Here is a super fun, easy-to-set-up, fall activity for toddlers that can be done outside on some of those warmer fall days! It’s nice to get out and enjoy those warm days while they still last, and this is a way to do it that also lends itself to some good quality sensory play.

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Why is sensory play important?

Sensory play gives little ones opportunity to EXPLORE and be CREATIVE. It is open-ended allowing for imaginative play, as well as language and vocabulary development. It’s engaging for little ones because it’s DIFFERENT from what they typically get to do and play with.

For this activity, kiddos are able to be creative by painting their pumpkins any way they choose. Any time we provide opportunities to do art, it is also a chance to work on color identification. Painting specifically always doubles as a sensory experience for toddlers because it’s inevitable that they will get it places other than just the paper (or in this case, the pumpkin).

Keep in mind- sensory play doesn’t always have to be messy! Here is an example of a super fun and simple sensory bin that is great for toddlers but doesn’t create too much of a mess.

For more simple toddler play ideas, check out these posts:
Activity Ideas for 12-18 Month Olds
30+ Activities for 1-2 Year Olds
30+ Activities for 2-3 Year Olds

To set this activity up, I put some fall-colored, washable tempera paints into a 6-cup muffin tin, provided some foam paint brushes and some regular paint brushes, and put 3 pumpkin pie pumpkins in a small storage container. I filled a larger storage container with soap and water, and added a sponge, a rag, and a cup for rinsing (a the cup is a MUST).

I provided a lot of freedom with this activity. I did tell Kade that he could paint his pumpkins, and then give them a bath, but that was pretty much all I said and I let him take it from there. If he wanted to paint a little, wash a little, then paint some more, he could do that. If he wanted to paint like crazy then wash them, then be done, that was okay too. In this case, we did some painting and talking about the fall colors, but then he was all about pouring/dumping the soapy water. Phrasing it as “giving the pumpkins a bath” made things extra fun for him.

Like I said, he thoroughly enjoyed rinsing the pumpkins with the soapy water and we eventually had two tubs full of water. Pumpkins in water alone would have been a fun sensory activity! Any activity involving water is always a big hit at our house.

If you’re looking for more pumpkin-themed play-based learning activities, be sure to check out the Pumpkin-Themed Printables from our Fall Activity Book! You also may enjoy our post with Apple Activities for Toddlers.

If you liked this activity, be sure to PIN it to Pinterest for later, and if you try it out, tag us on social media!