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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

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
Play dough poke
Play dough poke
A simple fine motor workout - just grab some play dough and things to poke into it!
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
Nature collage
Nature collage
Create a beautiful nature collage by arranging flowers and leaves on a sticky cardboard frame.
5m
15m
  ·  make it
2 ingredient cloud dough sensory recipe
Plus
2 ingredient cloud dough sensory recipe
A soft sensory dough made from just two household ingredients.
10m
20m
  ·  make it
Fruity water play
Fruity water play
A refreshing sensory water play idea using slices of fruit like lemons, limes, oranges, and berries. Perfect for exploring scents, textures, and splashes!
5m
20m
Tape resist art
Tape resist art
Make fun painted art using masking tape to create shapes, letters or designs with a surprise reveal.
2m
20m
  ·  make it
Taste-safe foam sensory recipe
Taste-safe foam sensory recipe
Whip up this taste-safe foam using aquafaba for some bubbly, sensory fun
8m
20m
  ·  make it
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Walk a different route home
Walk a different route home
Shake up your daily routine by discovering new paths and adventures on your way home.
0m
10m
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