Pumpkin Washing Station: A Fun Sensory Activity for Kids
Are you looking for a sensory-filled activity for children to enjoy during the holidays? During the fall, pumpkins are everywhere, so why not take advantage of these fall favorites for a therapeutic activity? You can easily add pumpkins to your list of sensory items and create a custom sensory pumpkin washing station. This station includes multiple textures, providing a rich sensory experience for your child. You can adjust the items used based on your child’s needs and sensitivities.
How to Set Up Your Pumpkin Washing Station
To begin, select pumpkins relative to the size of your child, or ones they can easily manage. Small to medium-sized pumpkins work well if your child can pick up, hold, and handle them when wet. For children who need a stationary option, a large pumpkin or any size they can work around will be perfect. Pick a mess-friendly area for the activity since messy play is part of the fun. You’ll also need a bin of water, though the sink can work as well. Make sure to have plenty of towels ready for any spills or overflow.
What You Need for the Pumpkin Washing Station
Gather household items that provide a variety of textures for washing and rinsing the pumpkin. These items can help create different sensory experiences and promote fine motor skills:
- Kitchen sponges
- Loofah sponges
- Toothbrushes
- Scrub brushes (with or without handles)
- Facial scrub pads
- Washcloths
- Spray bottles (handheld or single-finger types)
- Measuring cups
These tools can also help with grip and pinch patterns, supporting hand strength and dexterity if needed. Check out our Instagram reel to see our kiddos washing their pumpkins with a toothbrush!
Add Soap for More Sensory Fun
You can add soap to the water to create bubbles or foam, or apply it directly to the pumpkin using small squeeze bottles of liquid soap. Bar soaps can also be used, letting your child lather it in their hands before spreading it over the pumpkin. For extra fun, consider using shaving cream as a washing medium. The bumpy or smooth texture of the pumpkin adds another sensory layer to the activity, allowing your child to explore different surfaces while washing.
Let your child explore the water and the tools they select to wash the pumpkin—and most importantly, have fun!
Expand the Sensory Play with Decorations
Before washing, pumpkins can also be painted or colored on for added sensory input. You can use washable markers, finger paints, or stamps to decorate the pumpkin, further enhancing the sensory experience. Your child can use their hands or tools to decorate, adding more tactile exploration. For an additional sensory experience, try creating a paper mache pumpkin using a flour-water mixture. If your child has feeding or eating sensory needs, yogurt, frosting, or peanut butter can be used to decorate as well, making the experience even more hands-on and engaging.
Sensory Play at Home
As parents, it can be difficult to create space for sensory exploration at home. Between busy schedules and limited ideas for sensory fun, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, if your therapist has recommended sensory play to help with tactile defensiveness, self-regulation, or as part of a sensory diet, activities like this pumpkin washing station are simple to set up using everyday household items.
This activity not only promotes sensory exploration but also helps with fine motor skills and sensory processing. It’s an easy way to incorporate sensory play into your child’s routine while enjoying the fall season.
Parents, teachers, and professionals can find more free sensory ideas for kids at theottoolbox.com. If you are concerned about your child’s development, Kids Place is here to help! We have four pediatric therapy locations in Arizona ready to serve you.
