Fun Fall Gross Motor Activities For Kids With Sensory-Seeking Needs
Katelyn Naumann
Occupational Therapy
Fall is here! That means crisp air, crunchy leaves, and the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy some fun, sensory-packed activities with your kiddos. If you have a child who loves to move and is constantly seeking sensory input, gross motor activities are an amazing way to help them release energy, develop coordination, and have a blast!
Whether you're exploring the great outdoors or finding creative ways to move indoors, here are some awesome gross motor activities you can do with your kids this fall to support their sensory needs. Get ready to jump, run, and roll your way through autumn!
Leaf Pile Jumping
There’s nothing more classic than a big ol' pile of crunchy fall leaves! Rake them up and let your little ones dive in. Leaf pile jumping gives your child the chance to engage in proprioceptive and vestibular input (those big body movements that help with balance and coordination). Plus, jumping into a soft pile of leaves is a great sensory treat—hello, instant fun!
Pro tip: Have your child help rake the leaves! Pushing and pulling the rake strengthens their muscles and provides additional proprioceptive input.
2. Pumpkin Bowling
Who says pumpkins are only for carving? Grab some mini pumpkins (or gourds) and set up an outdoor (or indoor) bowling alley! Use empty water bottles or cans as pins, and let your child roll the pumpkin to knock them down. Rolling a heavy pumpkin helps develop coordination and gives their body the deep input it craves.
Bonus: Decorate the "pins" with fall-themed stickers to add a creative, fine motor twist!
3. Nature Obstacle Course
Set up an obstacle course in your yard or local park using natural materials like logs, rocks, and branches. Encourage your child to balance on a log, jump over small rocks, or crawl under tree branches. This activity combines balance, coordination, and lots of movement in one, helping to meet their sensory needs while enjoying the fresh fall air!
Pro tip: Add a sensory element by placing crunchy leaves along the course for them to stomp through!
4. Scarecrow Stomp Dance Party
Bring the fall festivities indoors with a "Scarecrow Stomp" dance party! Turn on some fun music, get moving, and dance like a silly scarecrow! This is a great way to engage their vestibular system, and the unpredictability of dancing can help provide much-needed movement variety for sensory seekers.
Extra fun: Give them a scarf or ribbon to wave around as they dance for added sensory input through their arms.
5. Pumpkin Rolling Races
Set up a race where you and your child push pumpkins from point A to point B. The goal? Roll your pumpkin across the lawn (or down a hill!) using big body movements. This activity is great for proprioceptive input, coordination, and core strength—all while getting them moving in a fun, competitive way.
Challenge: Try rolling the pumpkin with different body parts, like their head or knees, for even more sensory fun!
6. Leaf Scavenger Hunt
Turn a simple nature walk into an engaging sensory adventure with a fall-themed scavenger hunt! Make a list of different textures, shapes, and colors for your child to find. Have them feel the rough bark of a tree, collect smooth acorns, or run their fingers through soft moss. Not only are they getting plenty of fresh air and movement, but this activity also allows them to explore different textures and sensations in nature.
Pro tip: Create a sensory "bin" with the items they collect for some post-walk tactile play!
7. Apple Toss Target Practice
Grab some apples (you can even use soft, fake ones) and set up targets like buckets or hula hoops at different distances. Let your child throw the apples into the targets, challenging their coordination and spatial awareness. For sensory seekers, the action of throwing is both satisfying and stimulating.
Variation: Try different throwing styles—overhand, underhand, or even spinning before they throw—to engage their whole body!
8. Corn Maze Exploration
Head to your local corn maze for a sensory-rich experience! Walking through a maze is an exciting way to provide vestibular and proprioceptive input as they move through uneven terrain, twist, and turn. Plus, corn mazes often offer other fun activities like hayrides and slides, which can satisfy their sensory-seeking needs in a big way!
Pro tip: Take breaks to run or jump along the way to release extra energy!
9. Hay Bale Jumping
If you happen to live near a farm or visit a fall festival, look for hay bales! These big, sturdy piles are perfect for climbing, jumping off, or crawling over. This activity provides proprioceptive input, and the soft, bumpy texture of the hay is great for tactile sensory exploration.
10. Tug-of-War With Fall Fabrics
Use scarves, old flannel shirts, or even blankets to create a fun game of tug-of-war. Pulling on the fabric provides deep muscle input, which can be calming for sensory seekers. Plus, it’s an easy game to set up indoors or outdoors, and it's great for strengthening upper body muscles.
Bonus: Play with a fall-themed twist by using orange, red, or plaid fabrics!
Fall is the perfect season to embrace the outdoors and fill your child’s sensory cup with exciting, engaging activities. Whether it’s jumping into a pile of leaves or exploring a corn maze, these gross motor activities will help your child meet their sensory-seeking needs while creating unforgettable fall memories.
So grab your sweaters, lace up your shoes, and get ready to enjoy some good old-fashioned fall fun—because there's no better time to move, groove, and explore!
If you like this article be sure to check out Halloween Sensory Activities