*Easy* Magnetic Pumpkin Patch Sensory Bin

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A pumpkin sensory bin is the perfect fall activity to bring the pumpkin patch right into your home. This hands-on setup combines the smooth texture of green split peas with homemade pipe cleaner pumpkins and a magnetic wand for harvesting. Toddlers and preschoolers love the challenge of finding and picking the pumpkins, and you will love how much they learn while they play.

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If you are looking for more fall fun, check out our best sensory bin fillers to find new textures to explore this season. You can also browse our collection of sensory play ideas for toddlers and preschoolers to keep little hands busy all year long.

Trying to find more fall and autumn sensory play ideas? Be sure to check out Pumpkin Sensory Bin for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Pumpkin Patch Gardening Idea) and this fun Apple Sensory Bin for Preschoolers and Toddlers (Taste Safe Apple Jacks Idea).

What You Need for a Magnetic Pumpkin Patch Sensory Bin

• Sensory bin or shallow plastic tub
• Dried green split peas (the pumpkin patch base)
• Orange pipe cleaners (for making pumpkins)
• Green pipe cleaners (for pumpkin stems)
• Scissors
• Magnetic wand
• Small basket for harvesting (optional)

💕Favorite Sensory Play Supplies

How to Set Up This Fall Sensory Activity

Start by making the pumpkins. Bend an orange pipe cleaner into a round pumpkin shape and twist the ends together to secure it.

Wrap a small piece of green pipe cleaner around the top to create a stem. Repeat this process to make several pumpkins in different sizes.

Once you have your pumpkin collection, fill your sensory bin with dried green split peas. Nestle the pipe cleaner pumpkins throughout the peas so some are buried and some peek out.

Set the magnetic wand and a small basket nearby, and your pumpkin patch is ready for play.

Ways to Play This Fall Sensory Bin

• Use the magnetic wand to “harvest” the pumpkins from the patch, just like picking real pumpkins
• Collect all the pumpkins and count how many they found
• Sort the pumpkins by size, making groups of small, medium, and large
• Bury the pumpkins deep in the peas and challenge kids to find them all
• Scoop and pour the split peas with cups, spoons, or small shovels
• Place the harvested pumpkins in a basket and pretend to take them home from the pumpkin patch

Skills Kids Build in This Fall Sensory Play

• Fine motor skills and hand strength through gripping the magnetic wand and manipulating the pumpkins
• Hand-eye coordination as they aim the wand to pick up each pumpkin
• Early STEM and problem-solving by exploring how magnets work and which parts of the pumpkins stick to the wand
• Counting, sorting, and size comparison when organizing the pumpkins by different attributes
• Imaginative and pretend play as they act out harvesting pumpkins from a real patch

Tips and Variations

• For younger toddlers, make bigger pumpkins that are easier to grab with the magnetic wand
• Add tweezers or tongs for older preschoolers to pick up the pumpkins without the wand for an extra fine motor challenge
• Supervise closely with split peas, especially with babies and young toddlers who still mouth objects
• Switch out the split peas for black beans or orange rice for a different sensory base
• Add small toy farm animals or scarecrows to expand the imaginative play possibilities

Clean Up and Storage for Your Magnetic Pumpkin Patch Sensory Bin

• Pour the split peas back into a storage container or resealable bag for reuse
• Store the pipe cleaner pumpkins in a small zip-top bag so they stay in good shape
• Keep the magnetic wand with your other sensory tools so it is ready for the next activity
• Wipe down the sensory bin before storing it to keep it clean and ready to go

More Fun Sensory Bin Ideas

If your kids loved this pumpkin patch activity, try the veggie garden sensory bin for more pretend harvesting fun or explore our nature-themed sensory activities for hands-on outdoor inspired play.

This pumpkin sensory bin brings the fun of fall right to your table. Set it up, hand over the magnetic wand, and watch your toddler explore, harvest, and learn.

Fall Pumpkin Patch Magnetic Sensory Bin

A pumpkin sensory bin filled with split peas and magnetic pipe cleaner pumpkins for toddlers and preschoolers to harvest and explore.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Ingredients

• Sensory bin
• Dried green split peas
• Orange pipe cleaners
• Green pipe cleaners
• Scissors
• Magnetic wand
• Small basket (optional)

Instructions

• Shape orange pipe cleaners into rounds and twist the ends closed.
• Add a small green piece at the top for a stem.
• Make several pumpkins in varying sizes.
• Pour split peas into the bin.
• Hide the pumpkins throughout the peas.
• Let your child use the magnetic wand to harvest the pumpkins.

Notes

Supervise young toddlers with split peas. Store the pumpkins and peas separately for reuse.