The complete sensory play guide and resource for the best and easiest sensory play ideas and activities for kids. Tons of ideas for sensory bins, messy play, slimes, and more! All you need in one easy to use sensory play guide!
Ultimate Sensory Play Guide And Resource
Complete Sensory play Resource Guide For Easy Hands-On Play
Fun play and learning for toddler, preschool, and kindergarten age kids.
What Is Tactile Sensory Play?
When I think of tactile sensory play I think of touch and texture including temperature, vibration and pressure. Tactile sensory play is felt through out the nervous system and most directly through the skin (including the inside of the mouth). Some children may be highly sensitive to different textures and not so much to others. My son prefers less messy to more messy and some children want to cover their whole body in shaving cream. My son can’t wait to wash it off even the tiniest part of his hand. All children benefit from tactile sensory play as it is a wonderful way to regulate the sensory system. You can read more about this in my All About Sensory Bins article and also over at Lemon Lime Adventures: Tactile Input which is more in depth on tactile input for sensory processing.
Simple Tips For Creating A First Sensory Bin
These tips are intended for children who will not just eat the sensory bin, preferably late toddler/preschool age, but you can judge your own needs. My son DID NOT put things in his mouth and we started a rice bin at 11 months
Our favorite bin is one that is roughly 25 quarts, 24 x 15 x 6. This is a great size for many ages to use productively. It also handles a couple children playing together (or a child and an adult!)
Try to put it on a low table for a child to comfortably stand and play. This has produced the longest play time for us (I sit at a small chair though!)
Add a cup/container and a scoop/shovel to start. Keep it simple to allow your child to enjoy the tactile experience. Dumping, filling, moving, scooping and transferring are all valuable skills!
Expect mess and model gentle play, read about mess here!
What I Have Learned Along The Way
- Your child won’t like every sensory play bin you put together
- Your child may need you to play with him/her in the sensory bin
- Your child may not like certain textures; don’t force him/her to touch it but maybe provide a spoon
- Your child will occasionally make a mess; turn it into a learning opportunity
- Your child may explore the bin in a way you did not intend for it to be explored; go with it
- Your child may play with it once and be ready to move on; you should to
- Your child will be very very very excited for your sensory bins if you are too
- Your child has the opportunity for so much learning through sensory play; don’t limit it
- Your child will model your behavior, play and ideas; be a part of the fun
- Your child does not need a Pinterest worthy sensory bin to reap the benefits of sensory play
How should you use this ultimate sensory play guide? Start here!
Must Read Article All About Sensory Bins: 5 Things You Should now
These articles are excellent places to start for gathering information and preparing to make or update your own sensory bins. Useful tips, tool and tricks to get you started or motivate you to continue your sensory play!
Awesome Collections To Try Out
Every once in awhile I like to group together some of our sensory play ideas that fit a specific theme. I also like to gather great ideas from awesome bloggers to provide you with additional ideas surrounding a specific theme! Please note: When I create a roundup I always a look for ideas that I would want to try with my son. I only pick what I love!
Please click on each photo for more information.
Dry Sensory Bin Play (Individual Bins)
All of these sensory bins are our own ideas! Each of these use a dry filler for non-messy sensory play (well not messy on the hands anyway!) These sensory bins could be easily stored and rotated for anytime play.
Please click on each photo for additional information!
Messy Sensory Play (Individual Bins)
Messy sensory play is something I try to sneak into our day but it is hard to do! My son does not like messy hands but every once in awhile it works! Messy sensory play usually can’t be reused. Some materials like cloud dough and moon sand will last longer than shaving cream or oobleck.
Click on the pictures for more information and get messy today!
Water And Ice Sensory Play (Individual Bins)
Water and ice can be awesome, simple and frugal sensory play ideas for young children. Filling a container of water and handing out funnels, spoons, containers and other simple items make for easy, anytime play! Inside or out, this can be done anytime of the year! Ice is fun to melt and is also a great science lesson using fine motor skills!
Click on each photo for more information.
Water beads are unique and fun but also easy to find and inexpensive making them a must try sensory experience! Check out your local craft store as they are considered vase fillers.
Click on the photos for more information.
Slimes And Ooblecks
This is our newest form of sensory play which has been loads of fun each time! These slimes all have a great texture for easy play (except bubbling slime)! 3 ingredients and you are good to go. Most can be made in under 5 mins!
Click on photos for details!
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Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. I do receive a small compensation for any products purchased through this site. You are under no obligation to purchase and all activities are presented at no cost to you!