10 Simple Sensory Activities for Toddlers (Using Household Items)
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As a parent, you've probably heard all about the benefits of sensory play for a toddler's development. But who has the time to create elaborate setups or buy a bunch of expensive supplies? The good news is, you don't have to! You likely have everything you need for hours of engaging, skill-building fun right in your kitchen or pantry.
This post will show you ten simple sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers that use everyday household items. We'll explore why sensory play is so important and give you plenty of ideas to keep your little one busy and learning.
What is Sensory Play and Why is it So Important?
Sensory play is any activity that stimulates your child's senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, and sound. It's not just about messy fun—it's a critical part of early brain development.
Benefits of Sensory Play:
Cognitive Development: It helps build new nerve connections in the brain and encourages problem-solving skills.
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like scooping, pouring, and picking up small items strengthen the muscles in their hands and fingers.
Language Skills: As your child explores, you can introduce new words like "sticky," "smooth," and "rough."
Calming Effect: The repetitive nature of sensory play can be very calming for some children.
10 Simple Sensory Activities for Toddlers
Ready to get started? Here are some of our favorite easy sensory play ideas that you can set up in minutes.
1. The Classic Water Bin
You can't go wrong with this one! Simply fill a bin with a few inches of water. Add some kitchen items like measuring cups, funnels, spoons, and a colander. This is a perfect activity for a hot day outside or in a bathtub to contain the mess.
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of food coloring or a splash of bubble bath for extra fun! My little one likes to paint small toys with washable paint and then scrub them clean!
Try: Play Sink, Crayola Washable Kids Paint - my little one loves his play sink. The faucet even stopped working, and he still loves it!
2. Dry Pasta & Scoop
A classic for a reason! Pour a bag of dry pasta (penne, rotini, or even spaghetti that's been broken up) into a bin. Add scoops, cups, and small bowls. Your toddler will love scooping, pouring, and exploring the different shapes and sounds. For a great, long-lasting bin, try this 2 Pcs 15" Portable Sensory Bin Tray with Lid and Handle.
3. Cereal & Toy Rescue
Pour a box of Cheerios, Rice Krispies, or other dry cereal into a bin. Hide a few of your toddler's small toys inside and challenge them to "rescue" the toys. This activity is a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These wooden tools are so cute for sensory bins- reuse for different bins! 10 Pcs Wooden Sensory Bin Tools
4. The Jello Dig
This one is a bit messy, but so much fun! Make a batch of gelatin according to the package directions. Before it sets, hide some small plastic toys inside (like small dinosaurs or animals). Once the gelatin is firm, let your toddler dig, scoop, and squish their way to the hidden treasures. This great set has a variety of animals! 69 Pcs Small Animal Figures
5. "Paint" with Yogurt
For babies and younger toddlers, this is a mess-free way to finger paint. Add a few drops of food coloring to a few small bowls of plain yogurt. Tape a piece of paper to a high chair tray or floor and let them go to town! It's completely taste-safe.
To make this activity even easier, a designated tray like this one is a great investment for messy play: KeaBabies 2-Pack Silicone Placemats
6. Cotton Ball Cloud Sensory Bin
This is a beautiful and simple sensory bin. Fill a bin with fluffy cotton balls. Add in some tongs or a large spoon and let your child scoop and transfer them. The softness of the cotton balls is a unique texture for them to explore.
7. Shaving Cream & Color Mixing
This one is for older toddlers and preschoolers. Spray a layer of shaving cream onto a large tray. Let your child squish and spread it, then add a few drops of different-colored food coloring. They can mix the colors to see what happens and practice their early color theory skills.
8. The Sticky Wall
For a mess-free sensory experience, tape a large piece of contact paper (sticky side out) to a wall or window. Give your child pom-poms, feathers, or pieces of tissue paper from this cool kit of supplies to stick to the wall. This vertical play is great for core strength and gross motor skills.
9. Homemade Playdough
Playdough is a timeless sensory activity. While you can buy it, making your own is surprisingly easy, and you know exactly what's in it! A quick recipe: Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
In a saucepan, heat water, oil, and lemon juice.
Add food coloring to the liquid mixture.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the saucepan while stirring constantly.
Cook over medium heat until the mixture forms a ball.
Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and knead until smooth.
10. The Rice & Spoon Bin
A simple but effective activity. Pour some rice into a bin. Add a few spoons, cups, and small toys. Kids can practice their scooping and pouring skills, filling and emptying containers over and over.
Here are some of our favorite done-for-you sensory bins:
Ready for More Sensory Fun?
If you enjoyed these activities, you'll love my exclusive digital downloads designed to make sensory play even easier for you!
Download my "Sensory Play Recipes & Guide" PDF! Get a step-by-step guide on creating even more amazing sensory bins with a list of household items to collect.
Grab your "7-Day Sensory Challenge" printable calendar! Never run out of ideas with this week-long plan of simple, engaging activities.
Happy playing!
