Autumn is an exciting season full of changes! From colourful leaves to pumpkin treats, there’s so much to love about this time of year. Here are some fun facts about autumn that will make you fall in love with the season even more!
1. Why Leaves Change Colour
During autumn, the leaves of many trees turn red, yellow, orange, or even purple. This happens because the green chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, revealing the other colours that were hiding all along! It's like the trees are showing off their hidden rainbow before winter arrives.
2. The First Day of Autumn
Autumn begins on the autumnal equinox, which usually happens around September 22 or 23. On this day, the hours of daylight and darkness are almost equal! It’s one of two times a year when this happens (the other is the spring equinox).
3. Animals Prepare for Winter
Autumn is a busy time for animals! Some animals, like squirrels, collect and store food like acorns and nuts to last them through the winter. Others, like bears, start eating a lot so they can build up fat and hibernate during the cold months. And of course, some birds fly south for the winter in a journey called migration.
4. Pumpkins Galore!
Pumpkins are the most famous autumnal fruit, and they belong to the gourd family, just like cucumbers and watermelons! Did you know that pumpkins are 90% water? They come in all shapes and sizes, and the largest pumpkin ever grown weighed over 2,700 pounds—that's heavier than a small car!
5. Apples Everywhere
Autumn is also the best time for apple picking. Apples are harvested in autumn because the cooler temperatures help make them crisp and delicious. There are over 7,500 varieties of apples in the world, with colors ranging from red and green to yellow and even pink!
6. It’s Sweater Weather!
As autumn comes, the weather starts to cool down. This is because Earth tilts away from the sun during fall, which means we don’t get as much direct sunlight as in summer. So it’s time to pull out your cozy jumpers and enjoy some hot chocolate!
7. Autumn Celebrations
Many holidays and festivals happen in the autumn! One of the most famous is Halloween, celebrated on October 31. People carve pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, dress up in costumes, and go trick-or-treating. There's also Thanksgiving, a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks, in countries like the United States and Canada.
8. Falling Leaves
In autumn, some trees lose their leaves in a process called abscission. This helps the trees conserve water and energy during the cold winter months. The leaves form a beautiful carpet of colours on the ground before decomposing and turning into nutrients for the soil.
9. Autumn Constellations
The night sky changes with the seasons, and autumn brings its own special stars! One of the most famous constellations you can see in autumn is Pegasus, named after the winged horse in Greek mythology. You can also spot the Andromeda Galaxy, the closest large galaxy to our own.
10. Days Get Shorter
Have you noticed it gets dark earlier in autumn? That’s because the days get shorter as we move closer to winter. In fact, the shortest day of the year happens in December, just after autumn ends. This happens because of the way Earth tilts as it moves around the sun.
Autumn is a magical time of year filled with colourful changes, cozy clothes, and yummy treats. Whether you're jumping in piles of leaves, picking pumpkins, or gazing at the stars, there's so much to discover and enjoy. So, grab your favourite seasonal snack, get outside, and have some fun this autumn!
Looking for things to do with the kids this October half term?
Ultimate Activity Camps October half-term day camps are a fun way for children to stay active, make friends and enjoy a packed programme of activities during the school holidays! Or check out or blog on 50 things to do with the kids this October half term!