The Autumn Equinox….
….is a beautiful opportunity to help children notice the changing seasons, connect with nature and explore the idea of balance through their bodies.
In this post, I’m sharing a simple way to explain the autumn equinox to children, playful activities to bring the idea of balance to life, positive seasonal affirmations and two free resources you can use at home, in school or in a children’s yoga class.
What Is the Autumn Equinox?
The autumn equinox marks the beginning of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. It usually falls on 22 or 23 September. In 2026, it takes place on Wednesday 23 September.
The word equinox comes from words meaning “equal night”. At this point in the year, the Sun crosses the celestial equator and day and night are almost equal in length. After the autumn equinox, the nights gradually become longer and the days become shorter as we move towards winter.
For young children, I would keep the explanation visual and simple:
“The Earth travels around the Sun all year. At the autumn equinox, we have nearly the same amount of daylight and darkness. It is a balancing point between the bright days of summer and the darker, cosier days of autumn.”
You could show this using a torch as the Sun and a ball as the Earth. Slowly move the ball around the torch, explaining that different parts of the Earth receive different amounts of light as it travels. Children do not need to understand every scientific detail—the aim is to spark curiosity and help them notice the seasonal change.
Ways to Help Children Notice the Equinox
Children often understand big ideas best when they can see, feel and explore them. Try one or two of these simple activities:
Go outside in the morning and again in the evening to notice the light.
Look for early signs of autumn, such as changing leaves, seeds, conkers and cooler air.
Make two collections: things that remind you of daylight and things that remind you of night.
Draw a circle divided into a light half and a dark half.
Talk about what is changing outdoors and what is staying the same.
Keep the activity playful and let children share what they notice. There is no single “right” answer.
The Autumn Equinox Is a Time of Balance
The equinox gives us a natural way to talk to children about balance. We can explore physical balance through yoga, but we can also introduce the idea that balance does not mean everything must be perfectly equal all the time.
For children, balance might look like:
moving and resting;
spending time with others and having quiet time;
concentrating and playing;
being brave enough to try and knowing when to pause;
enjoying busy moments and making space for calm ones.
I might say:
“Nature is finding a balance between light and dark. We can notice what helps our own bodies and minds feel balanced too. Sometimes we need to move. Sometimes we need to rest. Sometimes we need company, and sometimes we need space.”
This keeps the idea flexible and child-centred. Children do not have to feel calm, still or perfectly balanced. We are simply helping them notice what they need.
Try a Simple Equinox Balance Activity
Invite children to stand in a clear space. Shoes can come off if the floor is safe and comfortable, but this is optional.
Stand with both feet on the ground and notice how steady that feels.
Slowly shift your weight from one foot to the other.
Rest one foot at the ankle or lower leg to create a Tree Pose.
Use a wall, chair or partner for support if helpful.
Reach one arm towards an imaginary sun and the other towards an imaginary moon.
Swap sides and notice whether the two sides feel the same or different.
You could ask:
What helps you balance?
Is one side steadier today?
What happens when you look at one still point?
Can your tree wobble without falling being a problem?
Remind children that wobbling is part of balancing. They can place their foot down whenever they choose.
Explore Light and Dark Through Movement
Try this short call-and-response movement game:
Sun: Stand tall, stretch your arms wide and take up space.
Moon: Curl into a comfortable small shape.
Balance: Stand or sit in the middle, with one hand lifted and one hand lowered.
Autumn wind: Sway gently from side to side.
Falling leaf: Move slowly towards the floor in any comfortable way.
Cosy rest: Choose a seated or lying position and pause.
Move between active and quiet shapes so children can physically experience the rhythm of movement and rest. They can copy you, invent their own shapes or watch until they feel ready to join.
Autumn Equinox Affirmations for Children
Affirmations can give children simple, supportive words to return to. Invite them to choose the phrases they like rather than expecting everyone to repeat every statement.
I am steady, even when I wobble.
I can find balance in my own way.
I am rooted and ready to grow.
I welcome change one step at a time.
I can be active, and I can rest.
I listen to what my body needs.
I can let go like an autumn leaf.
I am calm, strong and supported.
I am part of the changing seasons.
Children could say an affirmation in Tree Pose, whisper it while holding a leaf, add a movement to it or simply listen. For some children, drawing or colouring the words may feel more comfortable than saying them aloud.
Free Autumn Equinox Affirmation Colouring Sheet
I have created a free autumn equinox affirmation colouring sheet for children to enjoy at home, in the classroom or after a yoga session. Colouring can offer a gentle transition into quieter time while giving children space to connect with the words in their own way.
Provide a choice of pencils, crayons or pens, and remember that children can colour as much or as little as they like. They might also add leaves, stars, suns, moons or their own affirmation to the page.
Free Moon Salutation PDF
The autumn equinox is also a lovely time to explore a Moon Salutation. This side-to-side yoga flow can help children connect movement with the quieter, more reflective energy of autumn. I would typically choose to teach this sequence to children age 7+
Use the sequence slowly and adapt it for the children in front of you. Keep movements optional, offer support and focus on the rhythm of the flow rather than creating perfect poses. I think its such a lovely idea to teach the children the flow so they know it well enough they can get lost in repeating it over and over to a favourite piece of music, then they really find that wonderful ‘flow’ state
[Download the free Moon Salutation PDF — add link]
You might finish by resting beneath an imaginary autumn night sky. Invite children to notice the support of the floor, take a few natural breaths and picture the moon shining gently above them.
A Gentle Seasonal Pause
The autumn equinox does not need to become a long lesson. A short nature walk, a balancing pose, one chosen affirmation and a few quiet moments can be enough.
By making the season visible through stories, movement and creativity, we help children understand that change is a natural part of life. We also give them a reassuring message: balance is not about staying perfectly still. It is about noticing, adjusting and finding the support we need as things change.
Which affirmation will your child or class choose this autumn?
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This Month Inside Laura's Teacher Club...Autumn Equinox resources
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