Fall Activities For Preschoolers
Engaging the senses is a fantastic way to help preschoolers explore and understand the autumn season. Providing hands-on activities where they can get a little messy or fully immerse themselves in are the perfect opportunities to play and learn at the same time.
Leaf Sensory Bin
Collect a variety of colorful fall leaves, pinecones, and small branches and place them in a large container or sensory bin. Let your preschooler explore the different textures, colors, and shapes of the leaves and natural materials. They can sort, count, or make patterns with them.
Apple Sensory Play
Apples, apples, apples. Gather apples of various colors and sizes and talk about some of their funny names. Create an apple-themed sensory station with whole apples, apple slices, and apple peels. Encourage your child to touch, smell, and taste the apples. You can also use apple slices for stamping art projects.
Pumpkin Guts Exploration
Save the “guts” (seeds and stringy pulp) when carving pumpkins for Halloween or making pumpkin puree. Let your preschooler dig their hands into the gooey pumpkin guts. Talk about the texture and sensation. You can also roast the pumpkin seeds for a tasty treat.
Spicy Sensory Jars
Fill small jars or containers with various autumn spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Seal the jars tightly and poke small holes in the lids. Have your child smell each spice and describe the scents. Discuss how these spices are often used in fall recipes and collaborate on which recipe you should try.
Nature Sound Walk
Go for a nature walk in a local park or your backyard. Listen carefully to the sounds of leaves crunching underfoot, birds chirping, and the wind rustling through trees. Encourage your preschooler to close their eyes and use their sense of hearing to identify different sounds. You can even pack a pair of binoculars and bring sight into the mix by searching the trees for fall foliage, birds, and wildlife.
Remember The Excitement
As we grow up and experience the seasons on repeat for years on end, it can be hard to remember the excitement and change that the seasons bring. Letting your inner child enjoy these changes is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your child and to have fun together. Let your worries melt away this fall with a warm mug of cocoa, a snuggly child on your lap, and a cozy fall story, and just enjoy the moment. The seasons won’t feel new and exciting for them forever, so just relax and enjoy it with them.