Published October 5, 2026 Written by [email protected]

Early years activity: Sensory harvest tray

This sensory harvest tray activity is a wonderful way for babies and young children to explore the sights, smells, textures and sounds of autumn. Using a range of natural harvest-inspired materials, children can investigate at their own pace while developing their senses, curiosity, communication and physical skills through hands-on, playful exploration.

Sensory harvest tray learning aims

Develop sensory awareness and curiosity
Support fine motor skills through grasping, scooping and handling objects
Encourage communication and language as children describe what they can see, feel and smell
Build early mathematical thinking through sorting, comparing and grouping
Support understanding of seasonal change and the natural world
Provide opportunities for child-led exploration and discovery.

Resources you will need for this activity

A shallow tray or low-sided container
Large pumpkins or gourds
Apples and pears
Large conkers or pinecones, large leaves
Sprigs of herbs such as rosemary or mint
Scoops, cups and wooden spoons
Small baskets or containers
Natural materials such as straw or shredded paper.

Sensory harvest tray activity outline

Place a selection of harvest items into the tray and allow children to explore freely. Encourage them to touch, smell, look closely and listen to the sounds the objects make
For babies, individually offer a smaller selection of large, washable, items suitable for their stage of development. Stay close and allow babies to explore at their own pace, supporting them to grasp, pat, shake and investigate the different textures
For older children, introduce scoops, containers and baskets so they can collect, sort, transport and compare the objects. Talk about what they notice, using words such as smooth, rough, bumpy, soft, hard, heavy, light, crunchy and fragrant.

Ideas to extend this activity

Invite older children to sort the objects by colour, size, texture or type. You could also add a large pumpkin for children to investigate, scoop out and explore with their hands, using the opportunity to talk about seeds, smells and how pumpkins grow.

NDNA products to help you with this activity

Brilliant babies – Live virtual classroom

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Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.

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