Introduce the sounds, smells, and tastes of autumn with easy DIY fall sensory activities using items found around the house. From apple-scented cloud dough to a sweet fall sensory bin, you’ll find lots of ways to play that stimulate the senses and the imagination. Remember, parents, stay close by and supervise young children to avoid choking hazards—we all know how mouthy our little ones can be!
For more sensory fun, check out our favorite sensory activities for babies, easy sensory activities that prevent meltdowns, and 5 toddler activities that calm little bodies.
Boo Bath
Scare up some bath-time fun for your little boo! Shaving cream makes perfectly puffy ghosts that glide over dark-colored water in this fun activity. Don’t worry about the tub or your tot staying food-colored; it washes away when playtime is over. Get the DIY from Growing a Jeweled Rose.
Autumn-Spiced Play Dough with Whole Spices
This play dough is a treat for your child's sense of touch and smell, thanks to the addition of autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add some cinnamon sticks, anise stars, and other whole spices (but avoid those that may pose choking hazards until your child is older). The spices add texture to the activity and give your child something to push into the dough. This is a fall sensory bin older kids will love to participate in as well. Get the recipe at Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Apple Foam Sensory Bin
Squeeze bottles, sponges, tear-free bubble bath solution, and the season's delicious apples are all you need for this fun, foamy fall sensory activity from Toddler Approved. To keep things clean, lay down a towel or vinyl tablecloth first, or head outside if the weather is nice. Keep the apples you use for other autumn activities, or choose plastic apples or pumpkins if you'd rather use your apples for snacking on.
Squishy Squashes
Squash, pumpkins, and gourds offer your baby a cornucopia of colors, textures, and shapes to explore, way before you get to any pumpkin carving. Fill a small bowl with them, then top it with a towel to let your child discover these autumn treasures. Then cut one open and scoop out some gooey insides for your child to squish, removing any choking hazards like pumpkin seeds.
Fall Sensory Soup
The rich colors of fall shine bright in this fall sensory bin. Choose orange or red food coloring for the water and add acrylic leaves and kitchen utensils for your child to play with. Baby will delight in scooping, pouring, and splashing. Find out how to make this from And Next Comes L.
Related: The BIGGEST (& Best) List of Fall Crafts, Ever
Slimy Spaghetti
Slippery spaghetti is fascinating for babies. Add autumn-themed food coloring, a cauldron (a bucket or large cup), and plastic spoons, and watch your little witch or wizard conjure up fun with one of the easiest fall sensory activities around. Jamie at Hands On As We Grow suggests adding a dollop of oil to the noodles to up the slime factor.
Apple-Scented Cloud Dough
As sweet as mom’s apple pie, this scented fall sensory bin will spice up playtime for babies. The cloud dough is made from a simple recipe of flour, vegetable oil, and apple pie spice, so it’s non-toxic if nibbled. Add some apple-shaped foam pieces, scoopers, and muffin tins to develop small motor skills. If you don’t have any apple spice handy, Growing a Jeweled Rose recommends using cinnamon.
Edible Eyeballs
Squishy, slimy eyeballs are fun to poke and smash on Halloween or any other autumn day. They’re made from gelatin, food coloring, raisins, and cooking oil, so they’re edible if baby takes a bite, and they don’t pose a choking hazard. Head to Fun At Home With Kids for instructions on how to make them.
Halloween Aquafaba
If you haven’t heard of Aquafaba, you’re missing out. You only need two ingredients for this sensory activity for toddlers; it’s safe for mouthy babes, and the foamy texture is irresistible. Get the instructions from The Artful Parent.
Leafy Adventures
Nature creates its own sensory play activity for us with fallen leaves in stunning autumn colors. Take a walk outside with your child to look at the different colors and shapes, feel the brittle texture, and listen to the crunching under your feet. Bring a bucket to collect some leaves and make a pile for playing in.
Apple Pie Moon Sand
Moon sand is similar to cloud dough, but the consistency is grittier, creating a completely different sensory experience. This is a good fall activity for toddlers, because while it’s taste-safe, it isn’t meant to be consumed; if your kiddo is still putting everything in their mouth, save this one for next year! Get the recipe from A Play Filled Life.
Farm Sensory Bin
That little people farm set will come in handy if you want to set up this fall sensory bin perfect for toddlers. You’ll need a bin, a bag of oats, the farm set, and creative little hands!
Fall Sensory Activities for Babies: FAQ
What are fall sensory activities for babies and toddlers?
Sensory play with a fall twist is fun for babies and toddlers. Activities include seasonal experiences: think apple cinnamon playdough, pumpkin games, using cozy fall fabrics like fleece or wool in projects, leaf art, and visiting a pumpkin patch.
Why is fall sensory play good for babies?
It allows babies to discover the world around them with simple activities that encourage motor skills, sensory development, curiosity, and problem solving.
Can babies play with real leaves?
Yes, but with supervision. Make sure to clean leaves of debris before allowing your baby to touch them, and don’t allow your baby or toddler to put them in their mouths.
What type of fall sensory activities can babies and toddlers do outside?
A walk in the park, or somewhere with trees and other natural features, is a great activity for little ones. Visiting a pumpkin patch is another easy way to introduce your child to the fall season.
Is pumpkin sensory play safe for babies?
Yes. Babies can touch the outside of a pumpkin; they can eat pumpkin puree, and you can make an edible pumpkin playdough.
