25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (2024)

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Sensory activities for kids are almost always a no-fail activity. It opens the door for free play. It lets the kids explore a material. And it’s just fun!

Sensory activities tend to end in a mess at our house.

But if you’re not a mess fan, take preventative measures with our 10 tips for keeping messy play clean.

Sometimes, I have a hard time differentiating a sensory activity from any other kids activity. Because really, everything the kids do has to do with their senses, right? Touch especially.

Let’s challenge ourselves over the next few weeks to get the kids to explore sensory activities with senses other than touch too.

We can find more activities that intentionally get them to use their sense of sound, taste, sight, and smell.

It’s exciting to really stretch ourselves out of our normal element!

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (1)

Most of these sensory activities listed are to do with the sense of touch. However, a couple break out of that too. Can you find the ones that explore the other senses?

Enjoy Our 25 Sensory Activities for Kids!

I’ve broken our list up into two sections.

The first section is the majority of our sensory activities and they’re more of a ‘sensory tub’, even though they’re not necessarily always in a tub.

They’re set out as an activity to explore a material of some sort.

The second section is the accidental sensory exploration through the creation of something else.

I love these the most because there seems to be a purpose for the kids to explore even though the sensory part is an activity in itself.

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (2)

Download the FREE Week of Sensory Bins PDF here!

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (3)

Be prepared for sensory activity fun with these affiliate products for kids:

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (4)

What’s your child’s favorite material for sensory exploration?

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About Jamie Reimer

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram!

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A Very Sticky Sensory Art Activity for Toddlers

Reader Interactions

35 Comments

fooddoz.com says
July 18, 2022 at 8:29 am

Thanks for the post.
to fooddoz.com" aria-label='reply to this comment to fooddoz.com'>reply to this comment
Best Daycare in Ahmedabad says
July 14, 2022 at 7:33 am

Thanks for sharing
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artelixir says
July 7, 2022 at 5:11 am
See Also
175 Sensory Activity Ideas for Kids 30 Sensory Activities: For Kid’s Brain Development Sensory Play Ideas for Kids - Busy Toddler 14 Fun Sensory Activities for Kids That Will Secretly Help Them Learn | LoveToKnow

Very nice
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Jatinder kumar says
January 11, 2022 at 4:05 pm

I absolutely agree with the greater youngsters get themselves messy whilst they’re more youthful the braver they may be to attempt new matters whilst they’re an adult. There’s a few absolutely amusing thoughts right here thank you
to Jatinder kumar" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jatinder kumar'>reply to this comment
Niranjan says
October 26, 2021 at 3:12 am

Nice article, Niranjan
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Suzy McCullough says
May 12, 2021 at 3:37 am

I fully believe the more kids get themselves messy when they are younger the braver they will be to try new things when they are an adult. There’s some really fun ideas here thank you
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Online Shopping Deals says
February 14, 2021 at 9:16 pm

Such a wonderful, thoughtful tips for engaging children.
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C. Glass says
September 23, 2020 at 5:00 am

Have just come across this site and browsed through. I think it is amazing and such an amazing treasure trove of ideas for those wishing to raise their little ones. Brilliant!
to C. Glass" aria-label='reply to this comment to C. Glass'>reply to this comment
www.restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website says
August 3, 2020 at 12:19 am

Thanks for the post.
to www.restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website" aria-label='reply to this comment to www.restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website'>reply to this comment
Anny says
January 27, 2019 at 11:38 pm

I like this site because give me a good ideas for activities.
to Anny" aria-label='reply to this comment to Anny'>reply to this comment
See Also
List of Sensory Play Activities
Pretty says
June 23, 2018 at 2:36 pm

I like your funny activity for young children I am an ecd practitioner I want to make different activities for kids
that not boring them.
Please help!
to Pretty" aria-label='reply to this comment to Pretty'>reply to this comment
Seema Mehta says
April 23, 2018 at 12:32 am

Very good sensory activity for the children to do, every child is different and has different interest, likes and dislikes. Parent has to find out the one the child likes the most and is interested in. I liked the accidental sensory activities, as it would help the child to be creative during unexpected circ*mstance to have presence of mind.
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Paulette Barnes says
September 2, 2017 at 8:27 pm

I really enjoy your creative ideas to teach sensory play. thank you.
to Paulette Barnes" aria-label='reply to this comment to Paulette Barnes'>reply to this comment
Michelle says
February 27, 2017 at 12:38 am

Look like your ideas.
to Michelle" aria-label='reply to this comment to Michelle'>reply to this comment
Rohan says
April 21, 2014 at 12:44 am

I totally love this sensory activities for kids! What cute ideas for kids.
Rohan
to Rohan" aria-label='reply to this comment to Rohan'>reply to this comment
Taylor Martinez says
April 7, 2014 at 7:15 pm

I really love this website and it has really helpful ideas for anyone who is working with two’s.
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- Jamie Reimer says
  April 8, 2014 at 8:35 pm
  
  Thanks Taylor.
  to Jamie Reimer" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jamie Reimer'>reply to this comment
IrishEyes (@ILuv2Fish78) says
October 4, 2013 at 8:11 am

It doesn’t show how to make any of these things. I’m starting a job as a nanny, and I came upon this site. I thought-what a great thing. But, then it doesn’t give me the ingredients I need to make any of them.
to IrishEyes (@ILuv2Fish78)" aria-label='reply to this comment to IrishEyes (@ILuv2Fish78)'>reply to this comment
- Jamie Reimer says
  October 4, 2013 at 9:17 am
  
  You can click on each of the pictures and links to get the details of each one.
  to Jamie Reimer" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jamie Reimer'>reply to this comment
Sarah says
May 2, 2013 at 11:33 am

You have a great collection too!
to Sarah" aria-label='reply to this comment to Sarah'>reply to this comment
Mandy says
February 24, 2013 at 8:40 pm

If you live in the right region, putting a tub of snow on a big towel on the floor is a great thing for little ones to have fun with too. The snow doesn’t melt as fast as one would think it would.
to Mandy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Mandy'>reply to this comment
Bek @ Just For Daisy says
February 23, 2013 at 5:29 am

Wow! Some great new things for us to try! :) Thanks x
to Bek @ Just For Daisy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Bek @ Just For Daisy'>reply to this comment
katepickle says
February 21, 2013 at 8:26 pm

I am so with you on this… sensory play calms the savage beasts in our house!
thanks for such a fab list of resources!
to katepickle" aria-label='reply to this comment to katepickle'>reply to this comment
Mary Catherine says
February 21, 2013 at 12:47 pm

I agree with you . . . when all else fails, bring out the sensory play! My guy loves so many different sensory items, but he always comes back to just plain old water. Even when we use different materials, like shaving cream or oats, he always ends up adding water to the play. Thanks, as always, for sharing such fun ideas for the kiddos. :)
to Mary Catherine" aria-label='reply to this comment to Mary Catherine'>reply to this comment
- chutima rittraprom says
  October 19, 2015 at 2:41 am
  
  I think it is the ieas in a child , Thank you very much.
  to chutima rittraprom" aria-label='reply to this comment to chutima rittraprom'>reply to this comment

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25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (2024)

FAQs

What are sensory play areas or tubs? ›

Sensory bins provide children with the opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on tactile play that engages their senses. These bins encourage and support various types of development and are great activities to have in your home. Sensory bins can be themed for holidays, seasons and academic skills.

Keep Reading ›

What are the learning outcomes of sensory exploration? ›

Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It helps to build nerve connections in the brain and encourages the development of language and motor skills.

Discover More ›

How would you promote children's sensory exploration? ›

It's simple for children to enjoy sensory play when you create a sensory bin for them to explore. To create a sensory bin, simply fill a small tub or container with objects from nature such as leaves, rocks, and sand that have different textures for your little one to explore.

View Details ›

What is an example of exploration play? ›

Some exploratory play activities you may choose to do with your child include:

Toss and catch balls of different sizes.
Play at a sand table or in a sand box.
Play at a water table, in the sink, tub, or play pool.
Push toys.
Pull toys.
Laying on a scooter board (on their stomach or back) and “cruising” around the room.

More items...

Learn More ›

What is exploration and sensory learning? ›

Sensory exploration is your child's way of examining, discovering, categorizing, and making sense of the world. Some people assume that sensory play involves sand and water tables, rice bins, or playing with clay and Play-Doh, but it isn't all about touch. It's also about the other senses.

Read The Full Story ›

What are the benefits of sensory tub play? ›

Sensory bin play activities allow children to know how different body parts like limbs, eyes, and ears relate. They also need self-regulation skills to control emotions and maintain a steady balance. For example, sensory play activities are calming and excellent for regulating a child's emotions.

What is a sensory tub? ›

What Is a Sensory Bin? A sensory bin is a shallow container that combines filler material and various small odds and ends. You fill the bin with a filler material such as sand or rice, then add items from around the house such as spoons or measuring cups. Let your child explore the items and have fun playing.

Find Out More ›

What are some examples of sensory play? ›

Let's talk about sensory play, primarily the sense of touch through tactile, hands-on play. Our favorite sensory play ideas for toddlers to preschoolers and beyond include sensory bins, sensory bottles, playdough, slime (especially taste-safe slime for younger kids), water play, messy play, and more.

View Details ›

What is a sensory activity? ›

A sensory activity is anything that involves the 5 senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, sight) and also the vestibular or proprioception systems (see what are the 8 senses for more info). Sensory activities for children can be messy, engaging, fun, and easy to put together.

How does sensory exploration affect children's cognitive development? ›

Exploration: Sensory play provides a safe space for exploration. Children can investigate new textures, smells, and sounds, building their curiosity and expanding their understanding of the world. This form of inquiry nurtures their cognitive and sensory processing abilities.

How do you extend sensory play? ›

Below are 6 ways to expand messy play.

Hid items inside of the slime/dough.
Use I wonder statements. I wonder what creatures can be made. ...
Follow the child's lead with theme/play and expand. ...
Go on an adventure through the house to find ingredients. ...
Read a book related to messy play idea. ...
Use music/singing songs.

Find Out More ›

What are three ways to encourage children's exploration of the world? ›

Here are five ways we can empower all children to become explorers of the world around them.

Let children play. Playing is fun! ...
Visit a Discovery Drop-in. Ontario Parks has launched a new family program called the Discovery Program. ...
Let curiosity lead. Explorers are curious. ...
Model wonder. ...
Get outside.

Apr 28, 2019

View Details ›

Is playdough a sensory activity? ›

Playdough is a wonderful sensory and learning experience for children. As your child shapes the playdough into a ball or a snake, they're thinking creatively.

Keep Reading ›

What are the 5 sensory play? ›

Understanding the five senses – sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound – helps children make sense of the world around them.

Read On ›

What is sensory play and examples? ›

Some fun sensory play activities to do with your children that are at the age before they start school include: Making shapes and patternsusing sand. Playingmusical instruments. Playing outside with nature which is filled with colour, movement, texture, sounds and smells.

How does play help with sensory development? ›

In childhood development, sensory play promotes inclusive, open-ended play that cultivates vital skills, promotes self-regulation, sparks exploration, enhances problem-solving abilities, and nurtures creativity.

Get More Info ›

What are the activities of sensory motor development? ›

Sensorimotor Activities

Crawling, balancing, visual tracking, and coordination are all ways that a baby experiences the world while simultaneously developing their brain and body. Often, children who struggle with learning or developmental disorders have sensorimotor system delays.

Discover More Details ›

25 Sensory Activities for Kids with Sensory Tubs & Further Exploration (2024)

Enjoy Our 25 Sensory Activities for Kids!

What’s your child’s favorite material for sensory exploration?

WANT TO SAVE THIS ACTIVITY?

About Jamie Reimer

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Reader Interactions

35 Comments

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FAQs

What are sensory play areas or tubs? ›

How do you extend sensory play? ›