(free or cheap)
Here’s a list of autumn outdoor sensory activities that engage all five senses:
See 👀
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Look for different colored leaves, acorns, mushrooms, and birds.
Leaf Peeping 🍃🍂🍁🍃
Observe the changing colors of the leaves in different trees and bushes.
Sunset Watching 🌅
Autumn sunsets are often vibrant, with stunning pink, orange, and purple skies.
Stargazing 🌌
Enjoy the crisp autumn evenings by spotting constellations or a full moon.
Sound🎼
Listening to Crunching Leaves
Walk through fallen leaves and focus on the sound they make.
Birdwatching 🦅
Hear the distinct calls and songs of birds migrating or preparing for winter.
Wind Chimes 🎐
Hang up wind chimes to listen to how the autumn breeze makes them sing.
Autumn Bonfire 🔥
Listen to the crackle of a campfire and popping of wood.
Stream or Waterfall Visit 🌊
Hear the calming sound of flowing water, which can feel peaceful in the autumn chill.
Smells 👃🏻
Sniffing Freshly Fallen Leaves
Take in the earthy, organic scent of decomposing leaves.
Wood Smoke from a Fire 💨
Smell the cozy, nostalgic scent of a nearby bonfire or fireplace.
Hot Milk or Hot Chocolate ☕️
Take a walk with a flask with hot drink and enjoy the aroma & warm fuzzy feeling inside whilst outside
Create Autumn Smells at Home 🏠
Pop cinnamon sticks, orange slices including the peel to fill the home with an autumn aroma - can also add cloves/ginger for that winter scent too
Touch ✋🏻
Leaf Pile Jumping
Feel the soft crunch of leaves as you dive into a freshly raked pile.
Pumpkins Patches 🎃
can go to supermarket to make this a free activity to see all
the different types of pumpkins, Feel the textures of different pumpkins, from smooth to bumpy and rough. (maybe don’t touch them all) or if you want to buy some to make a nice autumn display
Bark Rubbing 🪵
Touch and feel the rough bark of trees, or try bark rubbing with paper and crayon.
Collecting Acorns and Pinecones 🐿️
Pick up and feel the different textures of acorns, pinecones, and seed pods.
Autumn Wind on Your Face 💨
Let the crisp, cool breeze brush against your skin as you walk around or play.
Taste 👅
Apple Picking
Taste freshly picked apples straight from the tree
Roasting Marshmallows 🔥
Enjoy roasting marshmallows over an open fire for s'mores.
Eating Seasonal Vegetables 🍠
Visit a farmer's market and try roasted autumn vegetables like squash or sweet potatoes.
Autumn Themed Picnic 🧺
Pack an outdoor picnic with seasonal foods like pumpkin bread, spiced cookies, or apple pie.
Make Cinnamon Puff Pastry Bites 🥐
A great activity to do together & a great sensory experience (smell, touch, sight & taste)
Make your own or shop bought puff pastry
Give your little one some cinnamon to sprinkle over the pastry, roll this in, fold, continue until enough cinnamon to taste
Cut into shapes (acorns, leaf, pumpkin) or just squares
Bake until golden brown (approximately 20mins)
sprinkle with icing sugar or make a drizzle
These activities not only help to connect with nature but also create lasting memories of the autumn season!
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