Fall Activities for Preschoolers

Although the temperatures may still be a bit warm, fall is here! Here’s a great list from our partner, The Goddard School, of different preschool fall activities that will keep your little ones busy all season.

Click here to learn more about The Goddard School of Naperville.

Exploring Nature's Colors

• Leaf shapes: Take nature walks and collect some leaves. Use the leaves to help educate your children on shapes and colors. Have them trace the leaf shapes onto construction paper and cut them out. You could also have them make leaf rubbings by placing a leaf underneath a piece of paper. Then gently rub a crayon over the top of the leaf.  
• Leaf counting: Another way to use your nature walk as an opportunity to reinforce numbers is by counting leaves collected on your journey. 

Harvest Fun

• Pumpkin drop: A fun activity to help with fine motor skills is a pumpkin drop. All you need is a jar, tongs, and some acrylic pumpkins. Put the acrylic pumpkins on a table, then have your preschooler grab them with the tongs and place them into the jar.
• Acorn shaker bottle: Collect different-sized acorns with your child, then have them fill multiple bottles with their acorns. Not all of the acorns will fit, encouraging the development of your child’s problem-solving skills. Have them fill each bottle to different levels and, once completed, the shakers will produce unique sounds depending on the fullness of the bottle. 

Creative Crafts

• Tissue paper pumpkins: Cut pieces of tissue paper and glue them to a pumpkin with your child. Mini pumpkins are also great for younger children because a regular pumpkin may be too big. Keep going until the entire pumpkin is covered.
• Pumpkin seed tree: Start by painting pumpkin seeds a mix of fun fall colors with your child. While those dry, take a blank sheet of paper and have them create a tree trunk and branches. Finish by gluing the dry-painted seeds to the tree branches.   

Seasonal Sensory Play

• Autumn yarn sensory bin: Fill a bin with fall-colored yarn. Then add in some fake leaves and acorns for different textures. 
• Fall leaf sensory bin: Incorporate tools in your fall sensory activity. Fill a bin with popcorn kernels and fake leaves. Try using different types of fake leaves for different tactile experiences. Provide your child with a scooping device like spoons or measuring cups to practice their motor skills. 

Festive Celebrations

• Pumpkin painting: All you need is a mini pumpkin and some acrylic paint for this fall activity. Have your child cover the pumpkin in paint, make a silly face, or use this opportunity to show how mixing two colors can create a new color for them to use. 
• Pinecone animals: Have your child create unique centerpieces for your holiday table. For this craft, you’ll need a glue gun, some googly eyes, and felt. Your child will love creating animals out of these supplies that will be displayed for all to see. 

Scrumptious Treats

• Pumpkin seeds: Take a trip to a pumpkin patch and have your child pick out their perfect pumpkin. Carve the pumpkin together, allow your child to feel the insides of the pumpkin for some sensory stimulation, and save the seeds to roast for a tasty treat after. 
• Apple snacks: Take a trip to an orchard and use the apples picked to make an apple pie, applesauce, or apple chips. Let your child help you in the kitchen. They can measure, pour, and stir. Letting them help you cook teaches them to practice decision-making skills, collaboration as well as planning and organization. 

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