Fall Sensory Preschool Activities

We’ll be headed into the fall season soon so it’s nice to have some fall sensory preschool activities prepared for your kids so you can plan now and have them ready when you need them.

>> See more Fall Activities for Kids

I love the fall colors and bringing more red, orange, and yellows into your learning environment reminds me that Christmas will be around the corner soon, our favorite holiday.

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Surprising Facts About the Fall Season for Preschoolers

Fall is full of changes that are exciting to explore with young kids. While the colors and weather are fun to talk about, there are some neat facts about the season that many don’t know. I’ve used these to spark some fun discussions during our homeschool days.

• Leaves don’t really change color. They reveal it. During warmer months, leaves are filled with chlorophyll, which masks other pigments. When fall hits and chlorophyll breaks down, the red, orange, and yellow colors that were already there finally show.
• Some animals grow extra body parts. I thought it was wild that deer grow thicker fur in the fall, but it’s true. It’s nature’s way of getting them ready for colder temperatures.
• Apples float because they’re full of air. When we did apple sensory bins, my kids were surprised that apples didn’t sink. That’s because 25% of an apple is actually air, which makes them a fun (and educational) option for fall-themed water play.

Benefits of Sensory Activities for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are naturally busy and always on the move, and sensory activities are a great way to meet that energy with purpose. They’re hands-on, engaging, and help kids learn about their environment in ways that feel like play.

With sensory play, preschoolers can explore different textures, sounds, and smells in a safe, low-pressure setting. They also strengthen their fine motor skills by activities such as scooping, pouring, pinching, or sorting, which is helpful for tasks like writing or buttoning clothes. Plus, these types of activities help with focus, especially for kids who need to move in order to stay engaged.

When my older kids were in preschool, sensory bins and nature-based activities were our go-to. I still remember how long my daughter stayed busy with dried corn, scoops, and mini pumpkins one fall. She talked about it for weeks. If you’re searching for something fun and meaningful this season, a sensory activity is a great place to start.

Recommended Fall Books

Add any of these fall books to your homeschool lessons, especially if you’re adding in sensory activities. Fall leaves are a fun topic, and you have fun doing leaf rubbings and exploring nature to find different types of leaves.

Fletcher and the Falling LeavesThe Roll-Away Pumpkin: A Wonderful & Whimsical Book for Kids! Perfect for the Fall or Autumn Season, Halloween, & Thanksgiving!Goodbye Summer, Hello AutumnFall Mixed Up (Carolrhoda Picture Books)LeavesLeaf Man

 

Why should kids need to learn about Fall?

Understanding the seasons helps preschoolers make sense of the world around them. Fall brings so many visible changes, such as cooler air, falling leaves, and migrating birds. It’s the perfect time to encourage observation and curiosity.

Back when my older kids were in preschool, we’d take walks just to collect leaves or talk about how squirrels were suddenly much busier. Those casual moments were packed with learning. I found it helped them build a sense of time and how nature works in cycles. Even now, I’ll catch my teens mentioning those early lessons when they help out with the youngest.

Recommended Fall Activity Kits

If you’re looking for low-prep, screen-free ways to make fall learning fun, I’ve got some printables I always go back to. These printables are easy to use, themed perfectly for the season, and a great way to sneak in learning without kids even realizing it.

Skills Kids Build Through Fall Activities

Preschool activities do more than just keep kids busy. I love that so many fall-themed sensory tasks and worksheets help with developmental skills they’ll use every day.

• Fine motor coordination: Whether they’re tearing paper leaves for a collage or picking up pom-poms with tongs, those small hand movements support future writing skills. I used to prep a tray of fall-colored beads and pipe cleaners and watch how focused my kids became while working those fingers.
• Early science exploration: Fall offers numerous opportunities to discuss cause and effect, temperature changes, and plant life cycles. A simple walk or nature table can lead to big learning moments.
• Language development: Seasonal vocabulary sticks with kids because it’s connected to what they’re experiencing. We’d talk about things like harvest, migration, or crisp air, and I noticed how quickly those new words became part of their everyday chatter.

Fun Fall Activities Your Kids Will Love

Fall is such a great season to get outside and explore. Add these cool and engaging activities to your collection, too.

• Fall Math Activities for Preschoolers
• Fall Tree Activities for Preschoolers
• Fun Fall Books for Kids
• Fall Science Activities for Preschoolers
• Fall Graphing Worksheets by Simple Everyday Mom
• Printable Fall Food Counting Cards by Fun Handprint Art

I hope you found a fun autumn sensory activity to do with your kids this season.

If you are looking for more activities, check out this awesome list of preschool activities.