#fall activity

Materials You’ll Need

Old clothes (shirt, pants, hat, gloves, scarf, etc.)

Stakes or a wooden cross (two sturdy sticks, one long and one shorter)

Twine, rope, or strong string

Straw, hay, leaves, or shredded paper for stuffing

Burlap sack, pillowcase, or plastic pumpkin head for the face

Permanent markers, paint, or fabric scraps for facial features

Hammer and nails (or screws/drill)

1. Build the Frame

Nail or tie a shorter stick horizontally across a long stick to form a cross (like a “T”).

The long stick should be tall enough to drive into the ground and still stand above the ground, crops, or plants.

2. Make the Head

Use a burlap sack, pillowcase, or stuffed bag. (potato sacks work too!)

Fill it with straw or other stuffing to make it round. (Cotton or straw or hay work)

Draw or sew on eyes, nose, and mouth. You can add buttons or fabric scraps too.

Secure the head to the top of the vertical post. (Like, tying it at the bottom of the head.)

3. Dress the Scarecrow

Put an old shirt on the crossbar “arms.”(you're gonna want to put it on before you put the arms in, so it will actually stay there)

Tie the ends of the sleeves with string so the stuffing doesn’t fall out.

Pants are NOT required, but you can totally add them if need be.

4. Stuff the Body

Stuff straw, leaves, or paper into the shirt and gloves to make it look full.

Tie off cuffs and pant legs. (if added pants)

5. Add Accessories

Hat, gloves, scarf, or even boots (only if it has pants) for personality.

For extra motion (helps scare birds), tie on ribbons, aluminum pie pans, or old CDs so they flash in the wind.

6. Set It Up

Push or hammer the vertical post deep into the ground (at least 1–2 feet).

Position it in your garden or field where it’s visible.

⚠️ Tips for help:

Move the scarecrow occasionally so birds don’t get used to it.

Change its clothing or add props seasonally.

Reflective or noisy attachments (like foil strips or bells) help improve results.

Go on a hike with family!

Perks:

Get some fresh air 

It's free

Burn calories

Discover a new favorite get away spot

Also consider:

Bringing a field guide (or downloading one onto your smartphone) and learning about plants and animals

Packing up leftovers and making a picnic of it