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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:

  
Newbies (0-9 mths)
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27 play ideas for Newbies in Sensory play

Sock whisk
Sock whisk
A simple fine motor and sensory activity for babies and toddlers - stuff a whisk with socks and let little hands pull them out!
2m
10m
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
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
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
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
Jelly dig sensory recipe
Jelly dig sensory recipe
Squish, dig, and explore toys hidden in jelly for a fun sensory activity
10m
20m
  ·  make it
Cloud watch
Cloud watch
Pause, look up, and see what shapes the sky is dreaming up today.
0m
5m
Tissue box scarf pull
Tissue box scarf pull
Grab some scarves and an empty tissue box for some simple DIY sensory play
2m
5m
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Scarf wind play
Scarf wind play
Take a scarf or play silk outside and let the wind work its magic! Watch it dance through the air, chase after it, or tie it to a stick for a simple homemade kite.
1m
10m

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