The hot and humid weather has been replaced by the cool crisp air of autumn. The change of seasons provides you with a handful of outdoor activities to enjoy before winter nears.
1. Apple Picking
Looking for some fresh air and a fun adventure? Take a trip out to an apple orchard in your area! Your kids will be able to learn about how apples grow as well as taste their very own apple that they picked.
2. Pumpkin Sensory Bag
If your child is sensitive to wet and sticky materials, throw the “guts” of a pumpkin into a clear, plastic zipper bag. This will give your child the opportunity to adventure through a pumpkin but without the mess.
3. Hike
Activate your senses by taking a hike through the woods or a local park. A hike can provide visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory stimulation. As well as igniting your senses and burning a lot of energy, being in the park could possibly create social opportunities for your child. You could also incorporate additional activities to your hike such as collecting pinecones or different kinds of leaves, or even create a fall-themed scavenger hunt.
4. Corn Mazes and Hayrides
One of the best parts of fall are all the corn mazes and hayrides available at many pumpkin patches and farms. Corn mazes can provide a quiet escape into nature which is perfect if your child is sensitive to noise or crowds. To increase the chances of having a quiet corn maze experience, call locations ahead of time and ask about when they are either less busy or if they offer sensory friendly times.
5. Roll down a hill
It might sound funny, but rolling down a hill has some benefits, and it can be pretty fun too! Rolling encourages vestibular orientation (balance), large motor coordination and motor planning. “My child doesn’t like to roll” you say? Don’t fear! Find a cardboard square and find a dry grassy hill to slide down. Don’t be afraid to join in on the fun as well, make it a family activity!
6. Jump into piles of leaves as well as pick them up
It’s not always all work, no play. Get some yard work while also having a blast jumping into the leaf pile you guys create.
7. Sidewalk chalk
Sidewalk chalk can provide a great creative outlet as well as create a fun opportunity for exercise. Have your child draw you a nice picture or have them draw a hopscotch path to hop down. There is an endless amount of ideas for what you can create with sidewalk chalk.
8. Camp out
You may be thinking, “Isn’t this a summer activity?”. You are mostly correct, but the fall weather can be a perfect time to camp out for kids who are sensory sensitive. If the weather isn’t too chilly, gather your tent, sleeping bags, matches, and food and head for a campsite, or even your backyard.