Pumpkin Activities for Toddlers – Sensory Bin

Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by ellen

Looking for pumpkin activities for toddlers? Make a fall sensory bin and let them learn about the different textures and shapes of autumn.

Pumpkin Activities for Toddlers

There are so many different ways you can enjoy the fall with your child. Have you had a chance to try any of these leaf crafts for kids?

Or, if you enjoy snuggling up with a good book, you might want to check out these fall stories for kids. There are many to choose from.

Fall sensory bins are full of different things that your child might encounter outside. They can enjoy the way things look, feel, and even smell as they start to explore.

What you add to your bin really depends on what you have on hand and where you live. If you are able to use real items from nature, you can certainly do that.

But, if you don’t live in an area where you have all of these things, you can order faux from the store. Or, you can include a mix of both.

Fall craft ideas for toddlers

Check out these things to do with acorns for more fall craft ideas. If you’d like another fall craft to do with your child, have them make this popsicle stick scarecrow. This would be a fun go along project for a trip to a farm.

They may also enjoy playing with these wood toys.

What should I add to my fall sensory bin?

If you’re looking for pumpkin activities for toddlers, then of course you’ll want to add some mini pumpkins to the bin. You can probably find them relatively easily at the grocery store or you can use plastic ones instead.

Here are a few more ideas of things that you might want to add.

• Pinecones
• Fall leaves
• Indian corn
• Miniature scarecrows
• Little plastic apples
• Silk sunflowers
• Plastic farm animals
• Pasta that’s dyed red and orange
• Brown or orange shredded paper

Should I use real or fake items?

If you use real pumpkins, apples, and Indian corn, it’s important to remember that things will go bad over time. It’s fine for your toddler to use the sensory bin for a few days.

If you want them to enjoy it throughout the autumn season, it’s best that you start with fake items instead. That way the items won’t go bad or have bugs.

More pumpkin activities for toddlers

If you want a few more ideas of what to do with the kids in the autumn, start here:

These outdoor fall activities for toddlers will help them enjoy the season by exploring their natural environment. 

Or, your toddler might enjoy a few of these books about fall to get them in the mood for this fall sensory bin.

This handprint scarecrow craft is a fun way to let your child make a scarecrow with their palm print.

What do I need to make a fall sensory bin?

• 1 8 quart dishpan or basket

• Faux fall leaves

• Pinecones (real – baked to remove bugs – or faux)

• Pumpkins (real or faux)

• Indian corn (real or faux)

• Other fall items

• Spoons, tongs, scoops, small bowls and/or boxes

Then, all you need to do is to place the leaves in the basket. They will form the base for your sensory bin. Then, scatter the other items across the top of the leaves and let your toddler explore.