What is Sensory Play?

A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

Have you ever watched a child squish playdough, pour water from one cup to another, or run their fingers through a bin of coloured rice? While it may seem like simple fun, these activities are actually crucial for their development and learning!

Sensory play is more than just messy fun—it builds fine motor skills, supports brain development, and even helps children regulate their emotions. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what sensory play is, why it’s so important, and how you can start at home with simple activities.

What is Sensory Play?

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates one or more of the five senses:

• Touch (textures, temperatures, pressure)

• Sight (colors, contrasts, movements)

• Sound (different tones, rhythms, and volumes)

• Smell (scents from natural or safe ingredients)

• Taste (for safe, edible activities)

It also includes proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular input (balance and movement)—think spinning, jumping, climbing, or rolling activities.

Examples of Sensory Play

• Running fingers through coloured rice or kinetic sand

• Playing with water, bubbles, or ice cubes

• Listening to different sounds with shakers, drums, or sensory bottles

• Exploring scented playdough, herbs, or natural materials

• Walking barefoot on different textured mats, grass, or surfaces

These activities aren’t just fun—they build motor skills, focus, language development, and problem-solving abilities!

The Benefits of Sensory Play

1. Develops Fine & Gross Motor Skills

• Scooping, pouring, and pinching small objects strengthen fine motor skills (important for writing and using utensils).

• Jumping, rolling, and climbing develop gross motor skills (needed for walking, running, and balancing).

2. Supports Brain Development & Problem-Solving

• Pouring water into different containers teaches cause and effect.

• Sorting objects by color, shape, or size strengthens early math skills.

• Playing with different textures helps develop scientific thinking.

3. Helps with Emotional Regulation

• Sensory activities like playdough or kinetic sand can be calming for children.

• Sensory bins allow kids to focus, relax, and self-regulate emotions.

• Many therapists recommend sensory play for anxiety and self-soothing.

4. Encourages Language Development & Social Skills

• Sensory activities encourage children to describe what they see, feel, and do (“It’s soft and squishy!”).

• Group play encourages sharing, turn-taking, and teamwork.

5. Sparks Creativity & Open-Ended Play

• There’s no right or wrong way to explore sensory materials.

• Sensory play lets kids use their imagination, whether they’re creating pretend food, making patterns, or exploring textures.

How to Get Started with Sensory Play

Sensory play doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Many materials can be found at home or easily adapted for different ages.

Easy Sensory Play Ideas for Beginners

✅ Sensory Bin: Fill a tray with coloured rice, pasta, or chickpeas and add scoops and small toys.

✅ Water Play: Provide bowls of water with sponges, cups, or floating objects.

✅ Playdough Invitation: Offer playdough with cookie cutters, rolling pins, and natural items like sticks or leaves.

✅ Texture Walk: Lay down different textured fabrics, mats, or surfaces and let kids explore barefoot.

✅ Nature Sensory Play: Collect leaves, flowers, and sticks for a simple outdoor sensory experience.

These activities are low-prep, budget-friendly, and full of learning opportunities!

Common Questions About Sensory Play

1. Does Sensory Play Have to Be Messy?

Not at all! While messy play is fun, there are plenty of low-mess options, like water play, playdough, or texture walks.

2. At What Age Should I Start Sensory Play?

You can start as early as 6 months with simple, safe textures like fabric scraps, silicone teethers, or water play. As your child grows, introduce more textures and hands-on activities.

3. Do I Need Expensive Sensory Toys?

No! Many of the best sensory materials are household items, such as rice, pasta, cotton balls, or even empty containers.

Final Thoughts

Sensory play is a fun, hands-on way to support your child’s development while keeping playtime engaging and meaningful. Whether you start with a simple bin of rice or a playdough tray, the key is to let your child explore freely.

Want more sensory play ideas, DIY recipes, and practical tips? 

Stay tuned for weekly blog posts, or check out our Wonder Seekers Sensory Play Shop for ready-made sensory kits and play materials!

Disclaimer: All sensory play activities should be supervised by a responsible adult. Some materials may pose a choking hazard for young children, particularly small parts and loose items. Always assess the suitability of activities for your child’s age and developmental stage. Water play should be closely monitored at all times. Wonder Seekers Sensory Play is not responsible for any injuries or incidents resulting from the use of these activities. Please use your best judgment and ensure a safe play environment.