Sensory play does not need to be complicated. Does it incorporate one or more of the five senses (sight, touch, sound, smell, taste)? Then it is sensory play!
For more about what sensory play is and its importance, check out my previous post here.
Here are some of my favorite, or I should say my boys (Riley, age 3; Owen, 18 months) favorite, no to low cost sensory activities.
- Soap in a water table (or even a large bowl): Add soap to the water table and use the water to make bubbles. This creates endless bubble fun. Scoop them, pop them, use sponges, object hide and seek, etc.
- Cornstarch and shaving cream; Mix cornstarch and shaving cream together to make moldable ‘sand’. I don’t use any exact measurements here. I just add a little of each until I get the desired texture.
- Finger Painting: Who doesn’t love a good squishy (washable) finger painting situation? While it can be messy, it is a great way for small hands to explore new textures and colors. My Owen, my 18 month old, just recently tried for the first time and had a blast. Fair warning, he did try eating it on several occasions, so it definitely requires direct supervision.
4. Playing Outside: This one of course is a no brainer. Getting in the back yard or going to a local park is a great way to engage your child’s senses and get some fresh air too.
5. Music and Movement: Riley, my three year old, is always asking to dance! His favorite songs are currently Bluey Theme Tune (Dance Remix) and Dance Mode (from Bluey). Music incorporates sound and dancing incorporates touch and sight. As discussed in a previous post, dancing is a good way to promote proprioception, or self-awareness, and balance.
6. Make slime: This is a popular request at our house so we typically have the supplies on hand. We typically make slime using glue, a little bit of baking soda, contact solutions, and food coloring. Here is an easy recipe we keep going back to: How to Make Slime With Contact Solution – The Best Ideas for Kids
7. Playdough: Playdough offers so many options for open-ended play, the use of fine motor skills, and the touch, sight, and smell senses. If you don’t want to make your own scented playdough, I’ve got you covered!: Homemade Vanilla Scented Playdough (3 Pack) – Etsy
8. Sensory Mixes: Sensory mixes are a great way for little hands to explore. These can be made out of a variety of dried goods such as rice or oatmeal. Riley loves scooping and sorting through the mix, hiding little toys, etc. The opportunities are endless. For smaller children, make sure you use a taste safe option such as cereal or oatmeal. You can make you own sensory bin fillers or find some fun colorful mixes for purchase here: Rice Based Sensory Bin Filler – Etsy
9. Scooping Ice: Scooping ice is no cost, low prep activity that has kept my boys entertained on multiple occasions. I typically use two bowls, one for ice and one to scoop the ice into and a measuring cup to scoop with, but you can use other tools to scoop, as well. You can also add in little toys, as well. The boys have enjoyed adding in the little ducks and frogs recently, found at our local Dollar Tree.
10. Muffin tin volcanos: This one is a popular request from Riley. All we do is add baking soda to a muffin tin, add vinegar to a bowl (you can add food coloring to this if desired), use a syringe to add the vinegar to the baking soda. It provides endless fun as they watch the fizzy volcanos in each little muffin cavity.
These are just a few ideas that we go back to on a regular basis. I would love to hear what hands-on activities your kiddos love that help them develop their senses and explore the world around them!
Love,
Mandy
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