Are you looking for an easy and fun fall sensory bin idea? Look no further! Toddlers and preschoolers will love digging their hands into this colorful sensory bin. Packed with crunchy fall leaves, shiny gems, and a friendly scarecrow, it’s the perfect autumn sensory bin for learning and play.

Related: Harvest Sensory Bin

How to Make a Fall Sensory Bin

Little ones love sensory play at home and at school! After years of experience working with kids in a public school setting while raising my own children, we are finally sharing our tried and true sensory bins that help develop fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and imaginative play.

In this post, learn how to make a fall sensory bin with our helpful step-by-step tutorial and video. I just know your kids will love it as much as mine do!

Materials Needed for Fall Sensory Bin

Directions for Autumn Sensory Bin

1. Fill a small plastic bin with real or artificial leaves. I used artificial leaves for our sensory bin because I wanted the sensory bin to last without daily maintenance on my behalf.

If you choose to use freshly fallen autumn leaves, you may need to change then daily. The amount of leaves you need depends on the size of your bin.

2. Place a toy scarecrow in the sensory bin. We found ours at Hobby Lobby, but you may also be able to find miniature toy scarecrows at your local dollar store.

3. Arrange a measuring cup or two in the sensory bin. We used a yellow and red measuring cup to stick with our autumn theme.

4. Sprinkle pumpkin gems inside one of the measuring cups. We bought our gems from Hobby Lobby.

5. Last, place a mini rake in the center of the sensory bin. (This is the best part—kids adore the mini rake!)

6. Your fall sensory bin is complete! Here are some ideas for play:

Rake the leaves.
Count the gems.
Make a pattern with the gems.
Practice fine motor skills by using tongs to pick up the gems and move them to another container.
Act out a fall scene by pretending the scarecrow is jumping in a leaf pile.
Hide the pumpkin gems under the leaves, then search for them with your hands.
Read a book about fall while playing with the sensory bin.
Draw or write about autumn.

What Do You Put in a Fall Sensory Bin?

There are so many fun items you can put in a fall sensory bin! Here are some more great ideas:

Field corn
Popcorn – Check out this rainbow popcorn sensory bin from Fun-A-Day!
Beans
Oatmeal
Feathers
Sunflower seeds
Dyed pasta
Farm animal toys
Woodland animal toys
Sunflowers
Fall colored pom poms
Pine cones and acorns
Apples
Gourds and mini pumpkins
Cinnamon sticks
Green dyed rice and football or soccer toys
Fall leaves
Scarecrow toys

How Do You Make a Fall Sensory Bottle?

Great question! Click here, and we’ll show you how to make 3 mesmerizing fall sensory bottles for kids!

More Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids

Looking for more? You may also enjoy these engaging sensory bin ideas:

Fall Sensory Bin

Packed with crunchy fall leaves, shiny gems, and a friendly scarecrow, this fall sensory bin is the perfect sensory bin for learning and play.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Artificial or real leaves
Mini rake
Toy scarecrow
Measuring cups
Tongs
Pumpkin gems

Instructions

Fill a small plastic bin with real or artificial leaves.
Place a toy scarecrow in the sensory bin.
Arrange a measuring cup or two in the sensory bin.
Sprinkle pumpkin gems (table scatter) inside one of the measuring cups.
Last, place a mini rake in the center of the sensory bin.
Your fall sensory bin is complete!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.