Fall Activity for Toddlers – Easy Autumn Sensory Bin
This Fall activity for toddlers is a fun way to enjoy all things Autumn! The set up is super easy, and it’s so great for for sensory play and fine motor skills!
An Adaptable Fall Activity for Toddlers
The great thing about sensory bins is that there really isn’t any set “rules” on how to make one. Since this is a fall theme, you can plan on everything being all about fall!
Do you have fallen leaves, pine cones, or acorns?! Use them! Yup, it’s that simple! Throw in some fake apples and pumpkins too to talk about some typical produce of the season. We included corn kernels as well, but be sure to omit this if your kiddo is too young and likely to try to eat these.
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Skills:
Ages: 3 Years +
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Having Fun with this Fall Activity for Toddlers
Watch this video to see how super engaged toddlers can be with such simple materials! Providing bowls, spoons, and tongs will allow young kids to use real world objects that will help them strengthen fine motor and practical life skills!
No doubt, their imaginations will spark as they have fun concocting unique bowls of Autumn soup with all the loose parts!
Having Fun with this Fall Activity for Toddlers
Watch this video to see how super engaged toddlers can be with such simple materials! Providing bowls, spoons, and tongs will allow young kids to use real world objects that will help them strengthen fine motor and practical life skills!
No doubt, their imaginations will spark as they have fun concocting unique bowls of Autumn soup with all the loose parts!
Tips for Setting Up This Fall Activity for Toddlers
Use What You’ve Got! As I mentioned earlier, don’t underestimate the magic of natural objects that may have fallen right near your feet! Think: acorns, vibrantly colored Autumn leaves, and pine cones!
Dealing with the Mess. When toddlers first use sensory bins it may be difficult for them to keep the items from falling all over the floor. After all, they are likely working on a very important skill of scooping and pouring. And you don’t learn how not to spill unless you make that mistake a few times! Place some towels on the ground or set this up outside to help with the clean up!
Provide Bowls and Tools. Bowls and tools will not only help your kiddo develop fine motor skills, but they will spark their imaginations by finding new ways to use the loose parts in front of them!
Materials
- Apples
- Pumpkins
- Corn Kernals (unless toddler will try to eat)
- Sensory Bowl and Tool Set
- Autumn Leaves
- Acorns
- Pine Cones
- Apples
- Pumpkins
- Corn Kernals (unless toddler will try to eat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Add all your favorite fall items to a bin.
Step 2
Let the kids dig in with their hands or kid-friendly tools.
Step 1
Add all your favorite fall items to a bin.
Step 2
Let the kids dig in with their hands or kid-friendly tools.
The Benefits of This Fall Activity for Toddlers
Sensory Play. Have you heard that sensory play helps to build nerve connections in the brain? Yes, that’s right! Including different textures and sights in this bin will allow kiddos to think and explore using their hands in new ways.
You could even add some scents, like cinnamon for your kiddo to smell and explore!
Fine Motor Skills. And if you throw in some fine motor tools like tongs along with bowls and spoons they will have the opportunity to strengthen their fine motor skills.
Pouring sensory bases from one bowl to the other, or scooping up the materials with a spoon are also all wonderful practical life skills they will use for the rest of their life.
Language Development. Sensory play is a great time to build vocabulary! Talk about the items, explain what Autumn is, and have your kiddo repeat and explain these new words to you!
For more sensory play fun, visit our comprehensive list!
The Benefits of This Fall Toddler Activity
Sensory Play. Have you heard that sensory play helps to build nerve connections in the brain? Yes, that’s right! Including different textures and sights in this bin will allow kiddos to think and explore using their hands in new ways. You could even add some scents, like cinnamon for your kiddo to smell and explore!
Fine Motor Skills. And if you throw in some fine motor tools like tongs along with bowls and spoons they will have the opportunity to strengthen their fine motor skills.
Pouring sensory bases from one bowl to the other, or scooping up the materials with a spoon are also all wonderful practical life skills they will use for the rest of their life.
Language Development. Sensory play is a great time to build vocabulary! Talk about the items, explain what Autumn is, and have your kiddo repeat and explain these new words to you!
More Sensory Bins to Explore
Here are my top picks for sensory bins, toys, and books you can buy.
Build Your Own Sensory Bin Bundle
This fun bundle allows you to choose between different compounds, figurines and other accessories.
Pre-Made Sensory Bins
Whether you want to explore the ocean, dinosaurs, ice cream shop and more. These pre-made kits make set up easy!
Monster Truck Arena
This sensory-play item is perfect for the monster truck fan! It comes with 2 pounds of monster dirt and a monster truck!
Sensory-Based Book
Sensory play doesn’t have to be messy! This fabric book is full of hands-on sensory-based activities!
What’s Next?
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Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1
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Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version
Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!