Lay out objects in pie pans, like beads, various pastas and short pieces of plastic straws. Provide plastic laces or yarn and large dull needles. Fall yard and garden cleanup. Kids can help pull dried-up vegetables and flowers and save flower seeds for next year's garden. Marigold seeds are easy to remove.
Kids also can help turn the soil with a shovel, rake leaves and harvest fall vegetables.
Fill a large box with old clothes, shoes, hats, etc. Old wedding dresses, prom dresses and men's suits are fun. See who can dress up in the funniest costume. Invite your children to knock on the door of your home for a pretend visit. Offer juice and a snack.