10 Fall Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers
Looking for fun and easy fall sensory play ideas for toddlers? Fall is full of crunchy leaves, cozy scents, and textures that make sensory play for toddlers fun and engaging. From scooping dried corn to squishing pumpkin guts, these hands-on activities help little ones learn through play.
In this round-up, I’m sharing 10 simple and budget-friendly fall sensory play ideas that are perfect for curious toddlers. They’re easy to set up, fun to explore, and packed with learning.
Before we dive in, let’s chat about what sensory play is and why it matters so much for toddlers.
What Is Sensory Play?
Sensory play is all about letting toddlers explore the world through their five senses—touch, smell, taste, sight, and sound. It’s the kind of play that happens when little hands squish, scoop, pour, shake, and sniff. Imagine bins of dried corn, squishy pumpkin insides, or leaf-filled bottles that crunch and rustle with every shake.
What makes sensory play so special is that it’s open-ended and led by your child. There’s no right or wrong way to play. It sparks curiosity, boosts creativity, and helps toddlers understand their world through simple, sensory-rich moments of play.
Why Sensory Play Matters for Toddlers
Sensory play isn’t just fun—it’s packed with developmental benefits for your toddler. Here’s what it helps with:
- Growing Curious Minds – As toddlers scoop, sort, and explore, they’re learning how things work, building problem-solving skills, and developing their thinking muscles.
- Building Language Skills – Describing what they see, feel, and smell helps little ones grow their vocabulary and express themselves more clearly.
- Strengthening Motor Skills – Whether they’re pouring rice, picking up acorns, or kneading dough, toddlers are building coordination and fine motor strength.
- Helping with Emotions – Some sensory activities can be calming (like playing with warm water or soft playdough), while others help toddlers get their wiggles out in a fun way.
- Learning to Play with Others – Sharing a sensory bin or taking turns with scoops helps toddlers practice important social skills like cooperation and patience.
In the end, sensory play is more than just a fun mess—it’s a hands-on way for toddlers to grow, explore, and learn through play.
10 Fall Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers
Ready to dive into some hands-on fall fun? These fall sensory play ideas for toddlers are perfect for bringing the sights, smells, and textures of the season to life. Scroll down to find simple activities your little one will love!
Fall soup is a simple activity to set up, and it’s an excuse for a nature walk to gather the necessary supplies. Add a variety of fall leaves, acorns, pine cones, and more to a tub of water with a whisk and a small bowl, and toddlers are all set for some sensory play.
Gather some fall-colored buttons, pipe cleaners, feathers, and other crafty bits for this playful sensory tray. Kids can create their own turkeys, choosing to glue them together to keep or leave them unglued so they can take them apart and build again anytime.
Sensory bottles are a fun activity that kids can continue to glean benefits from after the crafting is done. These bottles are full of fall colors, sparkles, and sounds that will keep kids focused and help them calm down.
This candy corn bin takes a little setup ahead of time, but it’s worth the effort. The candy-corn-colored rice is the perfect base for some fun candy sensory play.
One of the best things about fall sensory bins is that even when nature falls short, craft stores are packed with seasonal decor. This bin features popcorn kernels as its base and is filled with a variety of fall-themed items, including leaves, acorns, and more.
Kids can create their own “apple pie” using the variety of materials in this sensory bin. With oats, felt “crust,” red and green pom-pom apples, and more, the possibilities for fall sensory play are endless.
This fall sensory play idea lets toddlers enjoy painting without the mess. They can squish paint inside a sealed bag to color a leaf-shaped cutout on black construction paper.
This fall sensory bin has a unique base made of fall-colored yarn strands. Kids will love running their hands through the soft, colorful texture.
Collect paper shreds, fall leaves, and face stickers for this engaging sensory activity for toddlers. Kids will enjoy the crunchy texture of the paper and have fun creating their own turkey friends.
Wash bins are always a fun time for sensory play, but this one comes with a twist. Kids aren’t washing cars or animals, but pumpkins!
Fall is the perfect time to slow down, get cozy, and engage toddlers in meaningful, sensory-rich experiences. With just a few simple supplies—many of which you can gather from your backyard or pantry—you can create magical moments of learning through play.
Whether your little one is scooping dried corn, smelling cinnamon-scented dough, or crunching leaves beneath their feet, they’re doing the important work of growing their mind, body, and creativity.
Keep your activities simple, safe, and sensory-focused—and don’t be afraid to get a little messy. That’s where the magic happens!
Tara is a homeschool mom and the voice behind Those Little Steps. She writes gentle, honest guides to help new moms feel supported, not overwhelmed, as they embark on their pregnancy and motherhood journeys.