TEN Fall Sensory Bin Ideas - Engaging Littles (2024)

Take a peek at these engaging and fun FALL sensory bin ideas for preschoolers!

So why sensory bins?

Well, there are many benefits to playing with sensory bins. Sensory bin play encourages creative thinking, gives opportunities to build fine motor skills, builds language and vocabulary, fosters imagination, can be tied with academic activties, and of course provides our littles with hours of FUN!

Sensory bins don’t need to be hard to create and the beauty is you can whip up a bin for any theme you desire!

Here is my quick and easy go-to recipe for creating sensory bins!

1. Pick a THEME! This post shares tons of fall sensory bin ideas!
2. Pick a Bin: How many kids will be playing? This determines your size bin. Some examples include plastic storage tubs, serving trays, cookie pan, big bowl, or dish tub.
3. Add your BASE FILLER. Check out this post full of sensory bin filler ideas.
4. Toss in your themed loose parts. Check your local dollar store or big box store for themed items (fall: leaves, pumpkins, apples, foam stickers, fake candy, hay, etc.)
5. Add tools for play! Think scoops, tongs, bowls, funnels, spoons, etc.

So are you ready to be inspired? Check out these fall sensory bins and create your very own today!

1. Classic Fall Bin

I’m in love with the natural fall colors of this bin and this simple base filler is perfect for any autumn theme.

Base Filler: Dried Chickpeas

Loose Parts: Fall Gems, Pine Cones, Fake Apples

Suggested Tools: Cupcake Pan, Scoops, Small Cups/Bowls for Sorting

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2. Layered Fall Sensory Bin

One fun way to set up a sensory bin at first is to layer a few base fillers! Adding a few different fillers provides visual appeal, texture, and color! Yes, they will get mixed but it creates an inviting start.

Check out this gorgeous bean filler bin HERE and read all about how to create your very own.

3. Down on the Farm Sensory Bin

Have a farm theme sketched down in your lesson plans? This bin is perfect for fall and is loved by all littles! Who’d doesn’t want to sing Old MacDonald Had a Farm and play with this bin?!

Base Filler: Popcorn Kernels & Dried Green Split Peas

Loose Parts: Toy Farm Animals (puzzle pieces), Mini Carrots, Hay, Craft Sticks

Suggested Tools: Funnels, Scoops, Small Cups, Spoons

4.Fall Cloud Dough Tray

Have you ever made cloud dough? Cloud dough is AMAZING and has the coolest texture. This play tray sensory style bin is super easy to make and smells delicious with the added cinnamon twist! Follow the steps below to make your own cinnamon cloud dough!

CLOUD DOUGH: Measure 6 cups of flour into a bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon then pour in 3/4 cup of oil. MIX! MIX! MIX! (*Basic ratio is 8 parts flour to 1 part oil*) You want a crumbly texture that can also hold its shape.

Base Filler: Cinnamon Cloud Dough

Loose Parts: Fall Cookie Cutters, Leaves, Pine Cones, Craft Sticks

Suggested Tools: Spoons & Scoops

5. Apple Pie Sensory Bin

Nothing says fall like apple pie! This fall sensory bin is always a favorite because it totally encourages a pretend play baking shop!

Base Filler: Dried Oats

Loose Parts: Fake Apples, Cinnamon Sticks

Suggested Tools: Pie Pans, Mixing Spoons, Mini Baking Cups

6. Fall Apple Foam Sensory Bin

This foam bin is a favorite of mine! Sure foam seems like a summertime filler only, BUT it really is not! A few fun food dye colors and you can turn this into an autumn dream!

FOAM FILLER: *The basic ratio for foam is two parts water to one part soap.* For this fall bin I made 3 batches. Add 1/2 cup water to a large bowl and 1/4 cup tear free soap. * If adding color drop in a few drops of food dye now. Grab your hand mixer and blend on high for a good 1-2 minutes until foam forms. That’s it! Toss in a bin and play!

Base Filler: Foam

Loose Parts: Fake Apples, Leaves, Pine Cones

Suggested Tools: Scoops, Spoons, Bowls

7. Pumpkin Soup Sensory Bin

If you have a preschooler who loves water play this pumpkin water sensory bin is sure to grab their attention!

Base Filler: Water with a few drops of orange food dye. Add glitter for a sparkle twist!

Loose Parts: Small Pumpkins, Fall Gems, Fake Leaves

Suggest Tools: Whisks, Cups

8. Halloween Sensory Bin

How about a fun filled HALLOWEEN themed bin? This bright orange rice bin filled with Halloween goodies is definitely one to add to your fall line up.

You can read all about this Halloween Bin with the steps for how to make it HERE!

9. Monster Noodles

Now this is a COOL sensory bin! Have you ever used cooked spaghetti noodles in your sensory play. The cold, slimy texture is so fun and is a must for Halloween play.

Check out this post to read more about this bin and watch the how-to video below!

10. Thanksgiving Turkey Bin

This autumn Thanksgiving Turkey Bin is packed with feathers, turkeys, and fall colored rice! I love the toilet paper roll turkeys in this bin because it shows that when creating sensory bins use what you have and get creative!

Base Filler: Dyed Rice (How to Dye Rice Video)

Loose Parts: Toilet Paper Rolls, Feathers, Pipe Cleaners

Suggested Tools: Funnels, Measuring Cups

Woah! So many fall themed sensory bin ideas to be inspired by and choose from! Do you have a favorite?

Be sure to save and pin this post so that you can come back whenever you want all autumn long. I’d love to know if you create your own fall bin! Give me a tag over on IG @engaging_littles so I can see.