Autumn Seasonal Living
Seasonal Joy: 14 Engaging Autumn Activities for the Whole Family
Autumn Seasonal Living
Autumn has always been my favourite season—the beauty of the changing leaves, the cozy blankets, warm tea (I am obsessed with being cozy), the crackling of fires, and the promise of Christmas to come.
There's a certain magic in watching the world shift colors, as though nature is preparing itself for a well-deserved rest.
But this year feels different. This year, I approach autumn with a heavy heart.
Since I became a gardener, I have come to love the renewal of spring and the vitality of summer. The warm months fill my days with growth, abundance, and life.
But this year, as autumn settles in, I find myself weighed down with a sadness I can’t quite shake. Maybe it’s the melancholy that autumn seems to bring. It’s always been there, hasn’t it?
That sense of quiet reflection, the gentle nudge to slow down, rest, and take stock of things.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower””
Normally, I embrace this reflective side of autumn, but this year, it feels heavy and sad.
Perhaps it’s because we’ve now lived in Edinburgh for nine years. While we’ve put down deep roots and grown to love this city, it still doesn’t always feel like home. I miss having family nearby—the comfort of someone to wrap me in a blanket, make me tea, and hold me when I’m feeling like this.
I’m incredibly grateful for the life I have, deeply aware of my blessings, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes miss something.
Being the mum of my own household is an honor, but some days I long for someone to care for me. I think autumn brings that feeling into sharper focus, especially lately.
My kids are healthy and happy, but we've had a few scares this year that left me feeling vulnerable, like I’m carrying a weight I can’t shake.
Autumn, with its golden hues and soft light, used to feel full of promise. Now it feels heavier, more lonely. The season seems to mirror the sadness and loneliness I carry inside.
Yet, I know there is good to be found in this season. As a garden coach, I help families create joyful outdoor spaces, and there are plenty of ways to embrace autumn’s beauty through gardening and nature.
If you, like me, feel the heaviness of this time of year, maybe these activities will help lighten the load and remind you of the simple joys that autumn offers.
Finding Joy in Autumn
Seasonal Joy: 14 Engaging Autumn Activities for the Whole Family
In Your Own Garden:
01. Add Lights to Your Garden
You won’t believe the difference this makes. And, if you do nothing else from this list, please do this!
Adding lights to your garden gives your garden a touch of magic at this darker, gloomier time of year.
I should write a whole blog post about it but trust me add lights!
2.**Pumpkin Carving (or better yet) Pumpkin Painting:** Nothing beats getting creative with pumpkins. Whether spooky designs or autumnal patterns, it's a wonderful way to embrace the season with your family. And if you paint your pumpkins it’s even easier for the kids to let their imagination run wild! Why not host a Pumpkin Painting Party in your garden?
3. **Leaf Art & Crafts:** Collect vibrant fallen leaves to make prints, collages, or crowns. There’s something about working with nature’s discarded beauty that feels restorative.
**Interesting Fact**: Did you know the vibrant red and orange pigments are always present in leaves? They only become visible when chlorophyll production slows down in autumn.
4. **Garden Campfire:**
Set up a fire pit, toast marshmallows, and sip hot chocolate under the stars. The simple warmth of a fire can create profound moments of connection.
We did this recently for my son’s birthday party. The kids sat around and chatted for ages. It was lovely to see (and not a smart phone to be seen!)
5. **Autumn Scavenger Hunt:** A fun way to explore the garden—look for acorns, conkers, and other seasonal treasures. Engage your children in a mindful activity while enjoying the crisp air.
6. **Plant Bulbs for Spring:** Autumn is the time to plant daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. These bulbs rest in the soil through winter, waiting to burst forth in spring—a beautiful reminder that even in stillness, there is life waiting to bloom.
If you want some tips on what to plant, I have an upcoming workshop on the best Spring Bulbs to Plant Now click here ⬅️
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”
7. **Build a Bug Hotel:** Using sticks, leaves, and pinecones, create a winter shelter for insects. It’s a fantastic way to teach kids about the hidden lives of garden creatures while preparing your garden for the colder months. I made a log pile beside our pond. It is just a pile of big logs but the critters seem to love it. I’ve seen baby frogs and newts climb into it!
8. **Bird Watching & Feeding:**
Set up feeders and enjoy the sight of autumn birds. As they prepare for winter, they remind us of the natural cycles we’re part of. I have a little robin that has returned to my garden. He hasn’t been around in the summer but in autumn and winter he is my garden companion
9. **Decorate a Nature Table:** Bring the outdoors in. Display conkers, pinecones, and other treasures on a nature table as a way to celebrate the season indoors.
10. **Family Picnic with Autumnal Foods:** There’s something deeply comforting about enjoying seasonal treats like apple pie or pumpkin soup in the fresh air. Make sure you get super cozy with jumpers, blankets and hot chocolate
11. **Read Outdoors:**
If you have a few minutes to spare, instead of scrolling, why don’t you: grab a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book and head into your garden.
It will restore you in such an incredible way!
Outdoor Adventures in Scotland:
1. **Forest Walks:** Whether it’s Perthshire’s Hermitage or Glen Affric, Scotland’s forests are breathtaking in autumn. The fiery foliage and crisp air make for an unforgettable walk. **Interesting Fact:** Perthshire is known as “Big Tree Country,” and its woodlands are among the best places in Europe to see autumn color.
2. **Visit a Pumpkin Patch:** Farms like Craigie's in Edinburgh offer not only pumpkins but family-friendly activities that bring joy to the season.
3. **Apple Picking:** Picking apples in a local orchard is a lovely way to connect with the harvest season. Plus, you can make apple crumble - or Gruffalo Crumble as we call it.
Just as the trees shed their leaves, perhaps we can shed some of the weight we carry, trusting that spring will come again.
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Thank you for stopping by. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch: Elisabeth@joyfulgarden.co.uk
