Sensory play is beneficial for children as it supports their overall development by engaging their senses—touch, sight, hearing, taste, and smell. It allows children to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them in a fun and engaging way.

Sensory play doesn’t have to be complicated, there’s no requirement to create a new sensory activity daily or even at all. If the idea of a messy play concerns you, take it outdoors!  You can be creative or simple- the choice is yours. 

Tactile play is crucial for a child’s sensory development. Here are some tactile play ideas that can engage and stimulate their sense of touch:

• Playdough Play– Provide different colors of playdough for squeezing, rolling, and shaping. Introduce various tools like cookie cutters, rolling pins, and plastic knives to enhance manipulation.
• Sensory Bins– Create a sensory bin with materials like rice, dried beans, or pasta. Hide small toys or objects for the child to discover by touch. Include different textures like smooth stones, fabric scraps, or soft pom-poms.
• Water Play– Set up a water table with various containers, cups, and utensils for pouring and scooping. Experiment with water temperatures and introduce items that sink or float.
• Shaving Cream Play– Spread shaving cream on a tray or a washable surface for a sensory and tactile experience. Children can draw shapes, letters, or simply enjoy the sensory aspect of the squishy cream.
• Nature Exploration– Take your child on a nature walk and let them touch different natural elements like grass, leaves, tree bark, and flowers.

Visual play activities are essential for children as they contribute to the development of their visual perception, tracking, and focus. Here are some engaging visual play ideas:

• Sensory Bottles– Make sensory bottles filled with colored water, glitter, or small objects. Children can shake, roll, and observe the contents for a calming visual experience.
• Color Sorting– Provide a set of colored objects (blocks, toys, or cups) and encourage your child to sort them by color.
• Bubble Play-Blow bubbles and encourage children to follow them with their eyes. Use different shapes and sizes of bubble wands for added visual interest.
• Mirror Play– Provide child-safe mirrors for children to explore their reflections. Place mirrors at different angles to create interesting visual perspectives.
• Simple Puzzles– Introduce age-appropriate puzzles with large, colorful pieces. Encourage toddlers to match shapes and colors to complete the puzzle.

Auditory play activities can help children develop their listening skills and sensitivity to sounds. Here are some enjoyable auditory play ideas:

• Musical Instruments– Provide a variety of child-friendly instruments like shakers, tambourines, drums, and xylophones. Let them experiment with making different sounds and rhythms.
• Sound Jars– Fill jars with various materials such as rice, beans, or bells to create different sounds. Seal the jars tightly and let children shake and listen to the unique sounds.
• Body Percussion– Encourage children to clap their hands, stomp their feet, or pat their knees to create rhythms. Play simple music and invite them to follow the beat.
• Listening Walk– Take a quiet walk and encourage toddlers to listen for different sounds in their environment. Discuss the sounds they hear, such as birds chirping, cars passing, or footsteps.
• Singing Games– Play simple singing games like “The Wheels on the Bus.” Use hand movements or props to enhance the auditory experience.

Body awareness activities for toddlers help them develop a sense of their own bodies, spatial awareness, and coordination. Here are some fun and engaging body awareness play ideas:

• Simon Says– Play “Simon Says” to encourage children to follow simple movement commands. Include actions like touching their nose, stomping their feet, or spinning in a circle.
• Dance Party– Put on music and have a dance party where children can move their bodies freely. Encourage different dance styles, such as jumping, twirling, and hopping.
• Yoga for Kids– Introduce basic yoga poses suitable for toddlers, such as downward dog, tree pose, or child’s pose. Use playful language to make it enjoyable, like pretending to be animals.
• Body Parts Song– Sing songs that involve body parts, like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” Encourage children to touch or point to the corresponding body parts as they sing along.
• Sensory Pathways– Create sensory pathways with different textures on the floor, such as carpets, foam mats, or textured tiles. Children can walk, crawl, or hop along the pathway to experience various sensations.
• Stretching Exercises– Guide children through simple stretching exercises. Reach for the sky, touch toes, and stretch arms to the sides to enhance flexibility.

Remember that every child is different. Choose the activities your child will love the most. Consider any allergies or sensitivities when planning sensory play activities, and always supervise children to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.