🍂 September Activities for Little Ones (Ages 1–4)

As the seasons begin to shift, September is a wonderful month to get outside with young children. Cooler mornings, colourful leaves, and the last of the late-summer sunshine mean there’s plenty to discover. And the best part? Fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of the most exciting adventures for little ones come from exploring the world right on our doorstep.

Here are some simple, low-cost activities you can enjoy together this month:

1. Leaf Collecting Walk 🍁

Take a stroll through your local park or woodland and collect leaves of all shapes and colours. Children love carrying a basket or little bag to fill along the way. Once home, you can sort the leaves by size, make crayon rubbing or get creative with a glue stick and some paint! We'll be posting our favourite ideas we've seen over on Facebook if you need some inspo!

2. Planting Spring Bulbs 🌷

September is the perfect time to plant daffodils, tulips, or crocuses. Give your child a little trowel and let them dig holes, drop in the bulbs, and cover them with soil. You can talk about how the bulbs will “sleep” through the winter before waking up in spring — a magical lesson in patience and growth.

3. Puddle Jumping ☔

Don’t wait for a sunny day! With waterproofs and wellies, puddles are an open invitation for fun. Jumping, splashing, and even floating little sticks or leaves are brilliant ways to build coordination and confidence outdoors. Just don't forget to bring your wet weather kit back to nursery so we can continue the fun here!

4. Conker Hunt 🌰

Horse chestnuts are starting to fall, and children adore hunting for shiny conkers under the trees. For toddlers, collecting and carrying them is fun in itself. Preschoolers can practise counting or sorting them into piles. (Just remember: Please observe your children at all times)

5. Scented Playdough ✨

Make a simple batch of homemade playdough and add cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla for a seasonal twist. It’s cheap, quick to make, and keeps little hands busy while filling the house with cosy autumn scents. It's not as hard as you think to make at home and often cheaper than buying store bought.

💛 A Final Thought

Play in September doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. From squirrels in the trees to puddles in the park, nature provides endless opportunities for discovery. What matters most is spending time together, following your child’s curiosity, and enjoying the simple joys of the season.