As the vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow dominate the landscape, and the crisp autumn air carries a hint of pumpkin spice, it's time to revel in the wonders of fall. The change from summer to fall is pretty exciting for our family! Football starts, the crisp is in the air, changing to a more scheduled routine, and not to mention all the fall fun that the community and its surroundings provide. Fall is a time when we can indulge our senses, so I thought a post about sensory activities that we have tried or want to try would be fun.
The Magic of Fall Sensory Activities
You don't have to go buy or attend some fancy park or event to find a great sensory activity all you have to do is take a trip to your yard! Leaves are the ultimate sensory stimuli and are dirt cheap.
As the leaves carpet the ground we are blessed with one of the simplest yet most exhilarating fall sensory activities which is jumping into a pile of leaves. The crunch under their feet, the earthy scent that wafts up, and the colors swirling around ignite a sense of wonder and playfulness in children. This encourages your child to feel the textures, hear the rustling sounds, and immerse themselves in nature's embrace. Ellis LOVES leaves which is great because Maryland leaves are plentiful.
Exploring Nature's Treasures
Amidst the fall foliage, natural treasures are waiting to be collected, crafted, and examined all of which are also free. Collecting acorns, pinecones, and colorful leaves can turn into a captivating sensory experience. Let children feel the roughness of the pinecones, observe the intricate patterns on leaves, and marvel at the different shapes and sizes of acorns. These simple objects open up a world of tactile sensations and visual delights.
You could also bust out the arts and crafts supplies and make peanut butter and birdseed pinecones, acorn art, or compile all of these items into a sensory box.
Pumpkin Palooza
No fall season is complete without pumpkins! From picking the perfect pumpkin at the patch to scooping out the seeds and carving a spooky face, every step is a sensory adventure. The slimy texture of the pumpkin guts, the earthy smell as they dig in, and the creativity unleashed when carving faces bring a multisensory delight that children adore.
We love going to the pumpkin patch and seeing the extra-large pumpkins! Ellis has a blast running through the pumpkin patch and letting all the sensations fill him. It's also nice to know he can run and feel free of constraints and rules that normally we have to follow in a public venue.
Sensory Baking Sensations
What's fall without the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple wafting through the air? Engage children in sensory baking experiences by mixing, kneading, and shaping dough to create delicious treats. The textures of ingredients, the aromas that fill the room, and the sweet rewards of tasting the final products make baking a sensory-rich activity that delights all the senses.
Colorful Nature Art
Encourage creativity and sensory exploration by engaging children in creating nature-themed art. Using fallen leaves, acorns, and pinecones, they can craft beautiful masterpieces that celebrate the colors and shapes of fall. The textures of the materials, the vibrant hues, and the freedom to express themselves through art make this activity a sensory feast for the eyes and hands.
Harvest Sensory Bins
Creating sensory bins filled with fall-themed items like dried corn kernels, small gourds, and mini pumpkins provides endless opportunities for tactile exploration. Children can scoop, pour, and bury their hands in the bins, discovering new textures and shapes with every touch. Sensory bins offer a versatile and engaging way for children to explore the sensory delights of the season in a contained and interactive manner.
Taking Nature Walks or Going to Sporting Events
Immersing children in nature through sensory walks allows them to experience the sights, sounds, and textures of the season firsthand. Although we have not ventured on nature hikes with our 4-year-old this is. a great option for older kids. I would take a hike that is stroller-friendly that way if Ellis got tired he could ride while I walked. Nature is a great provider of all things sensory and children with autism crave nature regularly.
This house loves a good football game which provides a lot of sensory experience. The lights, whistles, people, and music all combine for a pretty cool atmosphere. During the experience, we sit pretty far away that way the noise is controlled but Ellis is also getting the feedback he needs. I also like to sit where there is space for him to roam because sitting still isn't something we love to do. I have noticed that visual and auditory responses to football games have a great overall effect on his sensory feedback.
Embrace the Magic of Fall Sensory Activities
This fall season, let children dive into a world of sensory wonders that ignite their imagination, curiosity, and joy. From jumping in leaf piles to creating nature art, each activity offers a unique sensory experience that enhances their understanding of the season and fosters a love for nature. Embrace the magic of fall through sensory activities and watch as children's eyes light up with wonder and excitement.
Let the season's magic unfold through the laughter, exploration, and sensory discoveries of children as they celebrate the wonders of fall.
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