ceremonial dolls, and more! This activity is the perfect thing to keep little hands busy at a family gathering. Try your hand at it by laying four or six husks (has to be an even number) in a stack. Then, using thin twine, tie the husks together, about 1 inch from the top. Tie the husks about 1 inch down to create the head. Lastly, roll a single husk and tie it at the ends to make arms.

(H19) As you can see, fall in Michigan provides an array of activities for families of all sizes and ages. Whether you are keen to explore some of the colorful parks or try your hands at a fun fall craft, I hope this article inspired a few new ideas. 

Get a cute fall kid outfit!

Other West Michigan Fall Fun

Fall Things to do in Grand Rapids

Apple Orchards and Donuts in West Michigan

West Michigan Trick or Treating

West Michigan Cider Trail

Make it a weekend- Stay in town!