5 Creative Fall Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Finding activities to keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged for more than a few minutes can be challenging. Fall leaves are a perfect sensory-friendly tool to spark a love of nature while building essential skills! Using the colorful leaves around us, you can help your little one explore the outdoors, develop sensory awareness, and enjoy hands-on learning without breaking the bank.
1. Nature Hunt Adventure
The best part of fall leaf activities? Finding the leaves together! Take a walk through your neighborhood or visit a local park. Give your child a basket or bag, and let them pick out leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Encourage them to observe different colors, shapes, and textures. The adventure itself is a fun way to bond and boost their curiosity about the natural world.
Skills Supported: Observation, sensory awareness, connection to nature
2. Fall Leaf Sensory Bin
Turn a collection of leaves into a sensory-rich experience by creating a fall-themed sensory bin. Fill a container with leaves, acorns, pine needles, and other natural materials. Let your child explore textures, sounds, and colors as they play. To keep them engaged, add toys like cars to drive over the leaves or small animals for imaginative play.
Skills Supported: Tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation; creativity
3. Colorful Leaf Rubbings
Encourage your preschooler to try leaf rubbings for a simple art activity. Gather a variety of leaves, some paper, and crayons (without wrappers). Place a leaf under the paper, then rub the crayon over it to reveal its shape. Experiment with different types of leaves and pressure to create unique designs. This activity helps them build fine motor skills while practicing creativity.
Skills Supported: Bilateral hand use, tool pressure control, creativity, find motor skills
4. DIY Leaf Garland
Decorate your home with a homemade garland! Let your child tape leaves to a string or try threading the string through holes they punch in the leaves. For a longer-lasting garland, laminate the leaves first, then have your child cut them out. It’s a festive project that also encourages fine motor practice.
Skills Supported: Fine motor skills, following directions, creativity
5. Jump and Play in a Leaf Pile
Raking leaves isn’t just a chore—it’s a great opportunity for outdoor fun! Work together to build a big pile of leaves, and then let your child jump, hide, or “dig” in them. This classic fall activity offers heavy work that can help with self-regulation, while also letting them practice large movements in a fun way.
Skills Supported: Heavy work to support self-regulation, Gross motor skills, body coordination
Try these engaging fall leaf activities for toddlers and preschoolers and watch your little ones explore, create, and play. Share your experiences with us on Facebook or Instagram—we’d love to see the fun!
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