A great big list of great sensory toys by age for kids of all ages. Part of our best toys for kids series.
There is no doubt that children with specific sensory needs benefit greatly from toys that meet their specific areas of need but sensory toys, games and activities have an important place in the lives of all children. Play that stimulates the senses aids the development of neural pathways in the brain and these pathways are essential to learning in early childhood, though formal schooling and into adulthood. Sensory play matters, and not only for toddlers or preschoolers, but for kids of all ages.
Today I am sharing a list of some of our favourite sensory toys. The list is divided into suggestions for toddlers and preschoolers, for school aged kids, and for toys that get kids moving. Each toy included on the list engages one or more of the five senses – sight, sound, touch, smell or taste.
Best Sensory Toys by Age
The ideas below are mostly linked to an Amazon or Etsy product link (affiliate links). These are suggestions only, to provide you with more information or a look at an item we love in our home, obviously you can shop for similar items wherever you prefer to shop.
Toys for Toddlers & Preschoolers
(that bigger kids will love too!)
Water Beads
Silly and Thinking Putty
For school age kids
Liquid Motion Bubblers
Sensory Toys That Get Kids Moving
Don’t miss our other themed lists of awesome toy suggestions.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
