50+ Super Fun Fall Sensory Activities for Kids


Published: September 20, 2023 · Updated: December 23, 2023 by Sacha

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.

Image collage of 5 fall-themed sensory activities.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

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

GRAB OUR 12 BEST SENSORY RECIPES!

Subscribe to our email newsletter to receive 12 of our most popular sensory recipes in PDF format as a welcome gift:

Already a subscriber? Don’t worry, you won’t be subscribed twice. By submitting your email address, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.


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

Hand holding ball of orange 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

Mini toilet paper roll apple trees in a bin full of red and green pom-poms.
Image Credit: Taming Little Monsters

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

Child's hand holding a ladle next to a bin filled with water and small acrylic apples.
Image Credit: And Next Comes L

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

Children playing in a bin full of colourful foam.
Image Credit: Learn Play Imagine

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

Child's hand playing in a bin filled with soapy water and fake leaves.
Image Credit: Happy Toddler Playtime

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

Child playing in a bin filled with fall items, some of them in water and some of them dry.
Image Credit: Simple Fun for Kids

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

Child's hands in a bin filled with murky water, acorns and leaves.
Image Credit: Mommy Evolution

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

Tray with scissors and natural items like twigs and leaves.
Image Credit: Kids Craft Room

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

Bins filled with leaves, pinecones and other natural items.
Image Credit: Teaching Ideas

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

Pumpkin-shaped tray filled with quinoa, with the letter "b" traced in it.
Image Credit: No Time for Flash Cards

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

Tray filled with red rice and fall-themed items.
Image Credit: Simple Fun for Kids

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

Bin filled with white rice and small acrylic leaves and acorns.
Image Credit: Stir the Wonder

…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

Child's hand in a bin filled with orange water and acrylic leaves.
Image Credit: And Next Comes L

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

Child washing an apple with a sponge next to a bin filled with apples and water.
Image Credit: Happy Toddler Playtime

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

Children washing pumpkins in a bin full of soapy water.
Image Credit: Where Imagination Grows

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

Child playing in a bin filled with toys and halved pumpkins floating like boats.
Image Credit: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

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

Bin filled with pumpkin seeds and the cavities of an egg carton decorated like pumpkins.
Image Credit: Taming Little Monsters

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

Bin filled with split green peas, plastic apples and measuring cups.
Image Credit: Living Montessori Now

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

Bin filled with fake leaves, tongs and mini plastic pumpkins and squash.
Image Credit: Mommy Evolution

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

Bin filled with fake leaves, acorns and fall-coloured yarn.
Image Credit: Happy Toddler Playtime

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

Bin filled with crumbly white dough and apple pie-themed accessories.
Image Credit: Views from a Step Stool

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

Child pressing together dough above a bin filled with crumbly brown dough and marshmallows.
Image Credit: Little Blog of Joy

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

Child's hands playing in fall-coloured shaving cream bin.
Image Credit: Living Life and Learning

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

Colourful fall leaf painting inside plastic bags.
Image Credit: Kids Craft Room

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

Hand playing in gel filled with leaves and other natural items.
Image Credit: Kids Craft Room

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

Child playing in a bin filled with white goop and fall leaves.
Image Credit: Happy Toddler Playtime

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

Bin filled with corn kernels, fake leaves and mini pumpkins.
Image Credit: Paper and Glue

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

Bin filled with a variety of fall-themed items.
Image Credit: Little Ladoo

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

Bin filled with fake leaves, a miniature scarecrow and other fall accessories.
Image Credit: Fireflies and Mud Pies

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

Bin with a miniature cardboard tree, fake leaves and miniature pumpkins.
Image Credit: I Heart Crafty Things

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

Stack of 3 balls of play dough: red, orange and brown.
Image Credit: The Soccer Mom Blog

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

Ball of brown play dough surrounded by cinnamon sticks and an apple.
Image Credit: Natural Beach Living

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

Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter pressed into a ball of orange play dough.
Image Credit: Mommin’ from Scratch

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

Pumpkin play dough flattened with rolling pin, with star-shaped hole from a cookie cutter.

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

Fake leaves pressed into a ball of light orange play dough.
Image Credit: Mommy Evolution

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

Child's hands holding up a ball of brown play dough with a cinnamon stick.
Image Credit: Childhood 101

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

Cinnamon-vanilla play dough rolled out with star-shaped cookie cutter.

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

Hand holding stretchy red slime in front of a pumpkin.
Image Credit: High Chair Chronicles

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

Hand holding up sparkly yellow slime with leaf sequins.
Image Credit: Natural Beach Living

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

Small containers filled with orange slime, decorated to look like pumpkins.
Image Credit: Crafts by Amanda

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

Ball of orange slime on top of a can of pumpkin purée.
Image Credit: The Soccer Mom Blog

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

Ball of fluffy red slime, with a stick and leaf on top.
Image Credit: STEAMsational

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

5 fall-themed sensory bottles side-by-side.
Image Credit: Pocket of Preschool

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

Upside down mason jar filled with sticks and leaf sequins.
Image Credit: The Soccer Mom Blog

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

Upside down bottle filled with colourful leaf sequins.
Image Credit: Homeschool Preschool

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

Bottle filled with orange glitter and fall leaf sequins.
Image Credit: Simple Everyday Mom

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

Child holding a bottle full of glitter yellow liquid and leaf sequins.
Image Credit: Rhythms of Play

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

Bottles filled with pinecones, leaves and pine needles.
Image Credit: Little Bins for Little Hands

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

3 fall-themed sensory bottles side-by-side.
Image Credit: Fireflies and Mud Pies

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

Child pressing on a bag containing glitter and leaves.
Image Credit: Kids Craft Rooms

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

Child's hands pressing on a bag of pumpkin guts with a jack-o'-lantern face.
Image Credit: Little Bins for Little Hands

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:

Join my mailing list using the form below to receive 12 of the most popular sensory recipes on my site in PDF format! You’ll be the first to know when I publish new recipes, and you’ll also gain access to my free printables library, which is filled with lots of printable activities for kids.

GRAB OUR 12 BEST SENSORY RECIPES!

Subscribe to our email newsletter to receive 12 of our most popular sensory recipes in PDF format as a welcome gift:

Already a subscriber? Don’t worry, you won’t be subscribed twice. By submitting your email address, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Only your name will be made public. Please note that by submitting your comment, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

The Craft-at-Home Family