50 Fun Sensory Activities for Toddlers - Taming Little Monsters (2024)

Table of Contents
Sensory Activities for Toddlers 1. Shaving Cream Sensory Bin 2. Taste-Safe Mud Sensory Bin 3. Frozen Pea Sensory Bin 4. Taste Safe Rainbow Rice Recipe 5. Water Bead Tunnels Sensory Bin 6. Rainbow Jello Sensory Bin 7. Giraffe Sensory Bag 8. Tase-Safe Rainbow Spaghetti 9. Farm Sensory Bin for Toddlers and Preschoolers 10. Dinosaur Sensory Bin 11. Construction Sensory Bin 12. Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin 13. Rainbow Rice Valentines Sensory Bin 14. Valentines Pom Pom Sensory Bin 15. Flower Soup Sensory Bin 16. Spring Garden Sensory Bin for Toddlers 17. Insects Sensory Bin 18. Birds Nest Sensory Bin 19. Butterfly Sensory Bin 20. Frog Pond Sensory Bin 21. Bird Seed Sensory Bin 22. Musical Easter Egg Sensory Bin 23. Easter Bunny Sensory Bin 24. Rainbow Sand (Beach Safe Recipe) 25. Frozen Sand Sensory Bin 26. Shark Bay Sensory Bin for Toddlers 27. Lemon Sensory Bin for Summer 28. Sea Foam Sensory Bin 29. Taste Safe Beach Sensory Bin 30. Ice-Cream Sensory Bin 31. Ice Cream Sensory Bag 32. Ocean Small World and Sensory Bin 33. Sun Sensory Bin 34. Corn Sensory Bin for Fall 35. Rainbow Oats Sensory Bin 36. Apple Tree Sensory Bin 37. Jello Eyeballs Sensory Bin 38. Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin 39. Eyeball Soup Sensory Bin 40. Jack-O-Lantern Sensory Bag 41. Fake Snow Sensory Bin 42. Rainbow Rice Christmas Sensory Bin 43. Christmas Decorations Sensory Bin 44. Polar Animals Sensory Bin 45. Iceberg Sensory Bin for Winter 46. Winter Sensory Bottles ​47. Flour Sensory Play for Toddlers 48. Monster Ice Sensory Activity 49. Bubble Wrap Runway 50. Nature Sensory Board 51. Mermaid Sensory Bin 52. Ice Sensory Bin More Play Based Learning for Kids FAQs References

Categories Sensory Activities

Sensory activities for toddlers are not only entertaining, but they also play a crucial role in their overall development. Engaging children in sensory experiences helps them explore the world around them, develop their motor skills, enhance language and cognitive abilities, and regulate their emotions.

One fantastic way to provide sensory stimulation for kids is through taste safe sensory bins, sensory bags, and sensory bottles. These simple yet effective ideas are sure to be a hit with any child who loves to play.

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Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times. Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I will be paid a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

Sensory Activities for Toddlers

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1. Shaving Cream Sensory Bin

Get ready to have some hands-on fun with your toddler! A shaving cream sensory bin is not only a great way to engage in messy play but also promotes creativity and sensory development. To make this activity taste safe, you can always use a can of vanilla frosting instead.

2. Taste-Safe Mud Sensory Bin

Delight your little one’s senses with this taste-safe mud sensory bin. Young children will love this fun and educational sensory experience!

3. Frozen Pea Sensory Bin

Boost your toddler’s fine motor skills with this exciting frozen pea sensory bin. Watch them have a blast while learning – so much fun awaits!

4. Taste Safe Rainbow Rice Recipe

Looking for a fun and safe playtime activity? This taste-safe rainbow rice recipe uses food coloring to make the vibrant colors, meaning that it’s suitable for kids as young as 1 year olds.

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5. Water Bead Tunnels Sensory Bin

This colorful and squishy water beads and tunnels sensory bin is a great idea for toddlers. They can explore the different textures and colors or the beads while posting them through the cardboard tunnels.

6. Rainbow Jello Sensory Bin

Get your toddler ready for hours of fun with a rainbow jello (jelly) sensory bin. Hide small toys inside the different colors for them to find as they explore with their little hands. This is a fun activity that’s perfect for toddlers, but still fun for kids of all ages.

7. Giraffe Sensory Bag

Learn how to make your own Giraffe Sensory Bag using pom poms, hair gel, a plastic bag and this free printable template. Sensory bags are a fun way to let toddlers play with different materials in a safe way, especially items that are small and would otherwise be a choking hazard.

8. Tase-Safe Rainbow Spaghetti

Bring out the smiles and giggles with this vibrant taste-safe rainbow spaghetti sensory bin. Perfect if you’re looking for sensory play ideas you can try with young kids.

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9. Farm Sensory Bin for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Explore a farm sensory bin with corn and toy animals, perfect for engaging your toddler or preschooler’s senses at the sensory table.

10. Dinosaur Sensory Bin

Engage your toddler’s sense of touch with this dinosaur sensory bin. Use pumpkin seeds and toy dinosaurs for a fun and easy tactile adventure!

11. Construction Sensory Bin

Looking for a unique way to engage your child’s senses? This construction-themed sensory bin uses taste-safe cloud dough and toy cars for a fun sensory activity.

12. Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin

Transform playtime into a thrilling treasure hunt with this pirate treasure sensory bin idea – simply hide fake coins in the sandbox! A great option for exciting sensory play and imaginative fun.

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13. Rainbow Rice Valentines Sensory Bin

Looking for sensory activities for toddlers? Immerse both younger and older kids in a fun activity this Valentine’s with this rainbow rice Valentines themed sensory bin. Perfect for little explorers!

14. Valentines Pom Pom Sensory Bin

Get ready for a heart-filled adventure! This Valentine’s pom pom sensory bin is a delightful way to engage your toddler or preschooler in sensory play activities.

15. Flower Soup Sensory Bin

Experience the magic of springtime with this easy sensory tub idea. All you need are flowers and water to make a Flower Soup Sensory Bin. How easy is that?

16. Spring Garden Sensory Bin for Toddlers

Discover the endless benefits of sensory play with this spring garden sensory bin for toddlers. Watch them explore and learn in a fun and engaging way!

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17. Insects Sensory Bin

Get ready for a bug-tastic adventure! This insect-themed sensory bin for toddlers will captivate their senses and provide hours of fantastic fun.

18. Birds Nest Sensory Bin

Discover an easy way to create a vibrant sensory bin filled with colorful paper and adorable baby chick toys. This bird’s nest sensory bin is perfect for Springtime with your little ones.

19. Butterfly Sensory Bin

Transform playtime into a magical experience! This butterfly sensory bin offers endless opportunities for sensory exploration and early learning.

20. Frog Pond Sensory Bin

Turn playtime into fun learning with a vibrant frog pond sensory bin. If you use this activity alongside the Ten Speckled Frogs Song, it will help develop counting and language development too.

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21. Bird Seed Sensory Bin

Engage your little one’s senses with this super easy bird seed sensory bin! Explore the textures using household items like cups, bowls, and a wooden spoon.

22. Musical Easter Egg Sensory Bin

Use rainbow rice and plastic easter eggs to make a musical easter egg sensory bin for toddlers. There are so many fun ways to enjoy this great sensory activity, match the colors or make your own musical instruments. You’re only limited by your imagination.

23. Easter Bunny Sensory Bin

Create a sensory adventure with this Easter Bunny Sensory Bin. Feed the eggs to the bunny and have a great time this Easter!

24. Rainbow Sand (Beach Safe Recipe)

Discover a fun and colorful way to play with your kids – try our rainbow sand recipe! Use it for a variety of different type of play and let their imagination run wild.

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25. Frozen Sand Sensory Bin

Discover the ultimate sensory play activity with a frozen sand sensory bin. Hide toys inside to melt and find for endless fun and exploration on a hot summer day.

26. Shark Bay Sensory Bin for Toddlers

Discover the captivating Shark Bay sensory bin, featuring vibrant blue rainbow sand and thrilling shark figures. Perfect for older toddlers and preschoolers.

27. Lemon Sensory Bin for Summer

Introduce your babies and toddlers to a world of sensory delight with a lemon sensory bin this summer. All you need are sliced lemons and blue water for your next round of water table play.

28. Sea Foam Sensory Bin

Looking for an engaging sensory activity for both young and big kids? Dive into this sea foam sensory bin and watch as their excitement grows while searching for hidden sea creatures under the soapy water foam.

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29. Taste Safe Beach Sensory Bin

Create a beach-themed sensory bin for your toddler! Use this taste-safe beach sand recipe to create a variety of sensory bin ideas to engage their senses and imagination.

30. Ice-Cream Sensory Bin

Looking for fun ideas to engage your toddler’s senses? This ice cream themed sensory bin is a must-try! Create lasting memories with this taste-safe sensory recipe.

31. Ice Cream Sensory Bag

This ice cream sensory bag is one of our favorite sensory activities for summer. Grab your copy of the free printable template and learn how to make your own.

32. Ocean Small World and Sensory Bin

Ignite your toddler’s curiosity with an immersive ocean small world and sensory bin activity. Let them dive into a magical realm filled with sand, water, and toy sea creatures to inspire hours of imaginative water play.

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33. Sun Sensory Bin

The next time you’re looking for easy sensory activities for toddlers, try this sun themed sensory bin. They’ll love feeling the new textures on craft sticks and playing with the yellow rainbow rice.

34. Corn Sensory Bin for Fall

Engage your toddler’s senses with this corn and fall leaf sensory bin – a great opportunity for fun and learning this Fall / Autumn!

35. Rainbow Oats Sensory Bin

Enjoy a wonderful sensory play this fall with this easy rainbow oats sensory bin for fall. The little oats even look just like tiny Autumn leaves that have fallen off of the tree. How cute is that?

36. Apple Tree Sensory Bin

Unlock your child’s imagination with this apple tree sensory bin! Made with cardboard trees and vibrant pom poms, it’s a must-have for any child’s development.

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37. Jello Eyeballs Sensory Bin

Get ready for some spooky fun! Explore the squishy texture of this edible jello eyeballs sensory bin – a perfect Halloween activity for your little ones.

38. Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin

Get ready for a spooktacular sensory adventure! Dive into this Halloween-themed spaghetti bin with orange noodles, creepy eyeballs, and spooky spiders. Perfect for kids who love playing with everyday objects.

39. Eyeball Soup Sensory Bin

Discover the perfect mix of eerie and entertaining with our eyeball soup sensory bin. Toddlers and preschoolers will love playing with warm water filled with creepy plastic eyeballs.

40. Jack-O-Lantern Sensory Bag

Looking for a fun and mess-free activity for babies and toddlers? This Jack-o’-lantern sensory bag is the perfect solution! Try it this October for some easy play based learning.

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41. Fake Snow Sensory Bin

Spark joy and creativity inspired by this fake snow sensory bin – a perfect winter wonderland for a variety of sensory activities and festive fun!

42. Rainbow Rice Christmas Sensory Bin

Discover the perfect combination of festive cheer and sensory play with our green rainbow rice and Christmas lights sensory bin.

43. Christmas Decorations Sensory Bin

Elevate playtime this holiday season with our sensory bin packed full of sensory materials. Unleash your child’s creativity and make lasting memories with this Christmas Decorations Sensory Bin.

44. Polar Animals Sensory Bin

Immerse your kids in the icy world of polar animals with this polar sensory bin. Watch as they learn about polar bears and penguins through play!

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45. Iceberg Sensory Bin for Winter

Explore a taste-safe winter wonderland with our edible iceberg sensory bin! Dive into the blue water and indulge in sensory play like never before.

46. Winter Sensory Bottles

Transform ordinary water bottles into enchanting winter sensory bottles. Stimulate your child’s senses with a captivating DIY project they’ll love.

​47. Flour Sensory Play for Toddlers

Discover the endless possibilities of using flour as a sensory tool for younger toddlers. Spark their imagination and keep them entertained for hours.

Photo: Hands On As We Grow

48. Monster Ice Sensory Activity

Get ready for a chilling sensory adventure with our monster ice activity! Freeze googly eyes into vibrant ice cubes for hours of icy fun.

Photo: Toddler Approved

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49. Bubble Wrap Runway

Use bubble wrap to make a wonderful sensory experience for your children’s feet. This bubble wrap runways activity is a great way to let off some extra energy and have fun.

Photo: Hands On As We Grow

50. Nature Sensory Board

Spark your child’s imagination with homemade nature sensory boards. Let them experience the wonders of the natural world through touch and play.

Photo: Fun At Home With Kids

51. Mermaid Sensory Bin

This mermaid sensory bin doubles as a fun small world play idea for toddlers. Have fun as these mermaid splash through the blue rice “water” and lounge about on some rocks.

52. Ice Sensory Bin

Toddlers will love playing with the slippery ice cubes in this sensory activity. Perfect for a hot summers day, toddlers will be able to cool down and have fun.

Are you going to try any of these Sensory Activities for Toddlers?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.

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More Play Based Learning for Kids

60 Sensory Activities for Kids

50 Fun Sensory Activities for Toddlers - Taming Little Monsters (2024)

FAQs

What is sensory play for a 2 year old? ›

Create a sensory bin

Or use foods, like pasta, rice, or beans, along with spoons, scoops, and small toys to bury and discover. Remember, little ones often explore with their mouths in addition to their hands so be sure to clean all items, avoid choking hazards, and supervise play.

What are the play activities for sensory exploration? ›

What sensory play activities can parents do at home?
  • Sand and water play. Fill any box with sand or water, and add different toys too. ...
  • Playing with food. Encourage play through squishing, smearing, and tasting food. ...
  • Homemade musical instruments. ...
  • Painting. ...
  • Sensory bottle. ...
  • Indoor obstacle course. ...
  • Playdough. ...
  • Sensory bin.
Feb 10, 2022

How to make sensory games? ›

Sensory play ideas for kids
  1. Blowing bubbles. Mix one part washing-up liquid with six parts water to make your own homemade bubble mixture. ...
  2. Play with slime. ...
  3. Make a mud kitchen. ...
  4. Homemade playdough. ...
  5. Make some maracas. ...
  6. Fake snow.

How does sensory play calm children? ›

Play With A Purpose

"It fosters the development of essential skills in all children, supporting their growth and learning. Sensory toys that offer tactile sensations, soothing sounds, and visual features can effectively promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in children."

What are the 5 sensory play? ›

In this article, we'll give you some ideas to help early learners explore their sense of touch, sight, smell, sound and taste. While of course we know there are more than five senses, these are the easiest ones to set up inside a classroom. So we'll keep things simple and stick with those.

What is sensory processing in a 2.5 year old? ›

Sensory processing issues are often first recognized during the toddler years, when parents notice that a child has an unusual aversion to noise, light, shoes that are deemed too tight and clothes that are irritating.

What are some examples of sensory play? ›

Playing with messy sensory materials helps children develop a curious and natural sense of exploration. Finding dinosaurs in taste-safe mud, a fizzy cloud dough experiment, and balloon painting are excellent examples of messy sensory play activities. Edible sensory play activities promote a multi-sensory experience.

What are sensory questions for toddlers? ›

Possible sensory questions: What specific parts do I see? What details stick out? What color are they? How does the object feel?

What is an example of sensory play observation for toddlers? ›

Sensory play for toddlers – observing light and shadow created by torch light on objects of different shapes or sizes, or watching the colours mix and the patterns form by finger painting or sponge painting (with child-safe paint)

What is a sensory game? ›

What is Sensory Play? In essence, sensory play includes play that engages any of your child's senses. This includes touch, smell, sight, sound and taste. But it also covers movement, balance, and spatial awareness.

What are some fun sensory food ideas? ›

Try using asparagus stalks, carrot sticks, broccoli or cauliflower florets as a paintbrush. You could also try making your own edible paints by squishing raspberries or blueberries, using yoghurt, tomato ketchup, turmeric or paprika mixed with water to create your very own edible masterpiece!

What is the magic of sensory play? ›

Sensory play is a vital aspect of childhood development, offering children valuable opportunities to explore their environment, engage their senses, and make sense of the world around them. Research indicates that sensory play has numerous benefits for children's cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development.

What is sensory calming? ›

Sensory Calming Activities provide sensory input and help to meet your child's sensory processing needs. They can help your child to become calm, self regulated and less fidgety. These sensory calming activities can also reduce your child's stress and anxiety.

Why is sensory play calming? ›

When used repeatedly throughout a child's day and week, sensory inputs help to calm their lower brain systems and provide a foundation for social engagement (relate) and higher-level thinking (reason). Examples of sensory inputs include: weighted blankets and toys.

What is messy play? ›

Messy play is the open-ended exploration of materials and their properties. Activities like squishing clay, pouring sand, and sorting stones allow children to repeat and experiment as they like. Children are naturally curious, and messy play engages their senses at a developmental level that is appropriate for them.

How do I know if my 2 year old has sensory issues? ›

Children who have SPD may overreact to sounds, clothing, and food textures. Or they may underreact to sensory input. This causes them to crave more intense thrill-seeking stimuli. Some examples include jumping off tall things or swinging too high on the playground.

What does sensory play teach toddlers? ›

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.

What is an example of functional play in a 2 year old? ›

Functional Play: This form of play is considered to be the typical or “correct” form of play. -Example: You child is able to play with objects in a way that you would expect. Instead of piling the cars on top of each other to make a tower, you child plays with them by rolling them on the carpet.

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