If you’re on the lookout for an easy and engaging fall activity, a Pumpkin Sensory Bin is always a hit with kids! The hands-on experience combines fun with a little bit of learning, as kids get to dig through different materials and discover new textures. It’s such a simple way to keep them curious, while also giving them the chance to interact with objects that celebrate the season!

Take a look at my list of Pumpkin Activities for kids for even more fun this fall!

What I love most about sensory bins is how they capture kids’ attention and give them a chance to explore textures and use their imagination. The pumpkin theme adds a special fall touch, making it a fun and festive addition to your fall activities!

Pumpkin Sensory Bin all set up and ready for play.

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Benefits of Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are a fantastic way for little ones to explore and learn! They engage their senses, allowing kids to touch, see, and smell different materials. Simple items can entertain them for hours while developing fine motor skills through scooping, pouring, and sorting.

I’ve seen how much my kids enjoy sensory bins. They love exploring different textures and materials, turning simple items into a whole world of fun. Watching them get lost in their imagination while sifting through the contents is a joy, and it keeps them entertained for ages! It’s amazing to see how much value you can get from them!

Recommended Pumpkin Books

Including books in every activity is a great way to encourage learning and curiosity! They help kids learn more about the theme, build their vocabulary, and make connections between what they’re reading and doing. Pick one out!

The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin The Biggest Pumpkin Ever Too Many Pumpkins How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow?Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch: A Fall and Halloween Book for Kids Apples and Pumpkins

Close up shot of the a pumpkin in the Pumpkin Sensory Bin.

Recommended Pumpkin Toys

These toys would be a perfect addition to the sensory bin! They add an extra layer of fun while helping kids explore textures and use their imagination. Plus, it keeps them entertained and engaged for longer!

Bunny Chorus My First Halloween Pumpkin Toys Playset, 5ct Stuffed Pumpkin Plush Cat Spider Ghost Candy Corn for Baby Girls Boys, for Babies REFAHB Stuffed Pumpkin Fluffy Pumpkin Plush Durable Halloween Pumpkins Decorative Couch Throw Pillow Soft Pumpkin Plush Pillow Gift Party Christmas Orange 16 ArtCreativity Wind Up Pumpkin Halloween Toys, Set of 12, Halloween Gifts for Kids and Adults, Non-Candy Halloween Treats and Goodie Bag Fillers, For Hours of Fun and Active Play GUND Spookley The Square Pumpkin Plush Toy, Premium Stuffed Animal for Ages 1 and Up, Orange/Green, 3”Gloveleya Halloween Baby Doll Baby Girl Gifts Cloth Dolls Kids Plush Pumpkin Toys 16 teytoy Baby’s Pumpkin Halloween Toys Playset,Baby Tissue Box Montessori Toy for Babies and Toddlers Halloween Party Decoration

Recommended Fall Activity Kits

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Fall

This kit makes learning letters and numbers a fun experience. The fall-themed games make practicing feel like play, keeping kids engaged!

Fall Cursive Letter Find Worksheets

These worksheets are a delightful way to practice cursive writing. The vibrant fall-themed designs make learning feel like a fall-season adventure!

Pumpkin Sensory Activity Supplies

Take a look at the list of supplies that you would need for this activity:

Decorative Shred
Mini Pumpkins
Pumpkin Seeds
Silicon Muffin Tins
Mini Hay Bales
Plastic Trays

Supplies for the Pumpkin Sensory Bin laid out.

How to set up the sensory bin

Setting up the pumpkin sensory bin with my kids was an absolute joy!

We began by laying out all our supplies and chatting about how each item would contribute to our fun. My daughter loved using decorative shredded paper as the base, and they eagerly helped me fluff it up.

Watching her face light up as they buried her hands in the colorful shred was priceless. They couldn’t wait to discover all the treasures hidden within!

Her excitement grew even more as we added the mini pumpkins and pumpkin seeds. She took turns arranging the pumpkins in the plastic trays, creating little scenes with the mini hay bales. It was like setting up a tiny pumpkin patch right in our living room!

My daughter also enjoyed counting the seeds and experimenting with scooping and pouring them into the muffin tins, giggling as they spilled a few along the way. She was engaged in the textures and colors, completely lost in her imaginative play!

Close up shot of the seeds in the muffin tins of the Pumpkin Sensory Bin.

Once the sensory bin was set up, we jumped into some creative play. My kids came up with stories about the mini pumpkins, pretending they were characters in a big adventure. They built little farms using the hay bales. You can add farm animals, too.

The whole experience turned into a lovely afternoon of laughter and creativity that we all enjoyed!

More Pumpkin Activities

Looking for more ways to enjoy pumpkins this season? There are plenty of fun activities to keep kids busy. These hands-on projects bring a festive feel to your fall days while helping kids explore their creativity!

How Do Pumpkins Grow Worksheet
Pumpkin Picture Books
Pumpkin Apple Stamping Craft
Pumpkin Pie Sensory Bin
Pumpkin Handwriting Worksheets
Candy Corn Pumpkin Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
Pumpkin Number Matching Game by Crystal and Comp