What is the Autumnal Equinox?
The Autumnal Equinox marks a shift in the seasons, a time when day and night are near equal length, and is celebrated in many cultures throughout the world.
Equinoxes happen only twice per year, in Autumn and in Spring.
While it is Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere – it’s Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
It marks a time of balance, equal day hours and night hours.
When is the Autumnal Equinox 2026?
- The Southern Hemisphere Autumnal Equinox, occurs on March 21st 2026.
- The Northern Hemisphere Autumnal Equinox, is on September 23rd 2026.
What makes the Autumnal Equinox special?
Autumn is a magic time of year, with such a beautiful visual display of colour changing leaves, and plentiful fruit to harvest, making it an opportune time for seasonal conversations with children.
As we harvest and notice seasonal changes, we can offer acknowledgement of the season, gratitude for what it gives us, and marvel at natures ongoing cycles.
How to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox?
Your celebrations can look any way you want them to:
A meal with friends, a wild moonlit dance, an autumn walk, a harvest feast, a seasonal walk, quiet intent or reflection . . .
We have done all of these, though learned that bringing simple acknowledgement of the seasonal shift (in the environment and within us), and considering our intentions for the coming season is key for a truly fun and rich seasonal celebration,.
Here are some simple ways to celebrate:
TAKE AN AUTUMN WALK
Walking and noticing the seasonal changes, what feels different? Where does the light sit? What do you see, on the branches, on the ground? What is the water temperature like? The air temperature? What clothing is needed? Take your shoes off!
Sit and notice quietly for a moment.
Bring awareness to these things, as you discuss with children.
AUTUMN NATURE HUNT
Little children are natural treasure hunters, and a nature hunt brings awareness to their observations. We have been doing this for years with our kiddos, and their noticings just deepen with age. Grab some baskets from the op shop and set out with a treasure map in hand. Check out this autumn nature hunt I created and bring this simple, magical act into your children’s learning.
Download Autumn Nature Hunt >>
View Autumn Nature Hunt resource on TPT >>
MAKE AUTUMN CRAFTS
Once we have collected Autumn treasures, it’s a lovely extension to create with them. Here are some ideas of some Autumn craft makings. Return all treasures to papatuanuku when not needed, giving thanks again. PS: You are never too old to play or create!
SET UP A NATURE TABLE
Setting up a nature table deepens understanding as it visually supports what our tamariki are observing about the seasons. Use silks or scarves in autumn colours, have baskets for placing fruit or treasures, and some meaningful learning resources.
View our Southern Hemisphere Seasonal Wheel Wood Print >>
or print and display these Montesorri Seasons >>
LEARN ABOUT THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX:
This downloadable, printable Autumn Equinox nature journal with information and illustrations to help explain the Autumn Equinox for kids. Include journal pages with prompts to get kids noticing and celebrating Autumn, AND an Earth Orbit Model craft!
COLLECT, SAVE AND SOW SEEDS
Sowing seeds now before the weather gets colder will allow you to pick greens through winter. If you’ve missed the growing window, don’t worry! Still sow, and harvest in Spring! Notice what is seeding right now.
View seed collection >>
DISCUSS THE SEASONS
GARDEN HARVEST
Heading to the garden is so rewarding this time of year. What can you pick to make a meal from tonight? Give thanks for your meal, think where it came from and how long it took to grow.
EAT SEASONALLY
If you don’t have a garden you can still connect to the energy of this time by learning about what is in season right now and buying local produce. Can you visit a farmers market? Research and mindfully purchase what’s in season in Autumn? Have a discussion about what’s in season with your children.
SHARED MEAL WITH FRIENDS
Making food together as a family, classroom, or group and sharing seasonal food with intention of coming together, sounds lush to me!
MAKE AN AUTUMN NATURE MANDALA
Making mandalas is a lovely way to create art and mark the season using nature’s treasures.
Simply go outside, look around you and create, using what is in season!
View our Nature Mandalas on Instagram >>
View our Nature Mandalas on Facebook >>
DANCE AT THE HARVEST MOON
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that falls nearest the Autumn Equinox. You could celebrate the Autumn Equinox with a moon dance party, check out this Moon Party Playlist below!
STORIES
What books can you get out from the library?
Or are there stories you can tell or create?
Sit in the Autumn sun and snuggle up and read, extra points if you harvest herbal teas from your garden!
TAKE LEAF RUBBINGS
A simple and fun reveal image activity! Place the leaf under a sheet of paper, use wax crayon to rub gently over and capture the leaf shape on your page. Use different autumn colours for a truly Autumnal finished piece of art!
SEASONAL SONGS
Songs help to create a sense of celebration and also cement learning in our children.
Autumn songs and Songs of harvest and thanks can be simple inclusion in any activity this season.
View songs for children here >>
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