Cooler temperatures are arriving in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Halloween is right around the corner. If you’re looking to take some time the next few weeks to participate in fall activities with the whole family, we’re providing a list of sensory-friendly fall activities for children.

1. Attend Boo Bash Trunk-or-Treat at It’s a Sensory World

It’s a Sensory World in Farmers Branch is hosting their eighth annual trunk or treat event on October 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event will allow families to participate in trick-or-treating in a sensory-friendly environment. There will be treats, a bounce house, a boo bus and more. Click here to learn more.

2. Create fall sensory bins

Fill a plastic bin with a variety of fall objects for a child to touch and explore. You can fill the bin with black beans, buttons shaped as bats and spiders, Halloween-themed buttons, white rice and more. You can encourage your child to sort the objects by type and size. They can also count the items or try to pick the items up with tongs.

3. Make leaf rubbing art

Have you child go out and find some cool-shaped leaves. Then, place the leaf under a piece of paper and have them color the paper. This will transfer the image of the leaf on the paper.

4. Carve a pumpkin

Pumpkin carving facilitates fine motor skills. It is also a great tactile activity as a child can scoop out the inside of the pumpkin and play with the mess.

Pumpkin carving

5. Play on Dallas-Fort Worth’s newest all-abilities playground

A new all-abilities playground recently opened at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Kids of all abilities can pretend their an astronaut on this space-themed playground. Organizers say the playground, called Galaxy Park, will build agility, balance and strength. The playground is open to museum guests.

6. Attend Sensory Sundays at the Crayola Experience in Plano

On the third Sunday of every month, the Crayola Experience hosts Sensory Sundays. Sensory Sundays runs from 10 a.m. to noon. During this event, lights will be dimmed, music will be turned off and a quiet room will be available. Click here to learn more.

7. Go on a fall treasure hunt

You and your family can go on a fall treasure hunt at a park or in your own backyard. Create a list of items for your children to find outside, such as a red leaf, a yellow leaf, a squirrel, a spider web, an acorn, a feather and more.
Fall treasure hunt