Sensory Play is activities that stimulate the senses. It supports development through problem-solving, creativity, learning, and curiosity. The eight senses are hearing (auditory), sight (visual), smell (olfactory), taste (gustatory), touch (tactile), body awareness (proprioceptive), balance (vestibular), and inner signals (interoception). Play that intentionally involves using the senses is sensory play!
Science-Backed Benefits of Sensory Play
Most parents agree that play is an essential part of childhood. Research shows it’s critical to children’s development, too.
“There are five main areas of development during toddler years: physical, cognitive, emotional/social, language, and sensory/motor skills. The play has an essential role in sensory learning. Young children develop cognitive skills to explore the world around them, interact with others, and play together.” — Zainal Abidin et al., 2022.
Aside from helping kids meet milestones, it can also help with language, social and emotional skills. Kids are exposed to new vocabulary and learn how to regulate emotions, communicate, and collaborate. According to an AAP study, “Play is really brain-building... it enhances the structure and function of the brain.” — Yogman, M. W., et al. (2018).
Sensory play is more than just fun; it’s a tool for helping children develop lifelong skills.
Age-by-Age Sensory Activities
Toddlers (1 - 3 years)
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Color-Sorting Pom-Poms
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Cushion Obstacle Course
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Magic Tissue Box
Preschool (3 - 5 years)
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Bee Sensory Play
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Stair Sliding
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Rainmakers
Primary School-Age (5 - 8 years)
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Ball Pit
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Play Dough
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Shaving Cream Spelling
Toddler Sensory Play Activities
DIY Color Sorting PomPoms
This activity is easy and fun, and only requires three things. You’ll need: multi-colored pom-poms; silicone muffin tin liners in corresponding colors; and large toddler tweezers. With the tweezers, have your toddler place the matching colored pom-poms in the corresponding muffin tin. This activity is also great for developing fine motor skills.
Cushion Obstacle Course
Cusion obstacle course are so much fun! You can do this with couch cushions or a play couch. We used the Figgy play couch with sensory friendly fabrics to build our obstacle course. Find an open space in your home, connect all four base cushions in a row. Use the rectangle and wedge pillows underneath and on-top to create obstacles to crawl over, under, or to change the pitch.
Magic Tissue Box
This is such a fun activity for any kid who has ever enjoyed ripping tissues or wipes from the box. Now with less waste! You’ll need: different colored felt sheets or fabric, a large yogurt container with lid. First, cut a hole in the lid of the yogurt container. It should be big enough to pull fabric tissues through - roughly 2-3 inches in diameter. Next, cut your felt/fabric into 6x6-inch squares. You’ll want about 8-10 “tissues” to start. Make a slit in two corners of the felt tissues, the slit should be about ½” inch wide. Connect the tissues by sliding a corner into the slit. Repeat until all the tissues are chained together. Coil up and place in the base of the yogurt container with the tip of a tissue coming out the top.
Preschool Sensory Play Activities
Bee Sensory Bin
This awesome sensory bin will keep your preschoolers busy as a bee! What you’ll need: A medium-sized bin; popcorn kernels, wagon wheel pasta; a spoon/scoop; smaller containers for filling in the bin (2x2 inch); and bee accessories like pom-pom bees, cards with letters, flowers, etc. To start, take your bin and fill it with popcorn kernels until it is about 3 inches deep. Add in about ½ to 1 cup of dry wagon wheel pasta. Place accessories into the bin. Let your kids mix, fill, spell, and learn! Bonus: share some facts about bees with your kids while they play.
DIY Stair Slide
We just love this activity for getting the wiggles out! You need a play couch, like a Figgy, that can connect cushions together. Start by connecting four base cushions with Velcro. Place three cushions on a staircase and the final connected cushion on the floor at the base of the stairs. Make sure that the couch has a landing where kids can slide without hitting any objects. Let them climb and slide and practice different ways of getting up and down. Always ensure adult supervision.
Rainmakers
Rainmakes are great auditory sensory toys and they are easy to DIY. What you’ll need: an empty paper towel tube; piece of aluminum foil; beans/popcorn/small pasta/beads; duct tape; markers for decorating. First, cover one end of the paper towel tube with duct tape so nothing can come out the bottom. Crinkle your aluminum foil in the a snake shape and place inside the paper towel tub - size it to fit, none should stick out the top. Add in a couple of tablespoons of the beans/popcorn/small pasta/beads (your choice) then seal the top of the paper towel tube with more duct tape. Both ends should be completely sealed. Let your child decorate and then give it a shake!
Primary School-Age Sensory Play Activities
Ball or Pillow Pit
Ball pits are a great way to do sensory play. To make a ball pit, take a Figgy and connect four (4) or six (6) cushions in a line; then connect to form a square or a rectangle. Optional: Put a one-cushion (square) or two-cushion (rectangle) in the bottom for extra protection. Fill with pillows or balls.
Homemade Play-Dough
Making playdough at home is easier than you might think. You’ll need flour, water, oil, cream of tartar, salt, and food coloring. Follow the recipe instructions here. Store play-dough in a container for up to three weeks. Optional: Add your favorite scent!
Recipe: Homemade Play Dough
Shaving Cream Spelling
This is a quick, easy DIY that you can do for less than $2. What you’ll need: shaving cream, food coloring, and an index card. You can usually find generic shaving cream at the dollar store; this works great. In a bowl, color your shaving cream to the desired color. On each index card, write a spelling word. Set the stack of cards up on the table, give your child a placemat or cookie sheet. Spread the shaving cream over the surface in a thick layer. Have your child practice drawing the letters of the words on the index cards. For an auditory component, practice the letter and word sounds out loud. Smooth over to reset in between words.
Sensory Play and Neurodiversity
Neurodiverse children can really benefit from sensory play. According to Dr. Treffert, sensory play can “help individuals learn to process sensory information more effectively.” Through this type of play, there are often links to improved behavior, communication, and social interaction, too. In children with autism and ADHD, it can be a sensory regulation tool, too.
FAQ
Is sensory play safe for kids with autism or ADHD?
Yes. As long as you are supervising and using safe, non-toxic materials. With any children activity, we suggest reviewing the materials, warning labels, and always have adult supervision.
Can you do sensory play outdoors?
Of course! Sensory play outdoors can be so much fun. Make sure that you are in a space suitable for your play activity.
Is sensory play messy? How can I control the mess?
Sensory play can be messy, but it doesn’t have to be hard to clean up! Consider putting down plastic drop clothes, wearing old clothing or aprons, and having storge tools like containers with lids or ziplock bags.
Where can I find inexpensive sensory bin fillers?
There are lots of places to find sensory bin fillers. We recommend Amazon, etsy, and your local dollar store or Hobby Lobby.
How can I use a Figgy as a base for sensory play?
The Figgy is a great sensory play base. You can use it as a table or a mat. With easy wash covers and waterproof liners, you don’t need to worry about messes.
How much time do I need to set up sensory play?
Depending on the activity, hardly anytime! You can always prep things and then have them ready for “grab and go” other activities require very little time. For example, shaving cream letters takes about 5 minutes, tops.