Summer comes to an end but the outdoor sensory fun continues

The temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing, aromas of pumpkin latte and apple cider fills the air.

Yep, that's right, autumn in New England is officially around the corner.  But just because there is frost on your windshield when you scramble to the car in the morning does not mean it is time for the kiddos to bring their fun indoors.  In fact, this is one of the best times for your kids to be outside exploring nature and all that living in Connecticut has to offer.  Autumn is filled with fantastic sensory experiences to keep the lil ones occupied and out of your kitchen for hours on end.

Here are some ideas for keeping your small fries outdoors and maximizing the sensory experiences they get each and everyday:

1. Empty out your sand and water tables and fill with leaves and acorns.  Create a scavenger hunt by hiding their favorite toys and having them hunt through the leaves with their hands to find them.  Use a blindfold for older children to make this even more exciting.

2. Forget the table and just rake those leaves into enormous piles and let the little ones go to town!!! I have such great memories of doing this when I was young. The giggles and cheers of joy will make all the extra work worth while for Dad.  Add a little more fun by playing tug of war with the leaf pile in the middle.

3. Pumpkin bowling!  Yes you read that correctly, pumpkin bowling!  Save those empty soda bottles or milk cartons and create a bowling ally in your own back yard.  Use a smaller pumpkin as they tend to have thicker shells and go to town.  Create even more fun by playing upside down bowling, dizzy bowling or blindfolded bowling.

4. Leaf rubbings- If you think back real hard I am sure you can remember leaving the kindergarten classroom, following your teacher outside into what one could only describe as an endless abyss of foliage and sent loose to gather leaves of varying colors, shapes and sizes.  This seemed like the most exciting activity ever, simply because it meant getting out of the classroom for a minute or ten.  Take the crayons, have the little ones peel the labels off (a little fine motor fun) and get to rubbing!!!

5.  Bobbing for apples!!!  Oh, they are going to love this one!!! Fill that cooler with water and tie those little hands behind their backs.  Ready, set, GOOOOOOO!!!!! Who doesn't love sticking their heads into water and pulling out a yummy, crunchy snack.

6.  Don't forget the swing set! So the pools are covered, the beach is pretty empty (except for those last minute sun worshippers that just refuse to give up) but the parks and playgrounds are still bursting at the seams.