Fun Sensory Activities to Try at Home with Your Child

Engaging Introduction

Looking for easy, fun activities that support your child’s development? Sensory play is a fantastic way to help kids explore the world while boosting their motor skills, creativity, and emotional regulation!

Every child experiences sensory input differently. Some seek movement and textures, while others may feel overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights. Understanding your child’s unique sensory preferences can make a big difference in selecting activities that help them feel regulated and engaged.

If you’d like to gain deeper insight into your child’s sensory profile, consider purchasing our Personalised Sensory Processing Assessment. This assessment provides tailored recommendations to help your child thrive in their daily activities.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of sensory activities that are simple, require minimal setup, and can be done with common household items. Let’s dive in!

Sensory Play Categories & Activities

Here are different types of sensory activities, categorised based on the kind of sensory input they provide. Pick the ones that best suit your child’s needs!

Tactile Play (Touch & Texture Exploration)

For kids who love hands-on activities or need help tolerating different textures:

Sensory bins – Fill a container with rice, beans, or kinetic sand and hide small toys inside for a fun treasure hunt.

Slime or playdough fun – Let kids squeeze, stretch, and mold different textures to build fine motor skills.

Mess-free sensory bags – Fill ziplock bags with gel, beads, or shaving cream and tape them to a table for a squishy, no-mess experience.

Proprioceptive Play (Deep Pressure & Heavy Work)

For kids who need movement and deep input to feel regulated:

Animal walks – Try bear crawls, crab walks, or frog jumps around the house for full-body engagement.

DIY obstacle course – Use pillows, tunnels, or furniture to create a movement challenge that encourages gross motor development.

Weighted play – Carrying heavy books, pushing laundry baskets, or rolling playdough provides deep pressure input, helping with self-regulation.

Vestibular Play (Balance & Motion Activities)

For kids who seek movement or need help with balance:

Spinning & swinging – Use a swing, office chair, or sit-and-spin toy to provide vestibular input.

Jumping activities – Try a mini trampoline, skipping rope, or hopscotch to support motor coordination.

Rolling games – Roll down a soft mat or wrap your child in a blanket for a fun "burrito roll" experience.

Auditory Play (Sound Sensory Input)

For kids who are sensitive to or enjoy different sounds:

Musical instruments – Use pots, pans, or homemade shakers to explore different sounds.

Guess that sound game – Play mystery sounds and have your child guess what they are to boost auditory discrimination.

Calming sound jars – Fill a jar with rice or beads and listen to the soothing sounds when shaken.

Visual Play (Light & Color Stimulation)

For kids who respond to colors, lights, or visual input:

Glow-in-the-dark play – Use glow sticks in a dark room for a captivating sensory experience.

Shadow puppets – Create fun shapes on the wall using flashlights to spark creativity.

Sensory bottles – Fill a bottle with glitter, beads, or oil and water to create a mesmerising visual tool for self-regulation.

Oral Sensory Play (Mouth & Taste Exploration)

For kids who chew, bite, or explore with their mouths:

Chewy snacks & textured foods – Offer crunchy, chewy, or smooth foods like apples, granola bars, or yogurt.

Blowing games – Blow bubbles, use whistles, or try blowing through straws for oral motor development.

Edible finger painting – Use pudding, yogurt, or whipped cream for a safe, messy activity that encourages creative play.

Making Sensory Play Easy & Fun

Follow your child’s lead – If they love a certain texture or movement, explore more of it!

No need for fancy supplies – Most of these activities can be done with things you already have at home.

Keep it low-pressure – Some kids need time to warm up to new sensory experiences, and that’s okay!

Final Thoughts

Sensory play is a wonderful way to support your child’s development while having fun together. Whether they seek movement, textures, or sounds, these activities can help them explore, regulate, and grow.

If you're looking for personalised insights into your child’s sensory preferences, don’t forget to check out our Personalised Sensory Processing Assessment to receive customised recommendations tailored to their needs!

Have any favourite sensory-friendly activities? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!