At Bold Kidswear, we love autumn—crisp air, vibrant leaves, and plenty of opportunities for family adventures. However, we know that the changing season can bring unique challenges for children with sensory needs. That’s why we’ve crafted this list of fun, sensory-friendly autumn activities to help every child embrace the season’s magic.
Whether it’s crunching through leaves, exploring earthy textures, or enjoying the calming sights and sounds of autumn, these activities are perfect for creating memorable outdoor experiences. Let’s make this autumn one to remember!
1. Autumn Leaf Scavenger Hunt
Why it’s sensory-friendly: Engages touch, sight, and sound with nature’s seasonal changes.
Take advantage of the colourful foliage with a scavenger hunt.
Create a list of autumn-themed items to find:
A red leaf
A pinecone
A smooth acorn
Something that smells earthy
Encourage your child to explore at their own pace. The crunch of leaves is underfoot, and the vivid autumn colours offer a rich sensory experience.
Pro Tip: If your child prefers not to handle items directly, bring tongs or a small basket to collect their treasures.
2. Pumpkin and Gourd Play
Why it’s sensory-friendly: It offers various textures and weights to explore.
Visit a pumpkin patch or set up a mini pumpkin exploration station at home.
Let your child:
Feel the bumpy texture of gourds
Roll small pumpkins down a gentle slope
Scoop and squish the insides of a pumpkin
This hands-on activity is both seasonal and sensory-rich, helping kids connect with the autumn harvest.
Pro Tip: If your child is hesitant about messy textures, provide gloves or scooping tools to make the experience more comfortable.
3. Leaf Pile Fun
Why it’s sensory-friendly: Combines movement with tactile exploration.
Rake up a pile of leaves, and let the fun begin! Jumping, crunching, or burying hands in a pile of crisp leaves can be incredibly satisfying for kids with sensory needs.
For a quieter option, create a "leaf rain" by tossing handfuls of leaves into the air and letting them float down gently.
Pro Tip: Pair this activity with our Bold Kidswear waterproof boot and raincoat to keep kids comfy and dry, even if the leaves are damp.
4. Autumn Sound Walk
Why it’s sensory-friendly: Focuses on soothing auditory input.
Take a walk on a crisp autumn day and listen for the sounds of the season:
Wind rustling through the trees
Leaves crunching underfoot
Birds preparing for migration
For a twist, collect a few leaves and let your child shake them like maracas or crumble them to hear the crackling sound.
Pro Tip: Bring along noise-cancelling headphones just in case you encounter unexpected loud sounds.
5. DIY Nature Art
Why it’s sensory-friendly: Encourages creativity with calming, natural materials.
During your walk, collect autumn treasures like leaves, twigs, and acorns. Then, back home, turn them into art.
Make leaf rubbings with crayons and paper
Arrange items into a collage
Create nature “people” by glueing twigs and leaves together
This activity lets kids engage with textures and colours while expressing themselves creatively.
Pro Tip: Keep a towel handy for clean-up, and let your child wear our Bold Kidswear sensory-friendly raincoats to stay mess-free during their crafting adventures.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a season of sensory wonder. By choosing activities that embrace the textures, sounds, and sights of fall, you can help your child build positive outdoor experiences while staying comfortable and engaged.
At Bold Kidswear, we’re here to support families with inclusive, functional outdoor gear that keeps kids cosy and confident—rain or shine.
In the spirit of The Bold Kids' motto, “Bold Kids Unite! To save the day!”, we, as parents, can unite in creating sensory-friendly adventures that allow all children to enjoy the beauty of autumn. Together, we can nurture their boldness, resilience, and joy while showing them that every outdoor moment is a chance to connect, explore, and grow.
What are your family’s favourite autumn activities? Share your ideas in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to see your autumn adventures.
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