There’s something magical about the first hints of fall.
Cooler mornings, changing leaves, cozy blankets, and the return of comforting routines all make this season feel extra special.
Whatever fall looks like for you, I’m so happy you’re here—welcome back!
A Fresh Season at Whole Heartily
Whole Heartily is all about finding joy in simple, meaningful moments—whether that’s a thrifted treasure, a family movie night, a good book, or a cozy tradition.
This fall, I’m excited to share even more of that with you.
You can look forward to:
🍂 Thrifted treasures and vintage finds
📚 Family-friendly books, movies, and games
🎨 Simple seasonal crafts and activities
💛 Cozy ideas for slowing down and enjoying home life
💰 Tips for secondhand shopping and saving money
Whether you love thrifting, reading, collecting, or just making life a little cozier, I hope you’ll find something here to enjoy each week.
Why Secondhand Treasures Matter
One of my favorite things is giving forgotten items a second life.
A vintage toy, a well-loved book, or a classic board game often comes with a story—and the chance to create new memories with a new family.
Shopping secondhand is not only budget-friendly, it also helps reduce waste and keeps beautiful things in circulation.
There’s something really special about finding the right treasure for the right home.
What’s Coming This Fall
This season will be full of cozy inspiration, including:
Thrifting tips and hidden gems to watch for
Nostalgic toys and collectibles
Family movie night ideas
Cozy fall reading picks
Simple seasonal crafts
Holiday traditions and decorating ideas
I can’t wait to share it all with you.
A Little About Me
If you’re new here—welcome!
I’m Melissa, the heart behind Whole Heartily: wife, mom, treasure hunter, and lover of all things cozy and nostalgic.
I spend my time finding secondhand treasures, refreshing them, and sharing ideas for simple family fun, affordable living, and meaningful everyday moments.
My hope is that this space helps you slow down, enjoy the little things, and find joy in the season you’re in.
Let’s Enjoy the Season Together
Thank you so much for being here.
Whether you’ve been following along for a while or just found Whole Heartily, I’m truly glad you’re here.
So grab a warm drink, get cozy, and let’s enjoy a season full of simple joys, thrifted treasures, and family fun.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful and inspiring seasons of the year—especially for kids. With leaves crunching underfoot, acorns dotting the ground, and trees turning brilliant shades of orange and red, nature becomes the perfect craft supply.
Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend project, a school activity, or just a way to enjoy the season with your child, these fall crafts using leaves and natural materials are simple, affordable, and full of autumn magic.
Here are some of our favorite fall nature crafts for kids—no fancy materials required!
1. Leaf Rubbing Art
What you need:
Real leaves (fresh or dried)
Crayons or colored pencils
White paper
How to do it: Place a leaf under the paper and gently rub over it with the side of a crayon. Watch the shape and veins of the leaf magically appear! Try using different leaves and colors to make a whole collage.
Why kids love it: It’s like making nature “appear” through the paper!
2. DIY Leaf Crowns
What you need:
Leaves in various sizes and colors
A strip of construction paper or cardstock
Glue or tape
How to do it: Measure the paper strip to fit your child’s head. Let them glue or tape the leaves all around the band to create a festive fall crown.
Great for: Pretend play, nature walks, and mini woodland royalty.
3. Nature Collage
What you need:
Leaves, twigs, pinecones, acorns, bark, etc.
Cardboard or paper as a base
White glue
How to do it: Head outside for a nature scavenger hunt. Then, arrange your collected items into a pattern, picture, or abstract design. Glue them down and let dry.
Learning tip: Talk about textures and patterns as kids build their masterpiece.
4. Acorn Animals
What you need:
Acorns, small sticks, leaves
Googly eyes (optional)
Glue
How to do it: Use acorns as little animal bodies—add stick legs, leaf ears, and googly eyes to create squirrels, owls, or bugs. Let your imagination go wild!
Safety tip: Hot glue works best, but adult supervision is needed.
5. Leaf People
What you need:
Leaves in fun shapes
Paper
Glue
Markers or googly eyes
How to do it: Glue leaves to paper as bodies, heads, or wings, then draw arms, legs, and faces to create silly or spooky leaf people.
Fun idea: Name them and create a “Leaf Family” or fall-themed storybook.
6. Painted Leaf Prints
What you need:
Leaves
Washable paint
Paper or fabric (like canvas or tote bags)
How to do it: Paint one side of the leaf, press it paint-side-down onto paper, and gently lift. You’ll get a beautiful print of the leaf’s shape and texture.
Try this: Use fall colors like red, gold, and brown for a seasonal effect.
7. Pinecone Creatures
What you need:
Pinecones
Felt, googly eyes, pipe cleaners
Glue
How to do it: Turn pinecones into animals like owls, foxes, or hedgehogs. Add felt ears and faces, and let kids design their own forest friends.
Great for: Imaginative play and homemade fall decorations.
8. Nature Mandalas
What you need:
Leaves, petals, seeds, rocks, twigs
Flat surface or paper base
How to do it: Arrange natural objects into circular, repeating patterns (mandalas). This is a calming and creative activity that teaches symmetry and balance.
Mindful moment: Encourage quiet focus and outdoor reflection while making them.
9. Leaf Lanterns
What you need:
Mason jars or clean glass jars
Pressed leaves
Mod Podge or white glue
Battery-operated tea lights
How to do it: Glue leaves to the outside of the jar using Mod Podge. Once dry, pop in a tea light for a soft autumn glow.
Perfect for: Cozy windowsills or evening storytime ambiance.
10. Fall-Themed Nature Mobile
What you need:
A stick or small branch
Yarn or string
Leaves, pinecones, acorns, feathers
How to do it: Tie nature items to string and hang them from the branch to create a mobile. Hang it in a window or on a porch for a beautiful autumn display.
Extra charm: Watch it sway in the breeze or spin indoors!
Final Thoughts
Crafting with nature is one of the simplest ways to spark your child’s creativity and deepen their appreciation for the world around them. Best of all, it gets everyone outside collecting materials, noticing colors, and tuning in to the beauty of the season.
So grab a basket, head outdoors, and let the leaves inspire your next family art session. Fall doesn’t last forever—but the memories you make together will.
As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s something magical about fall. It’s a season made for warm drinks, fuzzy socks, and quiet moments together—and what better way to enjoy those moments than with a video game that captures the spirit of autumn?
Whether you’re cuddling up for a cozy family night or looking for screen-time that celebrates the season, these fall-themed video games offer gentle gameplay, cozy settings, and just the right amount of challenge for kids and grown-ups alike.
Here are our favorite family-friendly fall games that bring all the pumpkin-spiced vibes—without stepping on a single crunchy leaf.
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
System: Nintendo Switch Ages: 5+ Why it’s great: This beloved life-simulation game is at its coziest in the fall. Harvest pumpkins, craft seasonal DIYs, rake leaves, and celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving-style events. No rush, no pressure—just peaceful island life.
Fall feature: The whole month of October includes spooky decorations, costumes, and candy collecting.
2. Stardew Valley
System: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile Ages: 10+ Why it’s great: Farm, fish, mine, and make friends in this wholesome, open-ended farming game. Each in-game season brings its own charm, and fall is especially lovely with its deep colors, harvest festivals, and cozy atmosphere.
Perfect for: Kids who love creativity and parents who love peaceful gameplay.
3. A Short Hike
System: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox Ages: 8+ Why it’s great: This bite-sized adventure game follows a young bird hiking through autumn-colored forests to reach a mountain summit. It’s relaxing, heartwarming, and full of small, joyful moments.
Fall vibes: The music, colors, and gentle exploration feel like a walk through a quiet forest on a cool day.
4. Luigi’s Mansion 3
System: Nintendo Switch Ages: 7+ Why it’s great: What’s fall without a little spooky fun? In this light-hearted ghost-hunting game, Luigi explores a haunted hotel to rescue his friends. It’s funny, clever, and packed with puzzles perfect for family teamwork.
Not-too-scary factor: Silly ghosts and cartoon-style humor make it fun, not frightening.
5. Cozy Grove
System: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile Ages: 10+ Why it’s great: A spiritual cousin to Animal Crossing, this game places you on a haunted—but heartwarming—island where you help ghostly creatures find peace. The hand-drawn art and seasonal changes make fall especially beautiful.
Why it’s cozy: It encourages daily play in short bursts, with gentle music and calming tasks.
6. Yoshi’s Crafted World
System: Nintendo Switch Ages: 5+ Why it’s great: Not fall-specific, but its warm, earthy visuals and handcrafted environments give off major autumn vibes. Kids will love guiding Yoshi through cardboard forests, yarn-wrapped hills, and paper-leaf paths.
Great for co-op: Two players can team up for extra fun and less frustration.
7. Spiritfarer
System: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox Ages: 10+ Why it’s great: A beautiful and thoughtful game about helping spirits move on—while farming, cooking, and exploring in a world that often feels like eternal fall. It’s touching, gentle, and a great conversation starter for older kids.
Warning: While very peaceful, the game touches on deeper themes like loss and letting go—best for tweens and up.
8. Harvest Moon: One World
System: Switch, PlayStation, Xbox Ages: 7+ Why it’s great: This farming simulator has you traveling through various climates and regions, including autumn-inspired landscapes. Kids can grow crops, raise animals, and explore a vibrant, friendly world.
Classic appeal: Fans of older Harvest Moon games will love the return to familiar rhythms.
9. Pikmin 4
System: Nintendo Switch Ages: 7+ Why it’s great: Explore earthy, garden-like worlds full of leaves, acorns, and natural treasures. Pikmin games blend strategy and adventure, and the latest version includes easier controls and adorable helpers.
Fall feeling: The nature-based setting, changing light, and organic textures make it feel like autumn in motion.
10. Minecraft (with Fall or Nature Mods/Packs)
System: All major platforms Ages: 6+ Why it’s great: With endless customization, Minecraft becomes the ultimate fall game when you add seasonal texture packs or explore autumn-themed maps. Build pumpkin patches, haunted houses, or cozy cabins together as a family.
Idea: Set up a family “fall build challenge” with themes like campfires, forests, or corn mazes!
Final Thoughts
Fall is about slowing down, getting cozy, and enjoying the simple joys of the season—and these video games capture that spirit beautifully. Whether you’re farming pumpkins, solving puzzles in a spooky mansion, or simply exploring a golden forest, these games offer more than entertainment—they offer connection.
So grab a blanket, sip some cider, and start a new fall family tradition—with a controller in hand and autumn in the air.
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something magical about the arrival of autumn. It’s a time for cozy sweaters, golden leaves, warm drinks, and unforgettable family moments. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative indoor fun, or ways to slow down and savor the season, fall is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories together.
To help you welcome autumn with open arms, we’ve put together a family-friendly fall bucket list—a collection of simple, joyful experiences to enjoy before the last leaf falls.
Let the fall fun begin!
1. Go on a Leaf Hunt
Head outside and collect leaves of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Turn your leaf haul into a craft project—like leaf rubbings, garlands, or pressed leaf art.
Try this: Create a leaf ID chart and learn the names of different trees in your neighborhood!
2. Visit an Apple Orchard
Pick your own apples, sip some fresh cider, and maybe enjoy a hayride. Many orchards offer fun extras like petting zoos or corn mazes.
Bonus activity: Bake an apple pie or make caramel apples together afterward.
3. Go Pumpkin Picking
Visit a pumpkin patch to choose your own pumpkins—big or small, smooth or bumpy. Let each family member pick one for decorating or carving.
Try painting pumpkins for a no-mess alternative to carving!
4. Have a Backyard Bonfire
Bundle up, make s’mores, and enjoy stories or music under the stars. Don’t forget the blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate or cider.
Cozy idea: Share your favorite memory from the summer and your hopes for fall.
5. Make a Fall Nature Craft
Use pinecones, leaves, twigs, and acorns to create seasonal art. Nature mobiles, leaf lanterns, or pinecone animals are great for all ages.
Need ideas? Check out our Fall Nature Crafts for Kids blog post.
6. Decorate Your Home for Fall
Let the whole family help decorate with pumpkins, gourds, fall garlands, and handmade crafts. Create a welcoming front porch or a cozy autumn nook indoors.
Add a candle or diffuser with cinnamon or clove for that fall aroma.
7. Plan a Fall Movie Night
Choose a cozy family film (like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or Fantastic Mr. Fox), make popcorn with cinnamon sugar, and snuggle up with blankets.
Theme it: Pajamas, fall snacks, and maybe a leaf-themed bingo game to go with it!
8. Bake a Fall Treat Together
Get the kids involved in baking pumpkin bread, apple crisp, or cinnamon rolls. Let them measure, mix, and decorate—it’s fun and a learning moment too!
Not a baker? Make a simple no-bake treat like trail mix with autumn-colored candies.
9. Read Fall-Themed Books
Visit the library or snuggle up at home with books about autumn, pumpkins, apples, and woodland animals.
Reading list idea: Try “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert or “The Scarecrow” by Beth Ferry.
10. Start a Gratitude Jar
Each family member can write down something they’re thankful for each week and add it to the jar. Read them all aloud at the end of the season or on Thanksgiving.
Tip: Use leaf-shaped paper for extra fall flair!
11. Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
Check out local listings for family-friendly events like harvest festivals, craft fairs, or trunk-or-treats. They’re perfect for soaking up community spirit.
Don’t forget to bring a tote bag for local goodies!
12. Build a Scarecrow
Use old clothes, hay, and creativity to build a friendly (or spooky!) scarecrow for your yard or porch.
Let kids draw or paint the face—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a season that encourages us to slow down, notice beauty, and connect with the people we love. Whether you’re crunching leaves under your boots or sipping cider by the fire, it’s the perfect time to build traditions your kids will remember for years.
So grab a basket, a sweater, and this bucket list—and let fall be your family’s favorite season.
Have you ever been undecided on what to play next?
Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?
I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!
This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Cat Quest II…
Have you ever been undecided on what to play next?
Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?
I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!
This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Cat Quest…
Have you ever been undecided on what to play next?
Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?
I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!
This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Stray…
Have you ever been undecided on what to play next?
Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?
I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!
This week let’s take a look at the first 60 minutes of Hello Kitty Island Adventure…
Have you ever been undecided on what to play next?
Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?
I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!
This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of LEGO Horizon Adventures…
Have you ever been undecided on what to play next?
Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?
I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!
This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Neva…
Whole Heartily 