10 Simple Sensory Play Activities Your Child Will Love

Sensory play activities for children are more than just fun — they are essential for healthy brain development in early childhood. Through touch, sound, sight, smell, and movement, children learn how the world works while building crucial life skills.

At Mini Mavericks, sensory play is an integral part of our play-based learning approach, helping children grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

Benefits of Sensory Play in Early Childhood

Sensory play supports multiple areas of development:

• Enhances brain development and neural connections

• Improves fine and gross motor skills

• Builds language and communication skills

• Supports emotional regulation and self-calming

• Strengthens focus, attention span, and problem-solving

For toddlers and preschoolers, sensory play also helps reduce anxiety and supports smoother transitions into structured learning.

Materials Needed for Sensory Play Activities at Home

Most sensory play activities can be created using everyday household items:

• Rice, lentils, flour, sand

• Water, cups, bowls, spoons

• Playdough or homemade dough

• Food colours (optional)

• Sponges, cotton balls, brushes

• Ice trays and ziplock bags

10 Simple Sensory Play Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers 1. Rice Treasure Hunt

Materials: Rice, small toys, bowl

Steps: Hide toys in rice. Let your child search using hands or spoons.

Development Focus: Fine motor skills, attention, curiosity.

2. Water Pouring Activity

Materials: Cups, containers, water

Steps: Encourage pouring between containers of different sizes.

Development Focus: Hand-eye coordination, early math concepts.

3. Texture Walk

Materials: Mats, towels, sponges

Steps: Create a barefoot walking path using varied textures.

Development Focus: Sensory integration, balance.

4. Homemade Playdough Play

Materials: Flour, salt, oil, water

Steps: Let children knead, roll, and shape freely.

Development Focus: Hand strength, creativity, emotional release.

5. Colour Mixing with Water

Materials: Water, food colours, droppers

Steps: Mix colours in transparent cups and observe changes.

Development Focus: Visual tracking, early science skills.

6. Ice Cube Exploration

Materials: Ice cubes, bowl

Steps: Touch, melt, and observe ice. Talk about temperature.

Development Focus: Sensory awareness, vocabulary development.

7. Sound Bottle Shakers

Materials: Empty bottles, rice, bells.

Steps: Shake and compare different sounds.

Development Focus: Auditory discrimination, rhythm.

8. Smell Guessing Game

Materials: Spices, cotton balls

Steps: Smell and guess different scents.

Development Focus: Memory, sensory recognition.

9. Sand and Water Play

Materials: Sand, water, cups

Steps: Build, pour, and experiment freely.

Development Focus: Creativity, motor planning.

10. Nature Sensory Tray

Materials: Leaves, stones, flowers

Steps: Explore textures and talk about what you see and feel.

Development Focus: Observation, connection with nature.

 Our Master tips for using sensory play at home

• Allow mess — learning happens in exploration

• Follow your child’s lead

• Ask open-ended questions instead of giving instructions

• Focus on the experience, not the outcome

• Sensory play at MM
  

At Mini Mavericks, sensory play activities are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s unique developmental needs. Our play-based learning environment encourages curiosity, confidence, and joyful learning.

👉 Explore our early learning programs: https://www.minimavericksindia.com/portfolio

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