There’s something truly special about the first days of autumn. For toddlers, it’s a season full of wonder and discovery — crisp air, warm colors, and new celebrations. At Creekside Kids, we love watching our co-learners’ eyes light up and their curiosity when they see the world changing around them. Their interest peaks as the leaves change color and the weather begins to chill.
As autumn settles in, we’re about to hit that hectic time of year, when the holidays seem to come so quickly. Before we know it, the calendar turns, and we’re sorting out what we’ll do in 2026. We hope you and your kids can slow down and take advantage of some of the fun of autumn.
From Green to Gold: Nature’s Little Lessons
One of the most enchanting transformations of fall in Colorado Springs is watching the leaves turn. That deep summer green fades into glowing golds, fiery reds, and amber browns. It’s a perfect opportunity for toddlers to learn new words, explore textures, and notice the changes in their environment.
Don’t miss out on the chance to introduce your child to small leaf walks. They can collect colorful leaves, press them in books, and trace their veins on paper. These simple activities encourage observation, vocabulary, and connection with nature, serving to mark the change in seasons.
Tips for Parents: Making the Most of Autumn
- Dress in layers. Colorado’s fall weather can change quickly. Light jackets, hats, and mittens are handy.
- Bring a treasure bag. Your toddler will want to gather leaves, acorns, pinecones, and sticks.
- Savor snack moments. Think of cider, pumpkin muffins, and crunchy apples — foods that match the season can enhance the sensory experience.
- Extend play into the classroom or at home. Use leaf rubbings, shadow tracing, or seasonal books to reinforce what children see outside.
- Talk about change. Use simple language to help toddlers understand why leaves fall, why days are shorter, and why the air feels cooler.
Fall Fun Around Colorado Springs
There’s no shortage of family-friendly autumn events where toddlers (ages 3–5) can immerse themselves in the season. Here are a few highlights for this fall:
| Event | Date / Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Boo at the Zoo | Oct. 17th – 19th, Oct. 24th – 26th & Oct. 31st 4 – 8:30 p.m. |
Child-friendly trick-or-treating among zoo exhibits |
| Pumpkins in the Park – Old Colorado City | Sat., Oct. 18th 12 – 4 p.m. |
Pumpkin patch, painting, crafts, balloon animals, face painting |
| Scarecrow Days in Old Colorado City | Oct. 5th – Oct. 31st 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Enjoy all the custom scarecrows along the Avenue at Old Colorado City and take pictures with your favorite scarecrow. |
| Trunk-or-Treat at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park | Oct. 18, 4:30 – 8 p.m. | A scenic, elevated trick-or-treating event with local groups handing out candy |
These events are generally safe, well-supervised, and tailored for families with young children. Be sure to check each organizer’s website for ticketing information, age recommendations, and any COVID-19 or safety protocols they may have in place.
Halloween: Magic, Costumes, and Safety
Halloween is often a highlight for toddlers—dressing up, getting a few treats, and playfully exploring a mild scare in a supportive environment. At Creekside Kids, we LOVE Halloween and we’ve previously written several blog posts around Halloween, including:
- Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips for Parents — including ideas like using strollers or wagons for little walkers, choosing bright/reflective costumes, and planning routes in advance.
- Understanding the Holiday — exploring the roots of Halloween, how children process the spooky aspects, and how to make it meaningful and gentle.
- What We Can Learn From Getting Into Costume — the donning of outfits has many benefits for children, and it’s a fun tradition, too!
Is your neighborhood the kind that doesn’t do much for trick-or-treaters? We’ve mentioned it before, but one of the greatest spots for Trick-or-Treating in Colorado Springs is in the Old North End, on N. Tejon Street. Families open their spookily-decorated houses to the public. It’s a great place to go as a family, if your current neighborhood has too much traffic. But be aware that it can be overwhelming to some kids, as the street is bustling with kids and adults having fun.
Here are a few additional Halloween safety pointers especially for toddlers:
- Visibility is key — use glow sticks, reflective tape, or LED touches on costumes.
- Choose safe costumes — avoid long trailing fabric, sharp props, or masks that impair vision; face paint is often a better alternative.
- Stay together — always accompany toddlers, hold hands, and stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.
- Inspect treats — check candy wrappers before letting little ones eat anything.
- Timing matters — trick-or-treat during early evening hours (when it’s not too dark) to make walking safer.
- Set expectations — keep the experience brief, fun, and low-pressure. Not every child will want to collect a lot of candy; being comfortable is more important.
Halloween is a Teaching Opportunity
Research has shown that children can gain valuable insights from exploring concepts of fear and death. According to the Child Mind Institute, Halloween can be a perfect opportunity for children to engage with these themes in a controlled environment. By acknowledging and discussing their fears, parents can help children develop emotional resilience and a better understanding of life’s complexities. This approach enables children to process complex emotions and develop effective coping strategies, which are essential for their social and emotional development.
For younger children, the ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality is still in the process of development. This can make Halloween particularly challenging, as they may struggle to understand that spooky displays and costumes are not real. A study cited by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) suggests that parents should acknowledge their child’s fears and explain that these experiences are pretend. By doing so, parents can help their children feel safe while still enjoying the fun aspects of the holiday. This strategy not only calms children’s nerves but also fosters a sense of trust and security.
It’s essential for parents to remember that Halloween is meant to be fun, but it doesn’t have to be mandatory. Some children may prefer to avoid the spookier aspects of the holiday, and that’s perfectly okay. The focus should always be on the child’s comfort and joy. Parents can create alternative activities that celebrate the season without the scary elements, such as carving pumpkins or baking Halloween-themed treats, allowing children to participate in the festivities without feeling overwhelmed. For parents looking to ease their children into the spooky season, the CHOC suggests acknowledging and naming children’s fears, explaining that it’s okay to be scared, and emphasizing the pretend nature of the experiences. Additionally, parents can involve their children in the planning process, allowing them to choose activities and costumes that make them feel comfortable and excited.
Autumn is a beautiful bridge between warm summer days and cozy winter-time comforts. At Creekside Kids, we delight in each golden leaf, each costume, each little hand reaching out exploring the crisp air. We look forward to sharing these moments with your family. If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
1201 W Cheyenne Rd