If the thought of sensory play activities makes you wonder where to begin (or steer clear altogether) – you are not alone.

In this article, we walk you through the essentials of getting started with sensory play. This playbook is for parents and caregivers who want meaningful play and connection with their kids (without adding time or cost). Let's be honest, if you're a parent of young ones like us, you're already probably drowning in a sea of endless laundry, work and to-dos anyways. Here we're offering a guide that's realistic and manageable. Let's dive in!

In this Article

• What is Sensory Play, and Why Should Parents Care About It?
• Basic Supplies to Get Started
• Define Your Goals and Non-Negotiables
• Being Practical with Sensory Play
• Activity Ideas & Inspiration

What is Sensory Play, and Why Should Parents Care About It?

Sensory play is all about letting our kids explore the world around them using their 5 senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. From the very first day they are born, kids are designed to explore the world via their senses. Life is experienced through our senses, so technically, all play is sensory play. But the term "sensory play" is used to describe play with a focus to one or several of the body's primary senses. It's talked about a lot in an educational setting, but it doesn't get mentioned as much in the parenting setting.

So why should parents care about sensory play? When kids dive into sensory experiences, they're not just having a blast—they're also laying down important foundations for learning. Exploring the world through their senses helps their brains form vital connections, paving the way for future growth and development.

Research shows the benefits of sensory play touch on almost every aspect of your child’s development, including fine motor skills, gross motor skills, cognitive skills, social-emotional skills, language, and learning. Plus, it's a fantastic way for us as parents to bond with our kids and sneak in some quality time amidst the chaos of toddler life.

Basic Supplies to Get Started

Let's talk essentials. You don't need to be a DIY diva or a Pinterest pro to get started. You also don’t need a lot of money. Here's what you'll need (hint: most of the stuff already exists in your home):

Sensory Materials

There are many items you will already have at home that can be used for sensory play, so I suggest starting with these first before spending money on additional resources. Below is a list of a few everyday materials to get you started. You don’t need all of them—remember to keep it simple and just pick a couple to start out!

Kitchen Staples:

• Water
• Rice
• Shaving Cream
• Dry Beans
• Uncooked Pasta
• Flour
• Corn Starch
• Food dyes

From the Yard:

• Leaves
• Twigs
• Grass, plants, or flowers
• Rocks or pebbles
• Pinecones
• Dirt, mulch, or mud

 Equipment & Tools: 

Here’s a list of the basic equipment and tools you’ll want to consider having:

• Sensory Bins or a Sensory Table
• Waterproof Tablecloth or Shower Curtain
• Stacking Cups, or Cups of Different Sizes
• Tongs or Tweezers
• Sifters and scoops
• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Bottles
• Washable Smocks or Aprons

Define Your Goals and Non-Negotiables

First things first: What are your goals? Consider what do you hope to achieve with sensory play? For example, are you aiming for activities suitable for siblings of different ages? Are you wanting your child to learn a specific concept? Or better connect with your child through play? Maybe you just want to keep your child off screens and play independently so you can cook dinner with no guilt. Perhaps you're keen on exploring various sensory materials or enhancing fine motor skills. Whatever it is, let that be your compass.

What are your non-negotiables? Every family has its boundaries. Some parents refuse to have rice or sand indoors (me!). Some prefer only taste-safe materials. Some may shy away from sticky, gooey, or doughy materials. And some prefer to do water play only outside. Knowing your limits will streamline your quest for inspiration and limit the dreaded ‘overwhelm’ problem that seems to sneak up on us modern-day parents often.

Being Practical with Sensory Play

As a working mom juggling the demands of parenthood, I am totally time-poor and yet desire the time to nurture playful connection with my kids. But how? It can feel overwhelming and too time consuming. Here's the truth: sensory play doesn't have to be (and shouldn't be) Pinterest-perfect to be valuable and enjoyable for your child. Let's explore some practical tips for incorporating sensory play into your busy life.

• Make it FUN Above All Else: Above all, prioritize fun and enjoyment in sensory play. Your child's happiness and engagement are far more important than achieving perfection or following a strict activity plan. Allow them to lead the way and follow their interests, even if it means deviating from your original idea.
• Keep it Simple: Don't overthink it! You don't need fancy gadgets or elaborate setups to have a blast with sensory play. Sometimes all it takes is a bin of water and a few kitchen utensils to keep your kiddos entertained for hours. Also, don’t be afraid to repeat experiences – kids learn by and enjoy repetition. Prioritize sensory exploration based on your child's interests and developmental stage. Offer a variety of household sensory materials like the ones listed below and observe how your child engages with each one.
• Embrace the Mess (Within Reason): While messy sensory play can be beneficial for your child's development, it's ok to set boundaries when it comes to messes. Designate a specific area for sensory play, use washable materials, and invest in easy-to-clean surfaces to minimize stress and cleanup time. Figure out what level of mess you can handle. On days when you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to skip the messy play and opt for less messy sensory activities. There are plenty of captivating sensory toys and activities that won’t leave you with a huge cleanup afterward!
• Find Micro-Moments and Make it Fit Your Schedule: Even just 10 or 15 minutes of focused playtime can work wonders in your lives. When you're able to find little micro-moments to connect with your kids during even the busiest of days, you're filling their love buckets right up (and yours too!) and it even becomes easier to move through the less-fun parts of the day with more ease and confidence while creating some pretty special memories.
• Get the Family Involved: Sensory play isn't just for the kiddos—get the family in on the fun! It’s a fantastic way to bond with your little ones or multiple children at once, and create lasting memories together. Bonus tip: Involve your kids in cleaning up, too! Many children enjoy helping with washing dishes or using a dustpan and brush. It's not only fun but also teaches them valuable skills for the future. Give them a bowl of soapy water to wash tools and utensils, and a towel to dry them on.

Finding Ideas & Inspiration

Inspiration can come from many directions, and it's easy to get overwhelmed if you're going to Pinterest or Instagram. First, always remember your goals and non-negotiables. It will help streamline your quest for ideas. Here’s some suggestions and sources where you can find inspiration:

Seasons and Holidays

Embrace the spirit of the season by incorporating themed sensory activities. Whether it's lemon sensory bins in summer or pumpkin pie playdough in fall, seasonal themes add an extra layer of excitement to sensory play. I highly recommend checking out MEKA's FREE Monthly Printable Activities, which pairs perfectly with the 6-in-1 Sensory Table to extend play possibilities.

For more awesome and easy summer play ideas to have in your back pocket, check this handy article 25 Summer Sensory Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers!

Credit: taminglittlemonsters

Learning Concepts

Age-appropriate learning concepts such as the alphabet, counting, numbers, shapes, weather, animals, writing, reading, spelling. Classroom topics are a great way to get inspired and make the fun educational. We love this Easy Shape Sorting Sensory Bin Activity for Preschoolers.

Credit: taminglittlemonsters

Book Pairings

Children's books are a treasure trove of inspiration. Parents can base sensory activities on their kids' favorite books. It's a fantastic way to spark their imagination and bring stories to life through play. We absolutely LOVE the sensory book pairing ideas shared on Sensoreadplay Instagram account! 

Credit: Sensoreadplay

Small World and Real World Scenarios

Take inspiration from everyday experiences and scenarios. Whether it's mimicking a trip to the grocery store or playing bakery, real-world themes and scenarios can be a fun way to learn and add some realism to sensory play. Here's another awesome article to inspire small world play with your little ones: 30 Fun Small World Play Ideas for Kids

Credit: taminglittlemonsters

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, remember sensory play is about fostering your child's curiosity, creativity, and joy. By keeping it practical, realistic, and above all, fun, you can create meaningful sensory experiences that both you and your child will cherish. So let go of the pressure to be perfect and embrace the messy, beautiful chaos of parenthood—one sensory adventure at a time.

If you try any of these ideas, make sure to tag us on social media channels—we love to see your sense*sational playtimes! @meka.play #MEKA