Looking for some fun fall-themed sensory activities for your child? Check out this big list of 50+ autumn sensory bins, bottles, bags and more! These fall sensory activity ideas are perfect for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, or children of any age who happen to enjoy sensory play.
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There are always lots of sensory activities happening at our house, but the autumn ones are definitely my favourites… I love the warm colours and the wonderful smells that fill our kitchen as our kids play.
If you’re also a fan of autumn sensory activities, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve gathered all of the best fall-themed sensory activities I could find and compiled them into one big list.
Whether you’re looking for sensory bin ideas, play dough recipes, slime recipes, taste-safe activities, non-food ideas, or something else… if it’s a fall sensory activity of some kind, you’ll likely find it here.
My favourites are the ones that feel AND smell good, because if you’re looking for activities that stimulate your child’s senses, why not go all in? Feel free to share your favourites in the comments and let me know what you’ve tried!
Related: 37 Fantastic Winter Sensory Bin Ideas
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Fall Sensory Bins & Activities
Looking for DIY sensory bin ideas for the fall? You’ll love these simple autumn-themed sensory activities for kids.
1. Fall-Scented Moon Sand
Have you ever made your own moon sand? This fall-themed version is just as fun and mouldable as the regular one, but the addition of pumpkin spice makes it smell like autumn!
(And if you are preparing this activity for a toddler, you can even make it taste-safe.)
Read the full tutorial: Fall-Scented Moon Sand
2. Apple Tree Sensory Bin
Nothing says “fall” like picking apples straight from a tree… and this apple tree sensory bin is the perfect homage to that. I love that it contains both pom-poms and rice, which provides kids with a variety of sensory experiences.
Read the full tutorial: Apple Tree Sensory Bin
3. Fine Motor Apple Soup Sensory Bin
Does your child love water play? If so, they’ll love this fall water sensory bin that doubles as a fine motor activity.
Read the full tutorial: Fine Motor Apple Soup Sensory Bin
4. Apple-Scented Soap Foam
If you’re looking for more apple-themed sensory activities to do this fall, take a look at this easy soap foam sensory bin that actually smells like apples! This one would be great for kids who enjoy messy play.
Read the full tutorial: Apple-Scented Soap Foam
5. Autumn Bubble Foam Sensory Bin
Bubble foam is a classic for a reason. If you want to set up some nice clean fun for your toddler or preschooler, this simple bubble foam sensory bin with fall leaves is sure to be a hit!
Read the full tutorial: Autumn Bubble Foam Sensory Bin
6. Wet & Dry Autumn Sensory Table
This wet and dry fall sensory table is a great way to repurpose your child’s water table once the summer holidays and warm weather are over!
Read the full tutorial: Wet & Dry Autumn Sensory Table
7. Forest Floor Sensory Bin
If your kids enjoy spending time outdoors, they’ll love this nature-inspired forest floor sensory bin filled with real or artificial pinecones and leaves.
Read the full tutorial: Forest Floor Sensory Bin
8. Sensory Nature Cutting Tray
And if you’re going to be collecting objects in nature, why not sneak in some fine motor practice as well? This easy nature cutting activity is perfect for preschool kids who are learning to cut with scissors.
Read the full tutorial: Sensory Nature Cutting Tray
9. Fall Sensory Walk
Looking for a fun outdoor fall activity to do with your kids? Take them outside and let them explore nature with their bare feet. I love this idea!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Sensory Walk
10. Fall Sensory Writing Tray
Learning is always more fun when it is done through play. If your preschooler is learning how to trace the letters of the alphabet, give this fall sensory writing tray a try!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Sensory Writing Tray
11. Fall Rice Sensory Bin
Coloured rice is such a great sensory bin filler! Not only does it provide an awesome sensory input, but it’s also an opportunity for kids to practice scooping and pouring using simple kitchen tools like spoons and measuring cups.
I love that this fall rice sensory bin also includes a variety of other textures, like acrylic acorns and fabric leaves!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Rice Sensory Bin
12. Acorn & Leaf Sensory Bin
…Or, if you’re looking for something a little simpler that won’t require you to dye the rice and can be thrown together in just a few minutes, you can also try this easy last-minute fall sensory bin with rice and leaves.
Read the full tutorial: Acorn & Leaf Sensory Bin
13. Fall Leaf Sensory Soup
Like rice, water also offers lots of opportunities for scooping and pouring—and this fall leaf soup sensory play idea couldn’t be simpler to set up!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Leaf Sensory Soup
14. Apple Washing Sensory Bin
I don’t know about you, but for our family, going apple picking is always one of the highlights of the fall season. I’m sure our kids would love this apple washing sensory bin, and I love how simple it is to prepare!
Read the full tutorial: Apple Washing Sensory Bin
15. Pumpkin Washing Sensory Bin
You can also turn your trip to the pumpkin patch into this fun pumpkin washing station! This is the perfect activity to get your kids excited about the pumpkin carving and decorating that you’ll (probably) be doing for Halloween.
Read the full tutorial: Pumpkin Washing Sensory Bin
16. Pumpkin Boats Sensory Bin
And if you’re looking for something else to do with your pumpkins, here is another way you can use them for sensory play! How cute is this fall-themed sensory activity with floating pumpkin boats?
Read the full tutorial: Pumpkin Boats Sensory Bin
17. Pumpkin Seed Counting Sensory Bin
Looking to use another part of the pumpkin? If so, give this pumpkin seed counting sensory bin a try! This one is great for preschool, pre-K and kindergarten since it incorporates counting and simple math concepts.
Read the full tutorial: Pumpkin Seed Counting Sensory Bin
18. Practical Skills Fall Sensory Bin
If you’re looking to teach your child practical life skills, this Montessori-inspired fall sensory bin is also a great way to teach your child simple math concepts in a concrete, hands-on way.
Read the full tutorial: Practical Skills Fall Sensory Bin
19. Fine Motor Fall Sensory Bin
This fall leaves sensory bin is the perfect way to sneak in some fine motor practice during play time!
Read the full tutorial: Fine Motor Fall Sensory Bin
20. Fall Yarn Sensory Bin
I also love this fall yarn sensory bin that contains a variety of different textures for children to explore! This one would be a great way to use up scraps of yarn that can’t be used for other projects.
Read the full tutorial: Fall Yarn Sensory Bin
21. Apple Pie Cloud Dough
Nothing says fall like the smell of apple pie baking in the oven… and this apple pie sensory dough is a great way to incorporate that into your child’s play.
Read the full tutorial: Apple Pie Cloud Dough
22. Hot Cocoa Mix Sensory Bin
Or, if your child prefers the smell of hot cocoa, this hot cocoa mix sensory bin with marshmallows could be a great fit!
Read the full tutorial: Hot Cocoa Mix Sensory Bin
23. Sensory Shaving Cream Fall Art
Our kids LOVE playing with shaving cream, and this fall art activity doubles as a fun fall sensory tray for kids.
Read the full tutorial: Sensory Shaving Cream Fall Art
24. Mess-Free Autumn Leaf Sensory Painting
This mess-free leaf painting activity is also a fantastic way to provide a sensory input for your child while creating colourful fall-themed artwork that you proudly display on your wall!
Read the full tutorial: Mess-Free Autumn Leaf Sensory Painting
25. Autumn Sensory Play Gel
I’m always a fan of any sensory activity to involves squishing gelatin… and this autumn sensory play gel looks like an AMAZING way to incorporate nature into your child’s in a way that is safe for younger kids.
Read the full tutorial: Autumn Sensory Play Gel
26. Oobleck & Leaves
Oobleck is a classic for a reason, and our kids love watching items sink into it. So why not give this classic activity an autumn twist by adding in some fall leaves that you collected during your latest walk?
Read the full tutorial: Oobleck & Leaves
27. Fall Corn Sensory Bin
Fall means apples… but it also means corn. This fall sensory bin filled with corn kernels, acorns, leaves and gourds is the perfect way to get your child excited about fall.
Read the full tutorial: Fall Corn Sensory Bin
28. Fall Unit Sensory Bin
Or, if you’re planning on doing a whole fall unit, give this fun fall sensory tray a try! It incorporates several different textures and fall items in order to help you teach your child everything about autumn.
Read the full tutorial: Fall Unit Sensory Bin
29. Fall Scarecrow Sensory Bin
This fall scarecrow and fall leaves sensory bin is super cute, and it also incorporates several ways to help kids practice their fine motor skills as they play.
Read the full tutorial: Fall Scarecrow Sensory Bin
30. Fall Tree Sensory Bin
And if you can’t get enough of fall colours, this fall-themed sensory activity filled with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins is not only gorgeous, but it also provides lots of opportunities for imaginative play.
Read the full tutorial: Fall Tree Sensory Bin
Fall Play Dough
If your child loves play dough and you’ve been searching for recipes that appropriate for the fall season, you’re in luck. I’ve gathered the best fall-themed play dough recipes I could find so that you don’t have to spend hours looking for the perfect one!
31. Fall-Scented Play Dough
This trio of fall play dough recipes contains actual applesauce, pumpkin purée and fall spices for a truly fall-themed sensory experience. I can’t wait to try these!
Read the full tutorial: Fall-Scented Play Dough
32. Apple Cinnamon Play Dough
If you love the smell of fall, you can also try this no-cook apple cinnamon play dough recipe. This one is great for imaginative play that involves “baking” apple pie!
Read the full tutorial: Apple Cinnamon Play Dough
33. Pumpkin Play Dough
This pumpkin play dough recipe doesn’t just look like a pumpkin—it also smells like pumpkin spice. So fun!
Read the full tutorial: Pumpkin Play Dough
34. Edible No-Cook Pumpkin Play Dough
Or, if you’re looking for a recipe that is appropriate for young toddlers who still like to put everything in their mouths, whip up a batch of edible pumpkin play dough that uses canned or homemade pumpkin purée.
This recipe requires no cooking or heating of any kind, and it also happens to be fully edible!
Read the full tutorial: Edible No-Cook Pumpkin Play Dough
35. Taste-Safe Pumpkin Play Dough
If you’re low on ingredients, you can also try this 3-ingredient taste-safe pumpkin play dough recipe that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Read the full tutorial: Taste-Safe Pumpkin Play Dough
36. Maple Pumpkin Spice Play Dough
Perhaps this is because I’m Canadian, but anything that smells like maple is definitely something I want to make. This simple play dough recipe can be made in the microwave instead of on the stove, and I bet it smells amazing!
Read the full tutorial: Maple Pumpkin Spice Play Dough
37. Cinnamon Vanilla Play Dough
And if you’re looking for another fall-themed play dough recipe that smells simply amazing, you’ll definitely want to try this cinnamon vanilla play dough. It makes our entire kitchen smell like cinnamon every time our kids take it out to play!
Read the full tutorial: Cinnamon Vanilla Play Dough
Fall Slime
Does your child enjoy playing with slime? I know that some people don’t love the idea of letting slime into their homes, but if you don’t mind it, it can provide an awesome sensory input for kids.
(I have found that it isn’t that messy as long as it’s only allowed at the table… but if ever your kids do manage to make a mess, try dissolving the slime with vinegar to make the cleanup easier!)
38. Fall Glitter Slime
How gorgeous is this bright-coloured glitter slime? The one in the picture is bright red, but you can switch up the food colouring in order to choose any fall hue you like. Our kids would love this!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Glitter Slime
39. Fall Leaf Slime with Contact Lens Solution
Whether you live in Canada like we do and have trouble finding Liquid Starch, or you simply prefer to use contact lens solution because it’s softer on sensitive skin, this fall leaf slime recipe made with contact lens solution would be a great fit! (I personally always use contact lens solution when making slime.)
Read the full tutorial: Fall Leaf Slime with Contact Lens Solution
40. Pumpkin Slime Party Favours
Hosting a Halloween party at your house? These pumpkin slime party favours would make a neat little gift for your child’s friends to bring home! (Just make sure you ask their parents’ permission first.)
Read the full tutorial: Pumpkin Slime Party Favours
41. Edible Pumpkin Pie Slime
Do you have an infant or toddler at home who still likes to take everything for a taste test? This edible pumpkin pie slime made with actual pumpkin purée is a great way to let them safely experience the joys of playing with slime!
Read the full tutorial: Edible Pumpkin Pie Slime
42. Fluffy Apple Slime
Or, if you’re looking for a totally different texture, consider trying this fluffy apple slime that smells like apples. I’ll definitely be making this one!
Read the full tutorial: Fluffy Apple Slime
Fall Sensory Bottles & Bags
If you have a baby at home and you’re looking for an activity that will allow them to safely participate in the fun, sensory bottles and bags are a great way to do that.
Because these autumn-themed sensory activities are contained within bottles or bags, they don’t pose a choking hazard—but they do allow little ones to explore different textures!
43. Fall & Thanksgiving Sensory Bottle Set
Not sure which sensory bottle to start with? This set of 5 autumn-themed sensory bottle ideas is perfect for all of the fall months, from September to November. (The Thanksgiving turkey one is so cute!)
Read the full tutorial: Fall & Thanksgiving Sensory Bottle Set
44. Fall Snow Globe
Snow globes don’t have to be only for winter. This fall leaf sensory jar is the perfect way to add a touch of magic to autumn!
Read the full tutorial: Fall “Snow Globe”
45. Fall Leaves Sensory Bottle
Do you love all the colours that autumn brings? If so, you’ll definitely enjoy this fall leaf sensory bottle filled with lots of colourful leaves!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Leaves Sensory Bottle
46. Fall Glitter Sensory Bottle
Or, if you’re a fan of glitter, you can also try this fall glitter sensory bottle. We’ve made a few of these over the years and they’re both fun and easy to make.
(And if you’re not a fan of glitter… this may actually be a palatable way for you to use it, as it all stays contained within the bottle!)
Read the full tutorial: Fall Glitter Sensory Bottle
47. Windy Fall Leaves Sensory Bin
How gorgeous is this windy fall leaves sensory bottle? I love the combination of colours!
Read the full tutorial: Windy Fall Leaves Sensory Bin
48. Nature Discovery Sensory Bottles
If you enjoy going for walks with your family and spending time outdoors, why not turn that into another sensory activity for your kids? These nature discovery sensory bottles filled with leaves, pinecones and acorns are the perfect way to allow your little baby or toddler to safely play with the items you collected during your latest walk.
Read the full tutorial: Nature Discovery Sensory Bottles
49. Fall Sensory Bottle Trio
I also love this set of fall-themed sensory bottles from Fireflies and Mud Pies. What a lovely variety of colours and sounds!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Sensory Bottle Trio
50. Fall Leaf Sensory Bag
Sensory bags are an amazing way to let babies experience different textures with their hands WITHOUT the risk of choking… and this fall leaf one is perfect for autumn!
Read the full tutorial: Fall Leaf Sensory Bag
51. Pumpkin Gut Sensory Bag
Finally, if you’re going to be carving pumpkins for Halloween, why not let your child explore the pumpkin guts by squishing them around inside a sensory bag? (You can always roast the seeds once your child is done playing.)
Read the full tutorial: Pumpkin Gut Sensory Bag
Related Fall Activity Ideas
Looking for more fun things to do with your kids this fall? Check out these articles:
- The ULTIMATE Fall Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do in the Fall
- Fall Tree Painting with Bundled Q-Tips
- How to Make a DIY Leaf Bowl (with Real or Artificial Leaves)
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Subscribe to our email newsletter to receive 12 of our most popular sensory recipes in PDF format as a welcome gift:
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