Summer Sensory Activities for Kids of All Ages

Wondering how to incorporate sensory play into your child’s day this summer? We have come up with 10 fun ways to tap into the sensory system with your little one!

1.     Sensory Bins: Create themed sensory bins using materials like rice, beans, sand, or water. Add small toys, scoops, and containers for children to explore textures, practice pouring, and engage in imaginative play.

2.     Mess-Free Sensory Bags: Fill sealable plastic bags with hair gel, colored water, or shaving cream. Tape the bags shut securely and let children squish and manipulate the materials without the mess.

3.     Playdough Play: Make homemade playdough and add scents (like vanilla or lemon extract) and textures (like glitter or rice) to enhance sensory experiences. Children can mold shapes, practice rolling and cutting, and explore different textures.

4.     Water Play: Set up a water table or simply use containers of water outdoors or in the bathtub. Add cups, funnels, sponges, and toys for pouring, measuring, and exploring buoyancy.

5.     Nature Exploration: Take children on a nature walk where they can touch and smell different plants, leaves, and flowers. Collect natural materials like pinecones, rocks, or shells to explore their textures and properties.

6.     Art with Sensory Materials: Use materials like finger paints, pudding, or colored sand to create tactile art. Children can explore different textures while creating colorful masterpieces.

7.     Sensory Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt where children search for items with specific textures (e.g., something smooth, something rough, something soft). They can use their senses of touch and sight to find and describe each item.

8.     Cooking and Baking: Involve children in simple cooking or baking activities where they can mix ingredients, knead dough, and experience different smells and textures of foods. This also promotes learning about measurements and following directions.

9.     Sensory Storytime: Read books with interactive sensory elements, such as textured pages, scratch-and-sniff sections, or sound buttons. After reading, discuss the sensory experiences described in the story.

10.  Music and Movement: Play different types of music and encourage children to move their bodies in response to the rhythm and tempo. Use instruments or simple homemade shakers to explore sound and rhythm.

These activities can be adjusted based on the age of your child and interests of your child, providing enjoyable ways to stimulate their senses and support their overall development!