autumn activities for babies eyfs

Autumn Activities for Babies & EYFS

By Michael WilsonApril 7, 2026

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, autumn brings with it a wealth of opportunities for engaging and educational activities for babies and toddlers in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This enchanting season offers a rich sensory experience that can stimulate young minds and promote holistic development. Let's delve into some captivating autumn activities that align with the EYFS curriculum.

Autumn is a treasure trove of natural materials that can be used to create stimulating learning environments. From vibrant leaves and colorful fruits to pine cones and acorns, these resources can inspire creative play and support various areas of learning and development.

Exploring Nature and the World Around Us

One of the key aspects of the EYFS curriculum is encouraging children to explore and understand the world around them. Autumn provides an ideal setting for outdoor learning, fostering curiosity and a love for nature.

children are playing with pumpkins in an orange bowl

a person painting leaves on a white surface with red and green ink, while another hand is pointing at the leaf

Nature walks are an excellent way to introduce babies and toddlers to the changing seasons. Equip them with comfortable footwear and warm clothing, and let them explore the crunchy leaves underfoot. This sensory experience helps develop their physical skills and promotes language development as they describe their surroundings.

Leaf Exploration

Leaves are a abundant and versatile resource for autumn activities. Collect a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to create engaging learning experiences. Babies and toddlers can explore leaves through touch, sight, and even taste (ensure leaves are clean and safe).

Add color and texture for this Autumn-inspired craft! Looking for a cozy, colorful way to celebrate fall with your little one? The Fingerpaint Leaf Collage is a delightful sensory craft that turns squishy paint play into a beautiful keepsake. With vibrant hues, soft textures, and lots of giggles, this activity invites your infant to explore the magic of autumn through touch, sight, and connection.... https://penninghouse.com/fingerpaint-leaf-collage/?utm_source=instagram-business&utm_medium=... Finger Painting, Baby Art, Fall Baby Art, Theme Activity, Exploring Textures With Infants, Fall Activities For Infants, Homeschool Activities, Fall Baby, Autumn Art

an advertisement for kids'autumn conker art, with pictures of food in the background

Autumn Sensory Activities for Babies and Toddlers | EYFS

Create leaf rubbings using crayons and paper, or make leaf crowns for imaginative play. Sorting leaves by shape, size, or color encourages early mathematical concepts, while discussing the different types of trees promotes language and communication skills.

Pumpkin Play

Pumpkins are a staple of autumn and offer numerous learning opportunities. Babies and toddlers can explore the texture and weight of pumpkins, and listen to the seeds rattling inside. Cutting into a pumpkin (with adult supervision) reveals the stringy flesh and seeds, providing a unique sensory experience.

Pumpkins can be used to create simple counting games, with seeds representing objects to be counted. Mashing cooked pumpkin allows babies to explore new textures and flavors, promoting healthy eating habits. Don't forget to save the seeds for planting next spring, teaching children about the life cycle of plants.

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a child is playing with water and spoons in a play tray filled with food

corn on the cob painting with text overlay that says corn cob painting

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Storytelling and Creative Play

Autumn-inspired stories and imaginative play encourage language development, creativity, and emotional understanding – all crucial aspects of the EYFS curriculum.

Read aloud autumn-themed books, such as "The Little Scarecrow Boy" or "Leaf Man," and discuss the illustrations and story elements. Encourage babies and toddlers to retell the stories in their own words, promoting language and narrative skills.

Autumn Puppet Show

Create simple puppets using socks, paper bags, or card, and decorate them with autumn-themed materials like leaves, acorns, and berries. Babies and toddlers can use these puppets to act out stories, fostering imaginative play and language development.

a child is sitting at a table and painting leaves

the leaf sensory bag is an easy fall activity for toddlers to learn how to use it

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three leaf shaped stickers sitting on top of a table

an orange leaf painted on top of a wooden table with the word vav written in it

three handprints with leaves painted on them, one is orange and the other is yellow

handprints are hanging on the wall with words written in different colors and shapes

an autumn tree finger painting activity for kids

some pumpkins, leaves and other autumn activities for kids

two children are painting an autumn tree on paper

pumpkin scented moon sand recipe with hands holding it

an art project for kids to make with paper leaves

Set up a puppet theater using a cardboard box or a blanket draped over chairs. Encourage the children to create their own autumn-themed stories, promoting creativity and critical thinking. You can also use puppets to teach early mathematical concepts, such as sequencing events or comparing sizes.

Sensory Bins

Sensory bins filled with autumn materials provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that support various areas of development. Fill a bin with leaves, acorns, and small toys, and add a scoop or spoon to encourage fine motor skills and early mathematical concepts.

Create a "pumpkin patch" sensory bin using orange pompoms, green pipe cleaners for stems, and small plastic toys for bugs or animals. Babies and toddlers can explore the textures and engage in imaginative play, promoting language and social skills. Always supervise young children when they're interacting with sensory bins to ensure safety.

As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, autumn provides a rich tapestry of experiences that can enrich the lives of babies and toddlers in EYFS. By embracing the season's natural wonders and incorporating them into learning activities, we can foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. So, grab your wellies and let's embrace the magic of autumn together!