As the leaves change colour and the air becomes crisp, autumn provides endless opportunities for sensory play. At Kids Academy Early Learning, we embrace the magic of the season to engage children in hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and creativity. Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, the most advanced and research-backed early education approach in Australia, is designed to support children’s growth through sensory exploration and play-based experiences.
Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), sensory play helps children build essential skills, from fine motor development to language and problem-solving. Best of all, you can recreate these engaging experiences at home! Below, we’ve put together a list of fun autumn sensory activities that will encourage your child to explore the world around them while strengthening their learning.
The Importance of Sensory Play
Sensory play isn’t just about messy fun—it plays a crucial role in early childhood brain development. Research shows that sensory experiences help children process information, develop stronger cognitive connections, and improve their ability to focus and regulate emotions. By engaging their senses of touch, sight, smell, and sound, children can make sense of seasonal changes while enjoying playful learning moments.
Autumn-Themed Sensory Activities for Home
1. Crunchy Leaves and Nature Walks
Autumn’s changing leaves offer a variety of textures, sounds, and colours to explore:
- Leaf pile play: Jumping and rolling in a pile of leaves provides both sensory input and physical exercise.
- Leaf matching: Collect different leaves and sort them by shape, size, and colour.
- Leaf rubbings: Place leaves under paper and rub with crayons to reveal intricate patterns.
- Listening walk: Take a walk and listen to the sounds of autumn—crunching leaves, rustling trees, and chirping birds.
2. Nature’s Loose Parts Play
Encouraging open-ended play with natural materials helps children develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills:
- Gather twigs, seed pods, gum nuts, and small stones to create patterns or simple structures.
- Arrange leaves, flowers, and pinecones into beautiful nature-inspired art.
- Use sticks to form letters, numbers, or simple shapes in the dirt or sand.
3. Exploring Autumn Weather
Autumn brings new weather experiences, making it the perfect time to explore wind, rain, and temperature changes:
- Wind play: Tie ribbons or scarves to sticks and watch them move in the breeze.
- Puddle jumping: Put on rain boots and enjoy the feel of water splashing underfoot.
- Observing cloudy skies: Lay on a picnic rug and talk about the different cloud shapes and what they might mean.
4. Bug Hunting and Nature Exploration
Autumn is a great time to explore seasonal changes in insects and wildlife:
- Look under leaves and rocks for ladybugs, beetles, or caterpillars.
- Use a magnifying glass to inspect tree bark, moss, or tiny insects up close.
- Talk about how animals prepare for cooler weather—such as squirrels gathering food or birds migrating.
5. Autumn Messy Play
Messy play is a fantastic way to engage children’s senses and develop fine motor skills:
- Pumpkin or apple-scented playdough, adding cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
- Coloured rice bins with autumn-themed objects like mini pumpkins and dried leaves.
- Mud kitchen creations, using leaves, twigs, and water to make pretend autumn soups.
How Sensory Play Supports Early Learning
At Kids Academy, sensory experiences are an essential part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, supporting key Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) learning outcomes:
- Children develop confidence and independence by exploring new textures and materials.
- They build connections to nature through hands-on outdoor activities.
- Physical and motor skills improve with active play like jumping, sorting, and pouring.
- Communication and language skills grow as children describe what they see, hear, and feel.
Simple Ways to Bring Sensory Play into Your Home
You don’t need fancy toys to create meaningful sensory experiences. Here are easy, nature-based play ideas you can try at home:
- Go on a nature treasure hunt and collect leaves, acorns, or twigs for an at-home exploration bin.
- Make a seasonal sensory bin using dried pasta, beans, or oats in autumn colours.
- Enjoy a cosy autumn-themed story time, reading books about changing seasons and woodland creatures.
- Encourage dressing for the season, letting your child practise putting on their jacket, scarf, and boots.
Celebrate Autumn Learning Together
At Kids Academy, we love seeing children engage with nature and develop essential skills through sensory play. This autumn, take time to enjoy the season’s natural beauty with your child—whether it’s playing with leaves, watching the wind blow, or feeling the cool morning air on their face.
We’d love to hear about your autumn play experiences! Share your sensory play adventures with us and help celebrate the joy of hands-on learning.
Want to learn more about how Kids Academy supports sensory learning? Speak to your child’s educators today!