Sensory play is an essential part of a child’s early development, helping them explore the world around them, build motor skills, and nurture their creativity. Here are 10 easy and fun DIY sensory play ideas to try at home or in the classroom to stimulate your child’s senses.
- Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin
Create a vibrant sensory bin by dying rice with food colouring and adding some small toys or objects. Children will love running their hands through the rice and sorting or burying items. - DIY Water Beads
Water beads are smooth, squishy, and great for tactile exploration. They’re easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients or can be bought online. - Cloud Dough
Cloud dough is soft, fluffy, and perfect for little hands to mould and explore. This sensory dough provides hours of creative fun and can be made from common kitchen ingredients. - Jelly Sensory Play
Jelly (or Jell-O) is squishy, wobbly, and fun to play with. Add small objects like buttons or plastic animals for extra exploration and engagement. - Sensory Bottles
Fill clear bottles with materials like beads, glitter, or rice. These bottles are great for visual and auditory sensory play, as the objects inside make sounds when shaken. They are also visually captivating as the beads or glitter move. - Edible Finger Paint
Let your child explore their creative side with this safe, edible finger paint. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for little ones who love to taste everything they touch. - Shaving Cream Fun
Shaving cream is fluffy and fun, perfect for sensory play. Let your child spread it on a table or tray and watch them enjoy the squishy, foamy texture. - Rice and Bean Sensory Box
Fill a box with rice, beans, or pasta to create a tactile experience for your child. Add small containers or scoops for them to explore different textures and practice fine motor skills. - Play Dough Exploration
Whether you make your own or use store-bought dough, play dough offers endless possibilities. Add fun sensory elements like glitter, beads, or small toy figures for extra exploration. - Frozen Sensory Play
Freeze small toys, fruit, or flowers inside ice cubes and let your child explore the melting process. The sensation of cold and the process of melting ice is stimulating for young ones.
Sensory play is a fantastic way to help children develop their cognitive and motor skills while having fun. These DIY activities are simple, safe, and sure to keep your little ones engaged and learning.
