Fall sensory bins for kids are a perfect way to bring the cozy vibes of autumn into your preschooler’s playtime. Check out this fun-filled roundup of ideas that’ll have kids exploring, creating, and learning through hands-on sensory play.
- Discover the magic of Fall sensory bins for kids
- Warm Tea Fall Sensory Table
- Fall Sensory Writing Activity
- Pumpkin Rice Sensory Bin
- Pumpkin Spice Moon Sand
- Fall Sensory Soup
- Apple Cinnamon Play Dough
- Corn Sensory Bin
- Fall Themed Sensory Bin
- Counting Pumpkin Seeds
- Apple Picking Sensory Play
- Apple Pie Sensory Bin
- Pumpkin Patch Small World Play
- Fall Sensory Bin
- Autumn Imaginative Play
- Apple Sensory Bin with Dyed Garbanzo Beans
- Toddler Fall Sensory Play
- Simple Apple Sensory Bin
- 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Dough
- Fall Sort and Paint Activity
- Bean Sensory Bin
- Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the magic of Fall sensory bins for kids
If there’s one thing we love at Friends Art Lab, it’s a sensory bin.
Sensory bins are my love language.
And what better way to celebrate the season than with fall sensory bins for kids?
Each sensory bin is packed with fun textures, smells, and colors, perfect for keeping little ones engaged in a cozy fall adventure.
These bins are an amazing way to spark curiosity and creativity while helping kids develop fine motor skills through play.
Why fall sensory bins are the best sensory activities
Sensory bins are an amazing way to let kids explore seasonal themes through hands-on play. Each bin provides a sensory-rich experience that can be easily adapted to suit any theme or season.
Plus, many of the ideas here can be made once but used again and again (and stored for years of future fun, too).
What Fall sensory bin are you going to try first?
Warm Tea Fall Sensory Table
This is the ultimate sensory bin for all feelings cozy and warm. You can use any tea that love, and the one here is from Trader Joe’s and my absolute favorite.
Fall Sensory Writing Activity
Would you believe I made this gorgeous orange sensory beautifulness with salt? It’s true! Learn how to use salt + coloring to make homemade “sand.” Plus, download the free pumpkin writing cards, too.
Pumpkin Rice Sensory Bin
This couldn’t look more beautiful. Mandisa has the best ideas and this sensory bin looks like a complete and total blast. How adorable are the pipe cleaner curly pieces?
Pumpkin Spice Moon Sand
It’s like regular moon sand, but better. This pumpkin spice version uses the classic ingredients of flour and oil, but a splash of cozy spices makes this smell irresistable.
Fall Sensory Soup
Susie always calls this her “ugliest sensory bin” (which cracks me up), but it sure doesn’t stop it from being a 10/10 with kids. Water, paint, and Fall nature things make this pure fun.
Apple Cinnamon Play Dough
I can smell this through the screen! Whip up a batch of apple cinnamon play dough for even more cozy sensory play. Jamie is a preschool genius.
Corn Sensory Bin
I wish you could feel and hear this in person. Dried corn kernels are an unexpected sensory bin filler and it’s one of the best things ever, ever, ever. Plus, learn how you can dye them, too!
Fall Themed Sensory Bin
I love this for many reasons, chief of which being that using plain, dried pasta is such an underrated sensory bin filler. It’s inexpensive, lasts forever, and there are tons of varieties to choose from.
Counting Pumpkin Seeds
Sensory play on its own is wonderful, but it’s even better when you can add in even more learning. Love this sensory-meets-math twist on a Fall sensory bin.
Apple Picking Sensory Play
The sticks across the top aren’t only cool, but they’ll make kids lose their minds with excitement! Love the addition of this open-ended prop.
Apple Pie Sensory Bin
You have to try this. Dried oats, cinnamon, and some simple loose parts make this an hours-of-fun sensory table. How adorable are the pom pom “apples” for making apple pie?
Pumpkin Patch Small World Play
LOVE the idea of adding some hay into a sensory bin. I haven’t ever done it myself, and I absolutely am going to ASAP. Kids will love arranging their pumpkin patch, too.
Fall Sensory Bin
Fall leaves are such a fun addition to a sensory bin, be them real or fake. I also love the addition of the measuring cup, showing how materials that you already have are a blast.
Autumn Imaginative Play
This is absolutely gorgeous. Invite your littles to collect nature materials and to use them for a beautiful sensory bin. The smells! The colors! The textures! It’s all so lovely.
Apple Sensory Bin with Dyed Garbanzo Beans
Did you know that you can dye dried garbanzo beans? When I first discovered this, I was dazzled and I am still just as in love with it. This apple sensory bin is one of my most favorites ever.
Toddler Fall Sensory Play
No matter the question, oobleck is always the answer. This inviting sensory bin will keep your littles playing and learning for hours. The fake leaves make it even better.
Simple Apple Sensory Bin
Dried split peas are another out-of-the-box sensory material that looks and feels amazing. Plus, if stored correctly, you can keep and use these again and again for years.
2-Ingredient Pumpkin Dough
You read that right – you can make this with only two ingredients! This unique dough is similar-ish to play dough, but it’s also different. This also is a fun taste-safe recipe.
Fall Sort and Paint Activity
Pinecones and paint make an adorable, interactive, unexpected sensory bin. Who said sensory bins can’t have paint in them? Love this so much.
Bean Sensory Bin
Dried beans are THE BEST for sensory play. I grabbed every variety they had that day at Target and I can keep them for years and years.
Sensory bin tips for easy cleanup
One of the best parts about fall sensory bins is that they’re easy to clean up—especially if you follow a few tips to keep the mess contained.
Here are some ways to keep cleanup quick and easy, so you can enjoy more playtime and less mess.
- Use a large plastic tablecloth or shower curtain under the bin to catch spills.
- Have a handheld vacuum nearby to easily clean up stray pieces.
- Store all sensory bin items in labeled containers for quick setup and takedown.
Making the most of fall sensory bins at home
Setting up fall sensory bins at home doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
In fact, with a few simple strategies, you can make sensory play a seamless part of your daily routine.
Here’s how to get the most out of sensory bins without feeling overwhelmed.
- Involve your child in setting up the bin—they’ll love picking out materials.
- Take the bin outside for easy cleanup on sunny days.
- Make it a family activity! Older siblings or friends can join in for extra fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not even a little. Sensory bins are wonderful learning and playing tools, but they’re never a requirement. Most sensory bins also aren’t a food fit for children who are at a stage where they put everything in their mouths.
Any that can safely use and enjoy the materials.
Yes! They develop fine motor skills, sensory awareness, social skills, science concepts, and even early math skills.
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