Autumn is such a beautiful season—crunchy leaves, cosy evenings, and the promise of hot chocolate after a long walk. But let’s be honest, the weather isn’t always on our side. In the UK it’s sometimes, and more often than not, soggy and wet. The darker evenings and rainy days can make it all too tempting for kids (and adults!) to fall into bad habits, spending more time glued to screens than we’d like.
That’s why this season is the perfect time to be intentional about how we use our time as a family. Just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean we can’t keep moving, learning, and having fun – without screens taking over.
Making the Most of the Outdoors
Even when the skies are grey, we try to get outside as much as possible. We arrange playdates with friends and head out for walks in the woods or around local National Trust sites. Autumn is actually one of the best times of year for this – the air is fresh, the scenery is stunning. Younger kids love stomping through puddles or collecting colourful leaves.
For us, outdoor activities like horse riding and skiing lessons are brilliant ways to keep the kids moving and engaged. Physical activity not only limits screen time but also lifts their mood and helps them focus better during the week.
Embracing Cosy Indoor Time
Of course, there are days when the weather really doesn’t cooperate. Instead of letting screens fill the gap, we use this time for baking, cooking, or trying out new recipes together. It’s a fun way to teach life skills, spark creativity, and most importantly – spend time together as a family.
Board games, colouring books, puzzles, and reading books also come out more often this time of year. These simple activities can be just as exciting (and far more memorable) than another hour on a tablet.
Screens in Moderation
That’s not to say we don’t use screens at all – just like in the summer, they still have their place. Whether it’s a family film night or using tech for schoolwork, screens are a tool. The key is keeping them limited and intentional, rather than the default option when boredom strikes.
Staying Consistent
Kids thrive with routines, and autumn is a good reminder to set clear boundaries around screen use. By staying consistent, it becomes much easier for kids to see screens as one part of their day, rather than the main event.
Autumn may not always bring sunshine, but it brings plenty of opportunities to connect, create, and enjoy family time. The trick is making sure those colder, darker days don’t pull us into habits we’ll regret later.
