Autumn Activities with NYLO

Autumn is a time to spot changes in the world around us when outdoors, especially the colours. The leaves are turning red, orange and yellow before falling to the ground. The air feels cool, and we start to dig out our cozy jumpers…the perfect time to get active and play in the leaves.  

The NYLO team have selected some autumn activities that the whole family can get involved in. Activities that will encourage you to pop on a coat, grab your wellies and inspire your little ones to become more physically active in those colder, shorter days. They will invite you to investigate the natural environment and bring the outside indoors, only using basic household ingredients too!  

These activities are ideal for children aged 1-5 years. Remember not to leave your child unattended whilst participating in any of these activities.    

Cooking

Our delicious muffins are a great option to be served after a main meal as a dessert. Why not experiment by using other leftover fruit and vegetables? Carrot and orange are another tasty combination.

Apple and Cinnamon muffins

Ingredients (makes 6 large / 12 medium muffins)

75g of self raising flour                                                               

75g of wholemeal self raising flour 

50g of caster sugar 

1 heaped tsp cinnamon 

75g of grated apple 

1 egg, beaten 

75ml of semi-skimmed milk 

75ml of vegetable oil 

Equipment

Mixing bowl, mixing spoon, measuring jug, fork, scales, spatula, muffin tray, muffin cases, teaspoon and a grater.

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 190°C/Gas mark 5.
2. Place the muffin cases into the muffin tin. 
3. In a bowl, mix together the self-raising flour, wholemeal self-raising flour, cinnamon and sugar with the fruit. 
4. In a jug, beat the egg with the milk and the oil. 
5. Pour the liquid ingredients onto the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. 
6. Fill each muffin case ¾ full. 
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the muffins are light brown and spring back when touched. 

What the children can do

Stirring 

Grate the apple 

Weigh ingredients 

Fill the muffin cases 

Skills

Language development, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills. 

Activity

The seasons might be changing and temperatures a little cooler, but autumn is an ideal time to keep physically active outdoors. Avoiding sitting for long periods of time and staying active enhances children’s overall health and wellbeing and doing this outdoors has huge benefits. In short, getting children outside isn’t just about burning off energy. It helps them develop holistically—physically, mentally, and socially. Plus, it’s so much fun!   

Nancy Nectarine’s Nature Challenge

Why not have a go at Nancy Nectarine’s nature challenge whilst out on a walk to get your little one’s moving? 

Top Tip! Don’t forget to bring some of your nature finds home with you for our indoor sensory tray activity.

Autumn Sensory Tray

Why not combine a sensory walk (crunching leaves, spotting and collecting conkers/ pinecones, noticing colours of leaves) with a calming sensory tray activity.   

Search through store cupboards to find different ingredients such as rice and lentils, before heading out to find different nature objects. This is more than just a play activity; it’s an opportunity to captivate your child’s senses while offering a learning rich experience.   Then, set it up, invite them to play, and watch as they are immersed in the wonders of autumn!

Remember, always supervise children during play, especially with small objects, to ensure safety.  

What you will need:

• A large, shallow tray or container. 

• Orange Lentils (to be used as the base) 

• Items found and collected whilst on a sensory walk such as pinecones, leaves, twigs, acorns (ensure they are clean and safe for play). 

• Scoopers 

• Bowls 

Steps

1. Pour the lentils into the tray to create the base. 
2. Place the pinecones, leaves, acorns and other natural items collected whilst on your walk on top.  
3. Add scoops and bowls to the side or within the bin. 
4. Encourage your child to scoop, pour, and explore the contents of the tray! 

Skills Developed

Language development, shape recognition, colour recognition, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, imaginative play, creativity, knowledge and understanding of the world. 

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Why sensory play and food play?

Sensory play helps to boost learning and encourages little ones to engage with their five senses, crucial for overall development. 

At NYLO we love sensory play for exploring textures, especially through food. This presents opportunities to investigate and increase food exposure. Some children are more sensitive to different textures. Encouraging sensory play can help them feel more confident in trying new foods with unfamiliar textures and as a result, desensitising them through touch and supporting a more positive mealtime. 

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Pinecone Bird Feeder

These homemade bird feeders are quick and easy to make, and a great way to give your local wild birds energy in the build-up to winter. 

Remember, always supervise children during activities, especially with small objects, to ensure safety. 

Equipment

• Pinecones 

• Peanut butter (any smooth nut butter would work) 

• Wild bird seed 

• Small plate 

• Table knife (you can also use a spoon) 

• String 

Steps

Gather some dry pinecones that you collected on your sensory walk 

1. Tie some string to the top of the pinecones ready for hanging  
2. Pour some birdseed onto a plate 
3. With a table knife or spoon, smooth the peanut butter onto one of the pine cones
4. Roll the pinecone in the birdseed to cover 
5. Repeat with as many pinecones as you wish 
6. Hang your bird feeders outdoors and keep checking to see who comes to visit!

Skills

Language development, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, knowledge and understanding of the world.