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Sensory play

Sensory play

Simple sensory play ideas and recipes to engage and calm

Squish it, shake it, pour it, swirl it - sensory play is all about discovering the world through touch, sight, sound, smell, and movement. It can be so beneficial for all ages as a calming tool, and for aiding developmental milestones like fine motor skills and even social skills.

And it doesn't need to be complicated! We understand sensory play can be an intimidating concept; perhaps you're concerned about safety risks, or worried about the cleanup?

This list contains a wide range of simple sensory activities that cater to many comfort levels - from messy fun like oobleck and cloud dough to soothing water play and mindful sensory walks.

Filtered by:

  
Infants (9-18 mths)
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All play ideas for Infants in Sensory play

Play dough poke
Play dough poke
A simple fine motor workout - just grab some play dough and things to poke into it!
2m
10m
Bear Hunt sensory tray
Bear Hunt sensory tray
Bring the classic We're Going on a Bear Hunt to life with a sensory tray inspired by the pages of the book.
5m
30m
Painting with cars
Painting with cars
Use toy cars to make colourful tracks and patterns with paint
5m
20m
Cotton ball sensory tray
Cotton ball sensory tray
Grab some cotton balls and a few kitchen tools for a low-fuss yet engaging sensory tray
2m
20m
Puffy paint taste-safe recipe
Plus
Puffy paint taste-safe recipe
A soft, squishy paint you can microwave for a magical puff! Made from basic pantry ingredients.
10m
20m
  ·  make it
No-cook play dough recipe
No-cook play dough recipe
Your go-to for a no-cook, taste-safe play dough recipe
2m
10m
  ·  make it
Sponge transfer
Sponge transfer
Squeeze, squish, and soak! All you need is a couple of sponges, bowls, and water for this fine motor workout with a sensory twist.
2m
10m
Taste-safe dirt sensory recipe
Plus
Taste-safe dirt sensory recipe
A scented, bumpy sensory dough that mimics dirt for taste-safe play.
3m
10m
  ·  make it
Fizzy science
Fizzy science
Add some simple fizzy fun to your day with this classic kitchen science experiment.
2m
20m
  ·  make it
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Nature collage
Nature collage
Create a beautiful nature collage by arranging flowers and leaves on a sticky cardboard frame.
5m
15m
  ·  make it
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