The cold days of the year are starting. It’s time to bring out those cozy sweaters, wrap up in warm hats and scarves, and spend a few evenings snuggled up by the fireplace. But that’s not all, when the leaves dance from the trees and the rain creates big puddles everywhere, it’s also the perfect season for fun autumn activities as a family.

Especially for internationals coming from warmer countries, the grey and chilly days in October and November can be quite a surprise. But even during this time of year, there are so many lovely things to experience! We’ve put together a few ideas for you.

Bundle up and take a leisurely walk through the Großer Garten, Alaunpark, or any other beautiful park near you. Afterwards, treat yourself to a delicious cup of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows at home. It tastes especially good after a brisk walk!

If you don’t have a park nearby, head to the Dresdner Heide and visit the animal enclosure there. Alongside a great playground right in the middle of the forest, you’ll find a pen with fallow deer that love being fed acorns and leaves.

And if you don’t feel like going far, just wait for the next rainy day, put on your rain gear, grab your colorful umbrellas, and jump into the biggest, splashiest puddles you can find!

Take advantage of your walk to collect materials that autumn has to offer: chestnuts, acorns, leaves, and so on. You can use them to make wonderful chestnut animals and autumn garlands together.

Another great craft idea that always works is making lantern jars. Take an empty jam jar, spread some craft glue on it and decorate it with colorful paper, glitter or anything else that comes to your mind. Then place a tealight inside – et voilà, it’s ready for your balcony or dining table.

On November 11th it’s St. Martin’s Day. On this day, everything revolves around the meaning of sharing. For those who would like to know more about it, here is the story of the day. In almost every kindergarten there are small celebrations and lantern parades. And even if there is no event in your kindergarten, you can still go for a walk in the evening with friends or on your own and take your lantern with you. You can either buy one or make your own. You can find many instructions for that online.

And of course, there are many other (indoor) activities waiting to be discovered during autumn:

The Hygiene Museum in Dresden

There is a great children’s exhibition in the basement, which actively involves children and where you can explore and try out many things together.

2. Oskarshausen becomes Pumpkinhausen

Until mid-November you can visit a wonderful exhibition all about pumpkins in Oskarshausen, and of course explore everything else Oskarshausen has to offer.

3. Mandala Boulder Hall

Fun for young and old. In the bouldering hall in the industrial area, you can climb up the walls and practice for the warm season. There’s also a great children’s area that leaves nothing to be desired for the little ones.

4. Indoor playground

There are several indoor playgrounds in Dresden. Kuddeldaddeldu, Playport, or Kids Planet, all of them invite you to play on especially rainy days, and you can easily spend several hours there.

With all these tips, the cold and uncomfortable days can be spent wonderfully before we move into the beautiful, sparkling Christmas season. We wish you a lovely autumn!

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