Top 5 Sensory-Friendly Outdoor Activities for Families

Bold Kidswear Outdoor wear

Sensory-Friendly Outdoor Activities — why autumn works

At Bold Kidswear, we love autumn, crisp air, vibrant leaves and family adventures. We also know that the changing seasons can bring unique challenges for children with sensory needs. This list of Sensory-Friendly Outdoor Activities is designed to help every child embrace the season’s magic at their own pace.

Autumn naturally offers calming colours, earthy scents and predictable sounds (leaves crunching, wind in trees). With a few simple tweaks, outside time becomes soothing, engaging and memorable.

1. Autumn Leaf Scavenger Hunt

Why it’s sensory-friendly: Engages the senses of touch, sight, and sound with seasonal textures and colours. Create a simple list to find: a red leaf, a pinecone, a smooth acorn, and something that smells earthy. Let your child explore at their own pace—the crunch underfoot and rich colours offer gentle sensory input.

Pro tip: If your child prefers not to touch items, bring tongs or a small basket for collecting.

Leaves

2. Pumpkin and Gourd Play

Why it’s sensory-friendly: varied textures and weights to explore.

Visit a pumpkin patch or set up a mini station at home. Invite your child to feel bumpy gourds, roll small pumpkins down a gentle slope, and scoop pumpkin insides if they enjoy messy play.

Pro tip: if they’re hesitant with textures, offer gloves or scooping tools to stay comfortable.

Children cutting a pumpkin

3. Leaf Pile Fun

Why it’s sensory-friendly: combines movement with tactile exploration.

Rake a pile and let the fun begin—jumping, crunching , and burying your hands can be very satisfying. For a quieter option, create “leaf rain” by tossing handfuls into the air and watching them float down.

Pro tip: dress for success—waterproof boots and a light raincoat keep kids comfy if the leaves are damp.

4. Autumn Sound Walk

Why it’s sensory-friendly: focuses on soothing auditory input.

Take a walk and listen for wind in the trees, leaves crunching, and birds preparing for migration. Collect a few leaves and shake them like maracas or crumble them to hear the crackle.

Pro tip: Bring noise-reducing headphones in case you encounter unexpected loud sounds.

5. DIY Nature Art

Why it’s sensory-friendly: creativity with calming, natural materials.

Gather leaves, twigs and acorns, then make leaf rubbings, arrange a nature collage, or glue twigs and leaves to create “nature people.”

Pro tip: keep a towel handy for clean-up, and use an easy-wash apron or raincoat for messier crafting.

Child colouring

Final Thoughts

Autumn is a season of sensory wonder. By choosing activities that embrace textures, sounds and sights, you can help your child build positive outdoor experiences while staying comfortable and engaged. We’re here to support families with inclusive ideas and practical gear that keep kids cosy and confident rain or shine.

In the spirit of the Bold Kids motto, “Bold Kids Unite! To save the day!” let’s create sensory-friendly adventures so all children can enjoy the beauty of autumn.

Share your favourite activities in the comments or tag us on social @boldkidzwear ,we’d love to see your autumn adventures.