Seasonal Sensory Play Trays: Autumn & Winter Inspiration
As the seasons change, so do the sights, colours, and textures all around us, and what better way to celebrate than through play? These simple, sensory Play Tray ideas are inspired by autumn and winter festivities, from pumpkin patches and spooky spaghetti to sparkling fireworks and snowy scenes. Each setup is quick to put together, full of hands-on fun, and perfect for curious little explorers!
🎃 Pumpkin Painting
Create your own pumpkin patch with this fun autumn stamping activity using apples and orange paint - simple, creative, and delightfully messy!
Steps:
- Cut the apples in half. Pat dry with a paper towel so the paint sticks better.
- Pour some orange paint onto a plate. Dip the flat side of the apple into the paint (or brush it on) and stamp it firmly onto the white paper.
- Repeat with as many stamps as you like to make a whole “pumpkin patch.” Let dry completely.
- Use felt pens to draw on stalks, curly vines, and funny pumpkin faces.
- Hang your pumpkin patch on the wall or fridge for a festive autumn decoration!
🕷️ Monster Mash
Get ready for some spooky sensory play with this wiggly, squishy spaghetti tray - perfect for little monsters who love creepy-crawly textures!
Steps:
- Boil the spaghetti until soft, then drain and let it cool slightly.
- Place the spaghetti into a sealable food bag, add your red food colouring, then seal and shake until it’s evenly coated.
- Once dry, add the spaghetti to your play tray, then mix in the fake eyeballs and spiders for a creepy-crawly twist!
- It’s play time! Let your little one explore the spooky textures
🎆 Firework Night
A magical, mess-free way to explore fireworks - reveal bright colours under black rice for a sensory surprise!
Steps:
- Pour your dry rice into a sealable food bag. Add a few drops of black food colouring, seal the bag, and shake until all the rice is evenly coated - leave it to dry.
- Cut or tear multicoloured or patterned paper to fit the bottom of your tray - bright colours work best to mimic fireworks in the night sky!
- Once the rice is dry, pour it over the colourful paper base.
- As children move the rice around, the colours underneath are revealed - just like fireworks lighting up the night sky!
❄️Winter Wonderland
Whip up your own snowy scene with this soft, mouldable snow mixture - perfect for building snowmen, making snowballs, and exploring wintry textures indoors.
Steps:
- In a large bowl or tray, combine cornflour with shaving foam, adding a little at a time until the texture feels soft and mouldable.
- Use your snow mixture to roll and shape mini snowmen, build snowballs, or make snowy landscapes.
- Add mini fake trees, toy animals, or any winter-themed decorations and bring your snowy world to life!
🎄Snowy Road Truckers
Hop into your trucks and get ready to deliver Christmas trees through the snow - a festive small-world setup full of imagination and icy adventures!
Steps:
- Cover the bottom of your tray with a layer of fake snow and scatter cotton wool balls across the tray - these will act as your snowballs.
- Place toy trucks or diggers in the snow. These will be your tree delivery vehicles!
- Stand your mini Christmas trees around the tray or in small piles ready to be picked up.
- Encourage children to use the trucks to collect and deliver the trees through the snowy scene.
Each of these seasonal setups offers more than just fun, they’re packed with opportunities for learning through play. From sensory exploration and fine motor development to imaginative storytelling and creative thinking, these simple trays support a whole range of early skills while keeping things festive and engaging.
Get ready for Autumn half term fun with Toyrific. Keep the kids entertained indoors with 15% off play and creative toys all month long. From the ever-popular Play Tray and Pop Up Play Town to creative favourites like the Sew Amazing Sewing Machine and Knitting Studio, there’s something to inspire every child.
Use Code: INDOOR15
Get ready for Autumn half term fun with Toyrific. Keep the kids entertained indoors with 15% off play and creative toys all month long. From the ever-popular Play Tray and Pop Up Play Town to creative favourites like the Sew Amazing Sewing Machine and Knitting Studio, there’s something to inspire every child.
Use Code: INDOOR15
Get ready for Autumn half term fun with Toyrific. Keep the kids entertained indoors with 15% off play and creative toys all month long. From the ever-popular Play Tray and Pop Up Play Town to creative favourites like the Sew Amazing Sewing Machine and Knitting Studio, there’s something to inspire every child.
Use Code: INDOOR15
Get ready for Autumn half term fun with Toyrific. Keep the kids entertained indoors with 15% off play and creative toys all month long. From the ever-popular Play Tray and Pop Up Play Town to creative favourites like the Sew Amazing Sewing Machine and Knitting Studio, there’s something to inspire every child.
Use Code: INDOOR15
