Fall Themed Sensory Ideas

Fall Themed Sensory Ideas

Well it’s officially Fall, and as we say goodbye to Summer and look ahead to colder days, here are a few fall themed sensory play activities to start the season off right. 

Get Outside & Play in the Leaves

Just because the temps are cooler doesn't mean the outside play has to end. I find the Fall time to be the perfect time to get out and play. Take a nature walk, let your child lead the way, don’t worry about getting lost, just breathe in the fresh crisp air and embrace the calmness that this time of year brings. The sights, sounds, and smells all make for an excellent sensory experience. Try planting Fall bulbs with your child, tulips or daffodils are a great choice. Talk about each step and what the bulbs will eventually grow into. Or my personal favorite, rake up a big (BIG) pile of leaves and jump right in! 

Bake a Delicious Fall Treat

Cooking in the kitchen with your child is not only a great way to provide a sensory experience, but it is a great way to build your bond and create a long lasting memory. Here’s a recipe for my favorite (healthy-ish) fall treat to make with my little one. Combine 2.5 cups rolled or quick oats, 1 cup pure pumpkin puree, 3 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and ½ cup chocolate chips. Then form into cookie shapes, place on a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. All that’s left is to enjoy. 
Apple Stamping with Taste Safe Paint

A classic and one of my favorite sensory activities to do in the fall with my little one, is apple stamping. Simply cut the apple in half, remove the seeds, dip in paint and stamp away. Elevate this by removing the apple’s skin and using cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. Then create taste safe paint by mixing ½ cup flour, 1 cup hot water (to kill any possible bacteria in the flour), and food coloring of choice. By removing the skin of the apple and using a taste safe paint you have now made this a safe activity for crawling babies as well as older children. 

However you choose to embrace the cooler weather is up to you. I hope these tips inspire you to create some fun this season, and make amazing memories with your little ones! Extend the fun by attending one of our Free Sensory Development Classes offered on Friday’s at our Ankeny location. Reserve your spot at www.integrativemediowa.com and find out what makes playing with a purpose so great! 

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