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31 Days of Sensory Play Ideas. Kid Approved!

A whole month of fabulous sensory play ideas that kids of all ages will love.

I’ve previously shared the enormous benefits of sensory play to brain development, and these experiences are not just important for babies and toddlers. Children of all ages benefit from sensory play. Beyond the positive impact upon the brain, sensory play also aids the development of thinking skills and fine and gross motor skills, and it can also act as a great stress reliever.

I personally love sensory play activities as they are simple to set up, generally requiring just a handful of items you’ll most probably already have in your home. Yes, some sensory play ideas are messy but by putting in place simple measures to limit your child’s play space, the mess can generally be restricted.

For example, try setting the activity up as a sensory bin so that it is contained within a large plastic tub/bin, set up on a mess mat on the floor (we’ve even used a small blow up pool as a rice play pit), or take it outdoors where the mess won’t matter quite so much. Have clean up tools such as a dustpan and brush or wet wipes nearby before you begin to make clean up easier too.

sensory play ideas

Today I’m sharing 31 Days of Sensory Play Ideas. These ideas are great for days at home or as after school activities. I’ve sorted the ideas according to which of the five senses is the main focus of the activity (though they, of course,  mostly engage all of the senses!). You could work through the list in order, or mix up the days to explore a different type of sensory activity each day. Enjoy!

Sensory Play Ideas for Touch

1. Frozen Dinosaur Eggs

2. Texture Balloon Sensory Play

3. Beach Sensory Play

4. Farm Sensory Play

5. Fluffy Slime

6. Jungle Slime

Related: 5 Games That Develop the Sense of Touch

7. Bubble Bin Sensory Play

8. Digging for Worms Sensory Play

9. Make Silly Putty

10. Rainbow Slime

11. Sparkling Flower Water Play

12. Shaving Cream & Bubble Wrap Play

Sensory Play Ideas for Sight

13. Fizzy Cloud Dough

14. I Spy Sensory Play

15. Slow Motion Sensory Bottle

16. Mermaid Fabric Sensory Board

17. Water Beads Sensory Window Bags

18. Rainbow Chickpeas

19. Exploring Magnet Sensory Play

sensory play ideas for kids

Sensory Play Ideas for Smell

20. Scented Sensory Bottle

21. Rosemary Rice Sensory Tub

22. Lavender Sensory Rice

23. Scented Rainbow Sensory Science

24. BEST Ever Scented Playdough Recipe

25. Scented Snowflake Soup Sensory Play

Sensory Play Ideas for Sound

26. Don’t Ring the Bells! Obstacle Course

27. Rainstick Sensory Bottle (check out the video below for instructions)

28. Exploring Sound Treasure Basket

Taste-Safe Sensory Play Ideas

29. Stuck in the Mud Sensory Activity

30. Edible Glitter Finger Paint

31. Hot Chocolate Cloud Dough

And, if after all of that you are looking for more sensory play-spiration, you might like this collection of the Best Sensory Toys for Kids and 15 Ways to Have Fun with Mud.

Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.

Filed Under: Featured, Preschool Play, Sensory Play, Toddler Play Tagged With: sensory play

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