For toddlers, sensory play provides numerous benefits. It supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction. At the Museum, we often incorporate sensory play into our daily activities with sand, feathers, water, and much more. Today, we're showing you how you can bring these activities into your home with two easy guides! The first guide shows you how to make quick and easy sensory play in a pinch. The second one breaks down how you can make your own themed sensory play.
Activity best for children age walking infant and up
5 Quick and Easy Sensory Activities You Can Make Today
1. Paint Mix
Materials:
- Two colors of paint
- Shaving Cream
- One resealable bag
- Tape to reinforce the edges
Put the paint and shaving cream inside the bag and watch your child's sense of wonder as the paints mix together!
2. Bean Tub
Materials:
- Dry beans
- Plastic cups
- Large bucket or bin
Your little one will love scooping the beans back and forth and listening to the calming sounds these materials make!
3. Toy Wash
Materials:
- Large storage container without a lid
- Toys
- Sponge, washcloth, or rag
- Water
- Soap
Not only can this splashing go on for hours, it also helps parents get a chore done—cleaning toys!
4. Water + Oil Discovery
Materials:
- 1-2 cups of water
- 1-2 cups of oil
- One resealable bag
- Tape to reinforce the edges
- Optional: Food coloring OR decorate the bag!
Watching the water and oil bubbles mix and separate will spark curiosity and continued enjoyment in your youngster.
5. Guess the Toy
Materials:
- Toys
- Cardboard box with holes
Put different toys in the box and let your child guess which is which—this will intrigue even the oldest kiddos!
5 Easy Steps to Creating Sensory Play for Toddlers at Home
Step 1 : Pick a theme
This could be as simple as "toys" or as specific as "animals that are black and white"
Step 2: Choose your sensory experience
You can pick more than one! Some experiences include:
- Tactile: Things you can feel
- Visual: Things you can see
- Auditory: Things you can hear
Step 3: Choose what to make
What You'll Make |
What You'll Need |
What it Looks Like |
Sensory Bin |
- Any large storage container (without a lid) or dish bucket
- A tactile element for children to feel - water, sand, beans, rice, etc.
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Photo credit Green Kid Crafts
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Sensory Bag |
- A resealable bag (and tape to reinforce the edges and seal)
- A liquid that will be stimulating for children to push around inside: water + oil, aloe vera gel, lotion, paint, shaving cream, etc.
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Photo credit Life As Mama Bear
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Sensory Box |
- A cardboard box (as small as a cereal box or as big as a moving box)
- Holes for a child to reach in and feel what is inside
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Photo credit Hands On As We Grow
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Step 4: Choose materials to put in your sensory bin, bag, or box
Think back to your theme. What objects, pictures, or sounds do you have that will relate to your theme?
Step 5: Put it all together!